GGGI expects to expand its technical capacity and broaden intellectual base in Africa region by hiring expertise for the Climate Smart Agriculture & Solar Irrigation Community of Practice, as well as support delivery in a number of projects. The Regional Lead, Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Energy role will require solid thematic authority combined with analytical knowledge in policies and implementation in Africa in the above sector and projects.

INTRODUCTION

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs over the African continent. 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 has been working in Africa since its establishment as an international intergovernmental organization in 2012. Africa portfolio is rapidly expanding in Africa to include climate change policy development in several sectors as well as green investment mobilization. GGGI is working both in Adaptation and Mitigation actions in Africa with support of Governments and development partners.

Adaptation is recognized as a key enabler for Climate Action in Africa, so that the continent becomes more climate resilient in a manner that is also low – carbon (Mitigation co-benefits). With the Strategy 2030, GGGI is recognizing that Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in a nexus approach focusing on productivity, efficiency, and carbon neutrality, is a top priority solution for the Continent.

With this context, GGGI established as a first step a dedicated Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) & Solar Irrigation Community of Practice (COP) entrusted to develop a coherent value proposition for GGGI in this thematic area for Africa region. Also, GGGI and has received funding from development partners [mainly Denmark and France] to design and implement a series of projects in countries like Ethiopia, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, that will look at policies and models of climate smart agriculture which, combined with the appropriate renewable energy solutions [Solar irrigation], will be able to provide impact at scale.

The Regional Lead, Climate Smart Agriculture role will require solid thematic expertise combined with analytical knowledge across a number of areas touching upon agriculture and rural development in Africa, especially project delivery in rural energy and solar Irrigation.

The thematic coverage of the role will involve but not be limited to the following:

CoP CSA & Solar Irrigation

The GGGI Community of Practice on Climate Smart Agriculture & Solar Irrigation is a network of thematic experts brought together to provide specialist advice, project review and quality assurance, technical guidance, knowledge sharing, analytical work as well as support to the development of strategic partnerships and relevant business development aligned with the CSA and Energy nexus approach.

LEDS-AFOLU

GGGI will develop Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Those strategies require, among others, expert knowledge on the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) components through conducting analysis to determine emissions baselines, business-as-usual (BAU) including low emission development scenarios in areas such as natural and plantation forests, agricultural activities (livestock, sugarcane, rice cultivation, and other crops), and fertilizer and manure use where emissions are relevant.

Denmark project: Promoting Solar Irrigation Pumping Systems & Mini grids

This multi country project funded by Denmark will promote solar energy solutions, especially to increase electricity access for use in agriculture in rural areas in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Uganda by also working with the respective Governments and the private sector in enabling policy environment and business models to ensure viability. Solar mini-grids and irrigation pumping systems is believed to play a vital role in contributing in raising ambition in countries NDC targets.

Other programmatic engagements will be supported, developed and/or delivered, as required, by the Regional Lead.

PURPOSE

Under the guidance and supervision of the Regional Director for Africa, the Regional Lead, Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Energy is expected to support partner countries in planning, designing, and implementation of green growth policies and bankable projects as well as help develop commercial approaches for scaling up CSA & rural energy (solar Irrigation) models and carry out AFOLU related low-emissions pathways and baseline assessments in priority entrusted projects [Ethiopia, Uganda, Burkina Faso, etc].

The Regional Lead will work on CSA/Rural Energy drafting proposals and undertaking sector assessments and applied research on good practices and experiences, participating in knowledge sharing programs, and refining and solidifying GGGI’s service offerings in the CSA and Rural Energy thematic area. The role demands engagement with colleagues within GGGI, government officials in the priority African partner countries, as well as implementing partners to expand meaningful application of up-to-date green growth knowledge and tools as well as the synthesis of cutting-edge insights and ideas. The Regional Lead shall also be expected to assist in the development of partnerships with donors, research organizations, and private sectors to ensure environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices and catalyze investment in CSA and Rural Energy sectors.

ENGAGEMENT

The Regional CSA & Rural Energy nexus Lead will support relevant projects and activities in GGGI’s Africa portfolio operations by, among others, engaging with in-house and external experts/organizations to translate GGGI Strategy into innovative thought leadership and service offerings as well as in-country, regional, and global initiatives.

DELIVERY                                                                                            

The general roles and responsibilities of the Regional CSA & Rural Energy nexus Lead include:

  • Lead GGGI’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Solar irrigation Community of Practice (COP) and support the development of products and solutions tailored for scaling up.
  • Provide strategic advice and support the Regional Director Africa and Country teams in planning and execution of the relevant country programs and projects (with priority on the ones mentioned above), especially in the design and delivery of Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Energy projects.
  • Lead the development of CSA/Rural Energy proposals and engagements with donors and private sector to mobilize financial resources and leverage co-financing.
  • Develop Support the synthesis, codification, and dissemination of experiences gained through country activities and engagement in international networks into elements of South-South cooperation programs, regional knowledge sharing programs, and national level capacity building activities.
  • Provide on-demand analytical and operational support across GGGI’s country teams and programs in Africa.
  • Produce evidence – based research and modelling to assist countries and local experts in deploying their low emission development strategies in the AFOLU sectors and produce technical and policy reports for knowledge generation to policymakers and the public through various publications and outreach methods.
  • Understand GGGI project cycles and support the coordination of all projects in the thematic portfolio with respect to their design, execution, and reporting.
  • Oversee  effective communication and cooperation across thematic areas and with country teams to enhance GGGI’s delivery.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD desirable) in Agriculture, Rural Development, Renewable Energy, Development economics and/or a combination of disciplines related to sustainable development and touching upon Climate Agriculture/Rural Energy and AFOLU.

Work Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience in the Climate Smart Agriculture and/or Rural Energy nexus, renewable energy for productive uses (priority on Adaptations with acknowledging Mitigation co-benefits) and at least 5 years of international technical experience as Team Leader with a public, private, or international organization. Experience from developing and/or emerging countries, preferably on the African continent is required. The requirements for the position are as follows:

  • Thought leadership experience in the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Energy sector as well as networking with lead research institutions.
  • Documented experience of business models for the deployment of Climate Smart Agriculture andRural Energy resources, mini-grids and off-grid electrification, solar irrigation, energy efficiency; technical understanding of specific policies, regulations, and market barriers as applicable to on-grid and off-grid renewable energy for rural use in a developing/emerging country context; and up-to-date knowledge of global technology trends in the renewable energy markets.
  • Experience and expertise in data analysis, applied research, and application of economic analysis and baseline assessments, modelling and low-emissions scenarios, especially in AFOLU;
  • Overall understanding of the concept of green growth in the context of global commitments to greenhouse gas emissions reductions in developing countries.
  • Experience of providing technical inputs into feasibility studies, project designs, related to sustainable energy infrastructure projects,
  • Experience of leading and/or managing proposal development and resource mobilization in the context of renewable energy is highly desirable.
  • Experience of working in the context of multicultural teams.
  • Fluency in written and spoken both French and English is required.
CORPORATE
  • Understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
  • Promote the optimum use of public resources
  • Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
  • Process and share information easily.
  • Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.
  • Promote creativity and innovation among staff.
  • Be able to lead where needed and provide solutions to project-level challenge.

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