NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICER - VANUATU

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change.

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. These in-country programs, together with global products and services, focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to countries’ development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities which build a strong theoretical and empirical basis for green growth, while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers; as well as building the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments. 

GGGI commenced operations in the Pacific in 2014, and it now has programs and projects in six member countries including Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Tonga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands, and in two partner countries, Samoa, and Tuvalu. GGGI works in other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in the Southern and Northern Pacific through its regional programs. The partnership between GGGI and PICs is built on supporting their transition towards low carbon, environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and socially inclusive economies. In addition to national country programs, GGGI proactively implements regional programs and projects in the Pacific that benefit two or more countries for logistical reasons and economy of scale aligned with regional best practice.

Rural electrification in the Pacific face’s significant barriers, including geographical challenges due to scattered and remote islands, which make infrastructure development costly and logistically complex. To address this challenge and improve rural electrification access in the Pacific, the European Union (EU) is implementing the Pacific Regional Electrification Program (EU Pac-REP) across all PICs. This EUR 15 million program aims to advance the inclusive, sustainable and resilient socioeconomic development across 13 selected PICs including Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, as well as Timor-Leste. The aim is to increase access to electricity in rural and remote areas, reduce carbon emission and reliance on imported fossil fuels.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Pacific Regional Implementation Officer based in Suva, the National Coordination Officer will serve as the principal in-country focal point for the implementation of the EU Pac-REP program in Vanuatu. The National Coordination Officer will support the delivery of program activities at the national level by providing technical, coordination, and operational support across renewable energy, rural electrification, and stakeholder engagement activities. The role will work closely with government counterparts, regional stakeholders, development partners, communities, and the GGGI project team to ensure activities are implemented effectively, aligned with national priorities, and delivered in accordance with program objectives and donor requirements. The position also requires regular coordination with regional Pac-REP teams and participation in program reporting, consultations, and knowledge-sharing activities across participating Pacific Island Countries. The National Coordination Officer will also have a dotted line reporting to the GGGI Country Representative (CR) and Deputy Country Representative (DCR), Vanuatu, to ensure alignment with GGGI’s country program administration, strategic priorities, and operational requirements.

PURPOSE

The National Coordination Officer is a in country position that serves as the principal point of coordination between GGGI's Pac-REP program team and the Government of Vanuatu. The role is pivotal to the successful delivery of both Pac-REP outcomes at the country’s level, providing sustained, high-quality technical and advisory support across a three-year implementation period.

The National Coordination Officer will be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu and will be required to undertake travel to provincial, outer island, and rural communities as required by program activities. The National Coordination Officer will also have a dotted line reporting to the GGGI Deputy Country Representative, Vanuatu based in Port Vila.

ENGAGEMENT

The National Coordination Officer will report to the Pacific Regional Implementation Officer (RIO) based in Suva, Fiji, and will maintain regular coordination and reporting with the Director of the Department of Energy and GGGI CR and DCR, Vanuatu, on program plans, progress, and outcomes. S/he will be embedded within the Department of Energy in Vanuatu, enabling sustained engagement with government counterparts, utilities, communities, and development partners. The National Coordination Officer will also participate in regional Pac-REP coordination meetings and contribute to reporting requirements for the European Union as required.

DELIVERY

The National Coordination Officer will be responsible for but not limited to:

• Coordinating with government focal points in Vanuatu, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-hazards, Energy, Environment and National Disaster Management Office (MoCC), Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA), and National Green Energy Fund (NGEF) ensuring effective collaboration and national ownership of program activities.
• Maintaining regular engagement with government counterparts, utilities, and key stakeholders to support implementation and alignment with national energy priorities.
• Supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of program activities, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and achievement of targets.
• Undertaking outer island travel as required to support project implementation, site visits, consultations, and monitoring activities.
• Collaborating with Pac-REP coordinators in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and other participating countries to strengthen regional coordination, peer learning, and exchange of best practices.
• Supporting regional workshops, technical meetings, and knowledge-sharing activities to promote collaboration and program coherence.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with regional organizations, development partners, and technical institutions to support coordinated implementation.
• Ensuring that relevant data, assessments, and recommendations are integrated into the design and delivery of program activities.
• Coordinating with EU-funded initiatives and other partner programs in Vanuatu’s energy sector to strengthen collaboration and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Supporting the preparation of reports, briefing notes, and coordination updates related to program implementation and partner engagement activities.
• Manage Technical Assistance (TA) consultants, provide coordination  and Quality Assurance (QA) to support the delivery of project activities in Vanuatu.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor in energy engineering, electrical, mechanical, renewable energy, environmental science, public policy, development economics, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of eight (5) to eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in the energy sector, with a demonstrable focus on renewable energy, rural electrification, or sustainable energy access in Pacific Island Country or comparable Small Island Developing State (SIDS) contexts.
• Proven experience providing technical and policy advisory support to government ministries or agencies in Vanuatu or the broader Pacific region, including direct engagement with senior officials and Cabinet-level processes.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, facilitation and documentation of multi stakeholder policy development and consultation processes, with a sound understanding of Vanuatu's formal policy and regulatory review procedures.
• Track record of supporting or overseeing renewable energy project development, including feasibility assessment, procurement support, contractor supervision and community engagement.
• Prior engagement with international organizations, development banks, bilateral donors, or EU-funded programs in the Pacific is a distinct advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to produce polished policy and technical documents to a professional standard.
• Proficiency in local languages relevant to Vanuatu is highly advantageous and will be given significant weight in the selection process.

FUNCTIONAL

• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to synthesize complex policy, technical and financial information into accessible well-structured documents.
• Sound knowledge of renewable energy technologies appropriate for rural and off-grid electrification, including solar PV, mini-grids, battery storage and hybrid systems.
• Understanding investment planning, project finance and financing mechanisms relevant to rural electrification in the Pacific, including concessional finance, blended finance and community-based models.
• Familiarity with climate change policy frameworks, National Sustainable Development Plan, Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0, National Energy Roadmap and their linkages to national energy planning.
• Competency in monitoring and evaluation, including the ability to contribute to program indicator tracking and results reporting aligned with EU Global European Results Framework (GERF) standards.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, with experience working in cross-cultural settings and a deep appreciation for the values and social systems of Pacific Island communities.
• High degree of personal organization with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outputs within program timelines.

CORPORATE

• Upholds GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of work.
• Works effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Maintains high standards of performance, adaptability, and service delivery.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a G8, national grade level in GGGI's salary scale. For G8 VU national grade, the base salary starts from USD 39,868. Determination of base salary is subject to candidate's experience, academic background and internal equity. GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision.

GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members.