LAO PDR: NATIONAL CONSULTANT, CARBON MARKET

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. 

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The “Program for Open and Sustainable Carbon Markets in Lao PDR”, so called the “Project”, is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia for the period of June 2023- June 2026, and delivered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Government of Lao PDR with GGGI’s technical support. The Program aims to establish the foundations for open and sustainable carbon markets: first, by developing the governance framework and identifying an initial project pipeline (phase 1) and later by consolidating the country’s policies, regulations, and institutions and support the approval of projects that generate high-quality carbon credits (phase 2). The project is also structured against 3 main outcomes: governance and policy (outcome 1), capacity development and knowledge sharing (outcome 2), carbon project development (outcome 3).

The overall objective of the assignment is to provide technical and coordination support to the Project team (Project Manager, Carbon Policy Officer, Senior Associate) to deliver activities under all Outcomes of the project through conducting technical analysis and research and supporting stakeholder engagement and coordination. It is important to point out that the Program is heavily focused on the modernization/ update of Lao PDR’s governance framework, through the development of a Carbon Credit Decree and a Regulation for the energy sector, a strategy for carbon market that align with the country’s National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), other relevant policies of the Governments and project guidelines.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with other project team members, the consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

Outcome 1: Policy, Institutions and Systems for Sustainable Carbon Markets are Strengthened

Under the guidance of a Carbon Policy Officer who leads the deliverables under this Outcome:

• Coordinate and provide technical and administrative support to the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion (DEEP) within the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) to finalize a draft regulation on carbon project activities in the energy sector, seeking strong alignment with the dispositions of the advanced draft decree on carbon credits;
• Conducting relevant desk research on the latest Article 6 development agreed at the UNFCCC’s COP29 meeting in 2024 and other country operation manuals developed with support from GGGI Carbon Pricing Unit such as Cambodia which can be drawn for considerations in the formulation of a Carbon Project Approval Guideline, an international carbon markets strategy and a recommendation paper on A6 for NDC 3.0 preparation;
• Support the organization of an informal development partner meeting which is held every quarter through preparing a minute of meeting and coordinating with other development partners to obtain comments for finalization.
• Support the organization of capacity building workshops on the operations of the approved Guideline, carbon project registry and other key technical areas as designed.

Outcome 2: Capacity, Awareness and Coordination for Open Carbon Markets Strengthened

Under the guidance of either the Carbon Policy Officer or Senior Associate where relevant:

• Contribute to the preparation of capacity development material and knowledge products to train and guide policymakers and private sector entities on different aspects of carbon markets governance and carbon project development;
• Provide or oversee ad-hoc translation support on key documents ahead of workshops and meetings;

Outcome 3: National Pipeline of Article 6 Project Enhanced

Under guidance from the Senior Associate:

• Contribute to the finalization of the draft Project Pipeline Assessment by collecting data and undertaking research and analysis on Lao PDR’s carbon ecosystem (operating businesses, legal, regulatory, and policy landscape);
• Support the Investment Officer to shortlist carbon projects against identified criteria;

Administrative and Logistical support

• Support the Project Assistant in organizing related workshops and seminars, designing pre and post surveys and preparing subsequent reports;
• Provide back-up support to the OPS team and the Project Assistant on logistics, administration and others as needed;
• Support the technical preparations (e.g concept notes, slides) for the organization of the monthly Project Management Unit Meetings with MoNRE and MEM, capacity development sessions, and other workshops;
• Support other tasks as instructed by the Project Manager.

Payment would be undertaken monthly as per the agreed daily rate after receiving a certified monthly invoice submitted by the consultant.

• At least 4 years of relevant work experience in environmental and climate policy/ economics/ management, most of which has been achieved in Lao PDR;
• Master’s degree in development studies, international relations, economics, finance or related fields preferably, bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of experience will be considered;
• Experience in undertaking research and analysis on climate change policy in Lao PDR required, with experience on the structuration of carbon projects or the development of climate mitigation policy (NDC, LT-LEDS) is highly valued;
• Strong competence in the use of standard software programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Ability to work independently and to take initiatives in response to the organization and team’s demand;
• Experience in logistical and administrative support to successfully organize events useful;
• Strong Lao and English language skills is required.

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter in English. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, after which the outcome of their application will be notified.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.