Forestry Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Specialist Consultant

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. 

General Information

• Project: Paraguay Sustainable Forestry Investment Fund

• Duty Station: Asunción, Paraguay

• Contract Duration: August 17^th, 2026, to March 31^st, 2027

• Consultant Level: Level 3

Project Background

GGGI has a rapidly expanding sustainable finance portfolio, assisting public and private financial sector actors to design, structure and bring to market innovative sustainable finance solutions, including green, social and sustainability bonds, sustainability-linked instruments, debt for nature/climate swaps, green credit and guarantee schemes. Since 2017, GGGI has successfully mobilized investment commitments exceeding USD 10 billion towards its member countries' NDC and SDG goals.

GGGI is seeking to expand its sustainable finance footprint in Paraguay to deliver demand-led support to Paraguay’s National Development Agency (AFD) in greening its portfolio. Currently, GGGI is supporting the implementation and operationalization of the Paraguay Sustainable Forestry Investment Fund (SFIF).  The SFIF is a blended-finance mechanism designed to mobilize USD 160 million for sustainable forestry investments. Its objectives include establishing 50,000 hectares of FSC-certified forest plantations, generating over 2,100 green jobs, and supporting Paraguay’s national climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development goals.

Key activities include:

• Technical review and adaptation of Sustainability KPIs agreed between AFD and the World Bank (WB), aligned with forest plantation investments and AFD guidelines. Definition of baseline and timelines.

• Support the operationalization of the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework within AFD, including translation of technical requirements into internal workflow, development of standardized data templates, and identification of institutional data gaps. Design of a MRV framework detailing methodologies, roles and responsibilities, and all operational documentation required by AFD to comply with WB’s requirements.

• Organize validation/socialization workshops with stakeholders and plantation owners to socialize, review and validate the proposed KPIs and performance targets.

• Support the integration of AI-driven verification and traceability tools, applying satellite data and predictive analytics to monitor the established KPIs.

The objective of this consultancy is to support AFD and GGGI in the validation and operationalization of sustainability KPIs related to forestry plantations, establishing the corresponding baseline and timelines, while supporting de integration of AI-driven KPIs verification tools.

 Key tasks for this consultancy position are as follows:

• Review the list of sustainability KPIs aligned with forest plantations defined between AFD and the WB, while identifying data requirements, possible limitations and risks for its operalization.

• Developing a comprehensive MRV framework detailing measurement methodologies, reporting and verification processes, roles and responsibilities, and all relevant operational documents required by AFD to ensure its successful implementation. This framework will be aligned with the Project Results Indicators, the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) including the requirements outlined in the Project´s Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and other instruments included in the ESCP.

• Support the operationalization of the MRV framework within AFD by translating technical requirements into internal processes, developing standardized data templates, and identifying institutional data and data gaps affecting implementation. Strengthen AFD´s capacity to implement the MRV system through the development of a capacity building plan and delivery of targeted technical training on MRV processes, satellite data, and AI-based monitoring tools. Providing ongoing support to the MRV Consulting Firm in charge of developing and integrating the proposed KPIs to AI-driven tools, while testing its correct functionality.

The Forestry MRV Specialist Consultant will work closely with the Project Team, consisting of the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer, the Sustainable Finance Senior Associate, the Sustainable Finance Senior Associate (Forestry Finance), the Climate Change Policy Senior Officer and the Environmental, Social Safeguard Specialist and MRV Consulting Firm to maximize the results of this consultancy.  The selected consultant will report directly to the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer in the Paraguay Country Office.

The consultancy is expected to deliver the following key results:

The Consultant is expected to hold a Kick-off meeting with AFD to understand the scope of the consultancy and activities and align expectations and to present its tentative workplan during this meeting. If required, the consultant might be required to work from AFD offices, previous agreement.

The Consultant must integrate the comments of GGGI, AFD, WB and the technical focal points of other institutions involved, within 7 days after receiving the comments or requests for modification of products. All reports will be produced in Spanish, will follow GGGIs and AFDs format requirements and will be submitted along with full raw data sets, research materials, minutes, interviews, and participant listings,and the final consolidated product of the consultancy must include a full English translation.   

During the first week of assignment the consultant will define the reporting arrangements of the consultancy, in consultation with AFD and the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer.

The consultant will work from AFDs office to ensure smooth communication and cooperation, data collection and on-the-job training.  This will also ensure that all capacities are being installed within AFD.

Payments will be made against delivery of the products with prior approval from AFD, and approval from the GGGI Project Manager.

• Master's degree or higher in fields such as forestry sciences, environmental engineering or related disciplines.

• 5+ years of experience in monitoring, reporting and verification, traceability, or transparency in the forestry sector related to climate change, environment or sustainability.

• 5+ years of experience in forestry plantations is required.  Experience or knowledge in forestry finance or developing forestry investment projects is an asset.

• Knowledge of FSC certification requirements is mandatory

• Proven knowledge in International Standards such as WB PS, IFC PS or other international best financial practices and local legislation, related to forestry plantations is mandatory.

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required

• A proactive attitude, with an ability to find workable solutions promptly.

• Punctual, professional, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multicultural and interdisciplinary staff

• Commits to team goals and works effectively across the organization with individuals of different views, cultures, nationality, gender, and age.

• Excellent problem solver.

• Exemplifies the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

• Interested consultants shall submit following documentations: cover letter, and CV 

• Selection method/process: competitive selection 

• Timeline of selection: 15 days  

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.