Senior Policy Analyst, Methane Mitigation

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

• Reporting to the Country Representative, the Senior Policy Analyst, Methane Mitigation, plays a critical role in the successful completion of the Lao PDR component of ASEAN-Korea Cooperation on Methane Mitigation (AKCMM), a 3-year, USD 20M regional program to be implemented in ASEAN Member States (AMS).
• The Senior Policy Analyst works closely with two other staff members to be hired under AKCMM’s Lao PDR component. These two other staff members will be focused on sectoral methane emissions reduction and emissions measurement and inventory enhancement (i.e. Outputs 2 and 3 of AKCMM).
• The Senior Policy Analyst’s main responsibility is to successfully project manage the AKCMM Lao PDR component, lead the project team, and ensure timely completion of project activities across all four outputs of the project.
• Beyond project management, the Senior Policy Analyst will be focused on delivering Output 1 by establishing a Methane Reduction Committee (“committee”) in Lao PDR and preparing a national methane reduction plan for the committee’s adoption. By the end of the second year – preferably sooner – he/she must have delivered the final draft of the national methane reduction plan to the committee and secured its adoption.

PURPOSE

The Senior Policy Analyst is the project manager of the Lao PDR component of the regional AKCMM program, and is directly responsible for ensuring project delivery, in collaboration with the project team. In addition, the Senior Policy Analyst will lead all stages of the policy design cycle. He/she will achieve a timely adoption of the methane reduction plan through a combination of (i) targets and pathways based on technically rigorous analyses/projections, (ii) well-planned committee meetings, and (iii) effective communication with members of the committee through both formal and informal channels. Specific tasks include, among others, 

• Leading the Lao PDR component (project) of the regional AKCMM program, including managing project team members, project stakeholders, project partners, project budget and workplans, and project reporting at the country level, in coordination and collaboration with project team members at country level, and within GGGI’s ROA, and in compliance with GGGI’s internal systems, policies and procedures, as well as those of the AKCMM’s resource partner (donor) and associated grant and contractual provisions.
• Applying policy framework to analyze the key methane-emitting sectors in Lao PDR and the current baseline, a range of potential reduction targets for each sector, estimated needs with respect to investment, policy, and capacity building for each hypothetical reduction pathway, readiness/willingness of government entities and private sector to implement methane reduction activities, entry points for firms and financial institutions, inclusiveness and gender-related considerations for groups affected by the transition, etc.
• Adapting the policy design cycle to incorporate the preceding analysis and latest best practices (especially those of other ASEAN Member States) when developing a methane reduction plan for Lao PDR. The successful candidate would be an individual who is able to go beyond a rigid process-oriented approach to adapt flexibly to challenges – whether they are technical or political – to reach the desired outcome.
• Leverage analytical results (both interim and final) to obtain the committee’s adoption of the methane reduction plan and originate new projects. The AKCMM, upon completion, would have established a strong foundation for a variety of subsequent projects on methane; the Senior Policy Analyst, as the individual who led the adoption of a methane reduction plan, will contribute to preparing proposals that would, for example, support the plan’s implementation or help develop a detailed roadmap for select sectors.

ENGAGEMENT

The Senior Policy Analyst will engage various stakeholders (e.g., national/provincial/municipal government agencies, bilateral/multilateral agencies, private sector firms and financial institutions, research institutions and academia, NGOs, and local communities) by:

• Analyzing the nature of relationships between GGGI and stakeholders in Lao PDR with respect to AKCMM – both those that already exist and those that are yet to be established but are necessary for the project’s success – and develop strategies to build, strengthen, and maintain such relationships. In doing so, he/she must clearly articulate the nature of the relationship, particularly on how their involvement adds value to the delivery of Output 1.
• Providing expert guidance on how to engage and align potential partners (i.e., consultants, universities, think tanks, etc.) with the goals of the project specifically and AKCMM in Lao PDR generally. He/she must, therefore, have a complete grasp of how the adoption of the methane reduction plan and its implementation thereafter affects each stakeholder group. This will enable him/her to serve as an effective convenor and communicator, ensuring that the partners give due consideration to all stakeholders, and thereby facilitating the buy-in for the methane reduction plan as well as its adoption by the committee.
• Leading salient dialogue with government agencies, implementation partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders on matters related to Output 1 throughout the policy design cycle. Such dialogue may take place through various formats and frequencies; the Senior Policy Analyst shall be flexible in adapting to stakeholders’ needs/preferences and work towards building a strong support for the adoption of the methane reduction plan.

DELIVERY

The Senior Policy Analyst will, based on guidance from and supervision of the Country Representative,

• Lead the Lao PDR component (project) and its outputs and activities,
• Monitor and assess outcomes from major national/regional/international fora as well as GGGI’s project portfolio to identify emerging needs in Thailand related to methane mitigation,Establish a Methane Reduction Committee (“committee”) and serve as its focal point,
• Develop a national methane reduction plan and ensure its adoption by the committee,
• Develop and implement a capacity building program tailored to the needs of committee members,
• Identify opportunities to engage entities based in the Republic of Korea at each stage of the policy design cycle (e.g., Korean technology providers, universities, think tanks, etc.),
• Manage the planning and execution of missions to gather baseline data, consult stakeholders, validate assumptions, and assess the political/operational/technical feasibility of the methane reduction plan be delivered under Output 1,Oversee the delivery of project outputs by (i) preparing a work plan, (ii) holding regular meetings with partners/stakeholders, (iii) procuring competent service providers, (iv) managing the budget and contract(s) related to the output, (v) anticipating and addressing risks, (vi) solving problems of technical or operational nature, and (vii) communicating the results effectively,
• Understand and comply with all administrative and reporting rules as required by the Government of Thailand, GGGI HQ, AKCF, and the ASEAN Secretariat (with respect to Output 1),
• Contribute to the delivery of Outputs 2, 3, and 4, and,
• Ensure that all project activities are implemented with full regard to safeguards and quality standards as outlined by GGGI processes.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree (master’s or graduate degree) in a relevant field, such as engineering, economics, finance, environmental management or policy, etc.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience working on climate, sustainability or environmental management in Lao PDR at national, provincial and/or local levels
• Experience developing, supporting or advising policy formulation and adoption in Lao PDR will be a significant advantage, ideally with experience across the policy lifecycle
• Experience engaging with and/or working for the private sector on environmental issues will be a plus
• Candidates will need to demonstrate experience on projects funded by international development partners
• Exceptional skills in building productive working relationships with colleagues, field offices, stakeholders, donors and other partners
• Strong writing skills, including experience preparing proposals and undertaking business development
• Experience managing technical teams on climate or environmental projects, and securing sound project delivery in the field
• Strategic thinker and solutions-oriented manager with good ability to multitask and work in a matrix environment
• Good knowledge in monitoring and evaluation systems within a performance-based management context, and experience working with social and environmental safeguards will be a plus
• Experience working on emissions accounting, analysis, and scenario development will be a plus
• Excellent analytical skills, critical thinking ability, and data gathering skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Lao

FUNCTIONAL

• Self-motivated learner with attention to detail.
• Excellent multi-cultural literacy and interest in being a part of an international team working in an evolving and entrepreneurial environment.  
• Leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions.
• Anticipate and provide necessary technical and content-based support.
• Willingness and ability to travel

 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 challenges.

About GGGI. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. GGGI’s vision is a low-carbon, resilient world of strong, inclusive, and sustainable growth. GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies towards a green growth model that simultaneously achieve poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. GGGI’s work contributes to its Member States’ efforts to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. In undertaking its mission, GGGI partners with both public and private sector stakeholders to develop innovative green growth solutions, mobilize project financing and investments, and share knowledge and lessons learnt.

Asia Regional Office (ROA). ROA oversees a diverse portfolio of projects in the South, Southeast, and Central Asia region, assisting GGGI Member States cultivate sustainable development models to drive their economic growth. Its main functions include comprehending the unique requirements of each country, forging robust partnerships with stakeholders and collaborators involved in regional sustainable development initiatives, and developing regional projects and programs in policy and/or investment.

ASEAN-Korea Cooperation on Methane Mitigation (AKCMM). AKCMM is a 3-year, USD 20M regional project aimed at reducing methane emissions at scale in ASEAN Member States (AMS). The project seeks to achieve this objective through the following four interventions (i.e., outputs):

• Output 1. Developing enabling policies and institutions
• Output 2. Improving measurement of methane emissions
• Output 3. Designing, financing, and implementing methane reduction sub-projects
• Output 4. Promoting regional dialogue and partnership