Senior Officer, Sustainable Transport - Pacific

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. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Officer will be leading GGGI’s sustainable transport work in the Pacific Region and will lead the engagement of internal and external stakeholders (public sector counterparts, other international organizations, civil society organizations, academia, etc.).

The Senior Officer will be responsible for the successful delivery and overall technical oversight of at least three comprehensive projects on sustainable transport in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The projects are comprehensive and include the development of policies/regulations, Sustainable Urben Mobility Plans, the implementation of e-mobility pilots, and capacity building and awareness-raising components.

The projects assist the transition to sustainable, efficient, low-emissions land transport systems and an increased uptake of electric mobility solutions taking into consideration each county’s transport needs and system. The projects will aim to achieve this by addressing transport sector challenges in the Pacific associated with a dearth of effective, gender-responsive e-mobility policies and transport planning frameworks; limited urban transport data availability and management, a lack of supporting institutional and regulatory frameworks; a lack of studies on appropriate technologies and charging infrastructure for Pacific SIDS; a lack of finance for EV projects in the region; and a lack of technical expertise, know-how and capacity to address these barriers. 

Other responsibilities include guiding junior staff in their role to develop new business ideas, support other ongoing projects, and engage in project preparation in the region amongst others. 

PURPOSE

The role of the Senior Officer for Sustainable Transport is integral to the development, and implementation of sustainable transport measures across Pacific Island countries, aligning with national development priorities and GGGI's strategic goals. The Senior Officer for Sustainable Transport will report to the Regional Director of the Pacific Program, and will be based in the Pacific region, with mission travel to various Pacific Island countries.

ENGAGEMENT

To fulfill the mandate of this role, the Senior Officer must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of people within and outside of GGGI. S/he is expected to:

• Build and maintain partnerships with Pacific governments, development agencies, the private sector, and donors to ensure buy-in and support for effective implementation of transport and sustainable mobility projects.
• Regularly update and consult with GGGI Country Representatives in Country Program Officers from the target countries to ensure and enhance project delivery.

• Participate in the Communities of Practice to share knowledge concerning transport and sustainable mobility within GGGI to contribute towards the building of a knowledge-sharing program.

• Represent GGGI in national and regional transport sector forums and other key meetings and events, as designated/appropriate to advocate for green growth and sustainable transport.

DELIVERY

• Lead and oversee the successful implementation of three comprehensive sustainable transport projects in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, ensuring high-quality technical delivery and adherence to project timelines and objectives.
• Oversee the development of comprehensive, context-appropriate, and technically sound outputs, including policy recommendations, e-mobility strategies, feasibility studies, and pilot projects.
• Manage and coordinate internal staff, junior team members, and external consultants/firms to effectively execute project activities, providing guidance and mentorship to enhance team performance and capacity.
• Ensure that projects follow project work plans, including resource allocation, proactive risk management, and quality assurance measures, to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of all project outputs.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government counterparts, international organizations, civil society, and academia, to facilitate project implementation and promote sustainable transport initiatives in the Pacific region.
• Ensure rigorous and on-time monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project activities and outcomes, including the preparation of high-quality donor reports and internal progress updates that demonstrate project impact and value.
• Lead the technical review and quality assurance of all project deliverables, ensuring they meet the highest standards of accuracy, relevance, and applicability to the Pacific context.
• Identify opportunities for project expansion, refinement, or replication based on emerging needs and lessons learned, contributing to the growth of GGGI's sustainable transport portfolio in the Pacific.
• Guide the development of new business ideas and support project preparation efforts in the region, leveraging insights from ongoing projects to inform future initiatives.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building within the team and across GGGI, promoting best practices in sustainable transport and e-mobility implementation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in transport, urban/transport planning, civil engineering, economics, public policy, or related field with additional expertise in public policy and sustainable development seen as an asset.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience related to transport decarbonization and sustainable mobility in an international setting, with experience in developing countries/small island developing states an asset.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in project management for the implementation of complex, multifaceted projects in the sustainable transport and/or e-mobility sector and/or developing country context.
• Minimum 2 years of living and working outside of the home country (internships, education, and volunteer work will not be considered) (mandatory)
• Professional experience in project implementation in a developing country and/or PIC’s/SIDS’ context, working with counterparts to develop or implement public policies or green investments related to sustainable transport and mobility.
• Solid technical knowledge of urban transport planning, electric mobility technology, operations and policies (EVs and E-Buses)
• Fluency in English and excellent report-writing skills are essential. 
• Training and awareness of gender issues in sustainable transport is an asset.
• Willingness to relocate to Suva, Fiji or Port Vila, Vanuatu

FUNCTIONAL

• Experience in engaging with development partners, public sector counterparts and other stakeholders (NGOs, rural/island communities)
• Leadership, teamwork and creative problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while following agreed work plans and instructions
• Excellent multicultural 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.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions
• Innovative thinker, able to see opportunities across different sectors/disciplines
• Anticipate and provide necessary technical and content-based support
• Attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to travel

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Promote the best use of public resources
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Process and share information easily.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, build rapport, and resolve conflict easily.
• Promote creativity and innovation among staff.
• Be able to lead where needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Senior Officer is an X9 international grade level in GGGI's salary scale. For X9 International grade, the base salary starts from USD 77,904. Determination of base salary is subject to the 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. In addition, GGGI provides expatriate benefits such as expatriate allowance - equivalent to 20% of the base salary, educational allowance, and other benefits (terms and conditions are to be reviewed in a case-by-case situation). Please mention in your cover letter the preferred duty station.

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.

Appointment of this position is subject to GGGI securing funding.