UAE: INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT - ESG TRAINER

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

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

Investor and corporate demand for high-quality environmental, social and governance (ESG) systems has grown dramatically over the past decade. Increasing media, consumer and shareholder scrutiny of corporate behavior around hot-topic global issues, such as climate change, human rights, diversity, and inclusion is applying pressure on executives to demonstrate their commitment to business practices in alignment with ESG criteria. Initially conceived to identify risks and opportunities that may not be captured by traditional financial analysis, ESG considerations are now also being incorporated into corporate strategies and operational plans for companies to contribute positively to sustainable growth and social goals.

But even as senior management may be setting out ESG-aligned strategic priorities, what this means in practice, including implications for daily activities, may still be a cause of confusion amongst employees. Awareness raising and capacity building will serve as critical components for achieving deeper integration across the various tiers of the organization. Moreover, one of the biggest gaps that need to be bridged in mainstreaming ESG practices is the lack of adequate internal skills and expertise within organizations to implement ESG initiatives.

GGGI is supporting the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in implementing the UAE Leadership in ESG Advancement Framework (UAE LEAF) program, which focuses on mobilizing the private sector to action and equipping professional with the tools to mainstream ESG into their corporate practices from a non-regulatory standpoint. 

Under the UAE LEAF program, senior managers and leadership from private sector companies are to be trained to conduct ESG reporting within their own organizations. Through this capacity building approach, the MOCCAE intends to increase broader ESG compliance across the UAE.

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The UAE Leadership in ESG Advancement Framework (UAE LEAF) program is aiming to upskill UAE businesses for implementing ESG practices. The program will conduct training for various business sectors to build their capacity for increasing voluntary ESG disclosures and reporting. The program team is seeking a Training Consultant, who will be tasked with conducting training workshops catering to the abovementioned objectives, including training business representatives on ESG, local and international regulations, need and benefits of ESG, and approaches to implementing ESG in the context of UAE’s business environment. 

Scope of Work and Activities

The consultant will support the Program team in delivery of ESG training sessions under the UAE-LEAF program. The training sessions are aimed at UAE businesses operating across sectors, to increase their capacity for disclosing ESG information. The consultant will be required to perform the following activities: 

 1. ESG Training support and Content development 

Develop booklets and knowledge materials relevant to implementation of ESG reporting in businesses operating in selected sectors (Real Estate/Construction, Retail/FMCG, Hospitality, and Logistics). These materials will include assistance in the development of guides, presentations, and learning activities. 

 2. Conducting ESG Training Workshops 

Act as Trainer for sessions for 4 cohorts of learners belonging to selected sectors. The consultant will deliver sessions as workshops, with the support of the Program team.  At the beginning, the consultant will be expected to develop a Workplan (D1 - Deliverable 1) for the duration of the engagement (tentatively 1^st July to 30^th September 2025), which will include the indicative timeline for completion of deliverables, methodology and design approach for development of training content, and approach for lesson plans. Point out any anticipated challenges, risks, and bottlenecks and bring them to the attention of GGGI for their attention or action (if within GGGI's power). The table below provides a clear understanding of the project outputs, suggested activities, and deliverables. 

Description of Deliverables

1. Work Plan approved by GGGI’s technical lead: In the inception phase of the consulting assignment, the consultant is required to submit a work plan that is in line with the duration of the assignment and suitable for approval by the technical lead.
2. Stakeholders mapping, engagement plan & cohort selection: The consultant will be required to shortlist a cohort of 200-300 individuals representing businesses operating in specified sectors of the UAE economy. This will include building a contact list of businesses and engaging them for the training program.
3. Training Content package developed and approved by GGGI’s technical lead: The consultant will prepare comprehensive training materials, including basic to advanced guidance on ESG implementation, relevance of ESG, current and future outlook in the UAE, and broader need for sustainability in specified business sectors.
4. Training Plan delivered and approved, and organization of Training sessions: The consultant will prepare a draft training plan, in consultation with GGGI team, catering to four 1-day sessions, including planning for logistical needs and working with vendors for appropriate arrangements.
5. Training workshops implemented, based on agreed content and plan: The consultant will lead the execution of the training workshops, supported by the GGGI team, including preparing relevant digital and print materials, delivery of lectures, and moderating learning activities.
6. Additional Technical Support, as required: The consultant will provide support on related technical tasks, such as preparation of summaries and notes, as well as conduct desk research regarding ESG readiness in the UAE.

*Note: The total fee is USD 20,000.00

Deliverables and Payment Schedule

The consultant is expected to be based in GGGI’s office, inside the premises of MOCCAE in Dubai, throughout the contract duration.

The consultant may be required to provide technical support for related tasks on ad-hoc basis. This should not cover any major additional scope, but it may include supporting the development of presentations, technical talking points, etc. for high-level officials who may want to go out and speak about the project and other relevant topics.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED

• A Master degree in finance, sustainable finance, governance, climate change and policy, economics, or related fields.
• The individual is expected to have 8-15 years' experience in the field of ESG, Sustainability, Environmental Policy, or similar fields relevant to the scope of work. 
• Knowledge of UAE specific ESG policies, guidelines and laws is essential. Knowledge of Green growth is a plus. 
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills as required for professional training engagements. 
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including interactions with first-time learners. 
• Have the ability to teach new concepts and topics to learners. 
• Experience in organizing, and facilitating workshops, meetings, and stakeholder consultation
• Good level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision, and values

FUNCTIONAL

• Self-motivated, team player, with creative problem-solving abilities
• Interest in being a part of a multi-cultural team within a dynamic fast-paced environment
• Experience working in an international development agency with cross-functional departments and across multiple country contexts
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)

CORPORATE

• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership
• Process and share information accurately and transparently
• Positive team player attitude builds rapport and resolves conflict easily
• Promote creativity and innovation among staff
• Able to support the project management team in executing the necessary consultations and meetings with key stakeholders, especially the key government counterpart.