Project Officer - Lead for Sustainable Maritime Transportation program - Tonga

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's program in the Pacific supports green growth and climate action across different sectors in five GGGI members countries - Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu - as well as other partner countries in the Pacific. Since 2015, GGGI's work in Pacific renewable energy and green cities sectors have included projects in the transport sectors. As part of GGGI’s rapidly growing project portfolio in sustainable transportation, GGGI will implement a 4-year regional program that started in January 2025 to help decarbonize the maritime sector in Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

GGGI has developed the project, “Decarbonizing the maritime sector through low-carbon maritime transport roadmap and MRV systems for Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu”, to support the preparation, enabling, financing, and roll-out of low-carbon maritime transportation projects as a part of a low-carbon maritime transport roadmap in Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, including the design of an Alternate Marine Power (AMP) pilot initiative along with monitoring, reporting and verifying (MRV) systems. Together with the Governments of Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, GGGI will assess and determine the most appropriate location with conditions that are best suited to implement the pilot initiative. The AMP pilot initiative and MRV systems design are informed by a larger policy study, feasibility studies, and integrated planning to phase in and enable investments in low-carbon maritime transportation for Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

GGGI will support the decarbonization of the maritime sector in the Pacific by assisting the governments of Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, guided by the following objectives:

• Support the governments of Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu in developing a low-carbon maritime transport roadmap in each country. The roadmaps will guide collaborative action towards a cleaner maritime sector.
• Design and implement a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime transport sector.
• Pilot the use of Alternate Marine Power (AMP) to significantly reduce air pollution from diesel generators. The pilot projects will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of shore-based electricity for vessels at port.
• Develop and implement investment projects aligned with the low-carbon maritime transport roadmaps.
• Provide capacity building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge needed to manage and operate low-carbon maritime transport technologies, AMP systems, and MRV systems.

The expectation is that this approach will successfully create an enabling environment for low-carbon maritime transportation with relevant governments and organizations.

POSITION SUMMARY 

We are seeking a highly motivated national Project Officer - In-Country Lead Tonga to lead and oversee local program implementation and ensure successful execution of program activities. The Project Officer - In-Country Lead will support the Senior Project Officer - Program Lead in the implementation of the low-carbon maritime transport program and lead national planning, execution, and monitoring to achieve the project's three main outcomes:

• Implementation of a roadmap for the adoption of inclusive low-carbon maritime transportation in Vanuatu.  
• Increased opportunity and commitment for investments in low-carbon maritime transport systems; and  
• Strengthened institutional and human capacity for low-carbon maritime transport, AMP and MRV and improved alignment among stakeholders and the private sector.  

 

PURPOSE

Reporting directly to the Program Lead, the role will support the coordination and timely delivery of program outputs by ensuring the quality of outputs and activities of the program on the ground. The Project Officer - In-Country Lead will provide technical guidance and lead a hybrid team of expert staff and external consultants in their country. The role will lead the delivery of program outputs in Tonga, meeting all institutional, standard, and donor requirements across all project functions. 

The role includes the following specific tasks: 

• Lead the development and implementation of the national program workplan, activities, and deliverables according to established timelines and budgets. 

• Track implementation progress and ensure timely completion of tasks, identifying and resolving potential issues in collaboration with the Program Lead and other team members. 

• Manage project documents and maintain accurate records for efficient information sharing. 

• Support the Program Lead to ensure efficient resource allocation by drafting budgets for national program implementation. 

• Support the national program staff and consultants to access program resources. 

• Lead the preparation of high-quality deliverables, including reports, presentations, and proposals within their country. 

• Manage documents, reports, schedules, and budgets. 

• Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and other events. 

• Coordinate logistics and travel arrangements for the Program Lead and team. 

• Assist with research, data analysis, and report writing related to low-carbon maritime transport. 

• Contribute to the development of policy and regulatory assessments, feasibility studies, and project proposals. 

• Manage procurement and contracting processes with the support of the Project Officer. 

• Liaise with GGGI Finance and Administration teams. 

• Ensure compliance with GGGI internal policies and procedures. 

 

ENGAGEMENT

The Project Officer - In-Country Lead will:  

• Lead and maintain effective communication with local stakeholders – including within GGGI and across partner organizations, and manage stakeholder consultations, workshops, and meetings.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government agencies, communities, private sector representatives, and other national key stakeholders. 

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure project buy-in and successful implementation in Tonga. 

• Support the GGGI Community of Practice Lead in Transport and Sustainable Mobility at GGGI HQ. 

• Help prepare and disseminate updates and reports of national program activities. 

• Assist with organizing knowledge-sharing activities such as workshops and webinars, and long-term capacity-building programs. 

 

DELIVERY

The Project Officer - In-Country Lead will lead a team of expert staff and consultants to deliver the key outputs within their country, including:  

• Market and Policy/ regulatory assessment of investment needs, barriers, and opportunities.  

• Low-carbon maritime transport roadmaps for the three project countries.  

• Integrated Maritime transport MRV system design for the three project countries.  

• A pipeline of bankable inclusive low-carbon maritime projects enabling local entrepreneurs (including SMEs) to increase investment momentum.  

• Technological, environmental and economic feasibility study to demonstrate the viability of financing and implementing a low-carbon maritime transportation system in Tonga.  

• Design and implementation of Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) pilot projects.   

• Options for encouraging investment and de-risking private sector investment are developed together with government partners and the private sector.  

• A relevant Green Climate Fund (GCF) project or program.   

• Capacity building and knowledge exchange among key government and other stakeholders, e.g. from the private sector, to support project implementation and the sustainability of project results beyond project duration.   

• Monitoring and evaluation of project indicators in line with ODA requirements  

REQUIREMENTS 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, maritime/urban/transport planning, public policy, economics, or a related field.
• 5 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in project management, communication, or a related field. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. 
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong relationships with stakeholders. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with project management software is desirable. 
• Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in the local Pacific Island language is a strong asset. 

FUNCTIONAL

• Experience in engaging with other development partners to explore potential cooperation opportunities and with donors to identify future funding opportunities.
• Experience in project management, policy and planning, research and analysis and project design.
• Experience in applying participatory approaches, gender, environmental, and social inclusion safeguards.
• Team player, creative problem-solver, and innovative thinker.
• Excellent multi-cultural literacy and interest in being a part of an international team working in an evolving and entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.

 

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Excels at problem solving, ask questions and seeks support when needed, shares easily information and knowledge with others both internally as externally.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.
• Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills; including public speaking.
• Excellent Korean speaking skills are an asset.

 

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.