Energy Associate

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. 

CONTEXT                                                                                            

GGGI has been working with the Government of Colombia to advance green growth policies and green investments through strategic partnerships with key ministries and public and private institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinEnergia), the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others. Since 2014, GGGI has supported the DNP in its goal to advance a green growth vision and transition plan for Colombia that can support the achievement of climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GGGI has been instrumental in the development of several energy sector initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and energy access.

One of the key aspects of GGGI’s green growth policy in the energy sector is the development of a sustainable energy policy framework and the promotion of renewable energy projects. Since 2020, GGGI has supported MinEnergia, the Institute for Planning and Promotion of Energy Solutions for Non-Interconnected Areas (IPSE) and selected private sector developers to advance Colombia’s energy transition and provide sustainable and affordable energy solutions to vulnerable rural communities and households. This technical assistance was funded by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy through the UKPACT program.

In May 2024, GGGI was awarded by the Mitigation Action Facility Fund to develop the detailed project preparation of the “Sustainable Power and Resilience for Colombia’s Energy Communities” project. In addition, other programs such as the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) program, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German government, provides technical assistance to the Government of Colombia to become fully prepared to engage in Article 6 transactions, which includes conducting project analysis in the energy sector. Finally, through the Korean Green New Deal Fund (KGNDF), GGGI provides technical assistance for the development of hydrogen projects in Colombia.

GGGI aims to expand its work in the energy sector and increase the program’s expertise in Colombia by strengthening the team’s capacity to support various activities related to energy policy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. These activities include supporting the GGGI Colombia team in the design of projects, programs and strategies to consolidate the Just Energy Transition agenda in Colombia within the global strategic objectives of GGGI.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Energy Associate will be based in Bogotá, Colombia, and will report to the Andean Representative. This position’s main responsibilities include but are not limited to ensuring process integrity across various project workstreams, providing technical support to the energy projects, support the design of projects, programs, and strategies to consolidate the Just Energy Transition agenda in Colombia within the global strategic objectives of GGGI and strengthen engagement with counterparts and stakeholders of the following thematic areas: renewable energy, energy policy and energy efficiency.

The Energy Associate will have technical guidance and input from GGGI Regional Energy Lead, the GGGI Regional investment officers and technical consultants.   

PURPOSE

The Energy Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the program to implement strategies and measurements to scale up the operations regarding Just Energy Transition. Under the guidance of the Andean Representative, will support project development and implementation at the national level, development of new initiatives and partnerships, and will provide assistance with current products and project components, identifying opportunities to enhance GGGI´s programmatic capacity.

ENGAGEMENT

• Support the Andean representative and project managers in Colombia in developing the quality outsourcing work needed to carry out activities defined within thematic areas: renewable energy, energy policy and energy efficiency.

• Support the Colombian team in the implementation of their activities, identifying concrete opportunities for Just Energy Transition, producing high-quality deliverables, coordinating technical efforts, and delivering outputs on time.

• Closely collaborate with Regional Energy Lead and GGGI Colombia Project Managers to provide technical support and advice to national and subnational stakeholders on project implementation activities.

• Work closely with national counterparts to build cooperative relationships and establish the organization as an effective partner.

• Support the Colombian team in monitoring consistent/appropriate resource use, delivery proceeding on schedule, and operational demands within project parameters.

• Support the Andean Representative and Project Managers in Colombia in identifying new workstreams and developing proposals to accelerate green growth topics and meet national and subnational needs. This implies budgeting, proposal preparation, project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Advise GGGI on opportunities for engagement in the national context, demonstrating effective adaptation of the GGGI approach.

DELIVERY

 The Energy Associate will be responsible for:

• Support the Colombian program in strengthening its operations related to thematic areas: renewable energy, energy policy and energy efficiency, in compliance with institutional policies, standards, and donors’ requirements.

• Coordinate the development of feasibility studies for selected solutions.

• Support the identification of Project delivery issues and ensure effective coordination of project activities and resource execution to ensure that objectives are reached alongside their established timeframes and budget.

• Support the GGGI Regional Energy Lead and GGGI Colombia Project Managers in the planning and implementation of energy projects in Colombia.

• Coordinate the dialogue between government officials, consultants, GGGI regional staff, and other project stakeholders (such as project’s beneficiaries or public/private companies) to ensure optimal results for energy-related projects in Colombia.

• Perform data collection, background research and analysis to evaluate renewable energy solutions, demand and cost analysis.

• Support the Regional Energy Lead and GGGI Colombia Project Managers on the development of technical, economic and environmental models to design renewable energy solutions and develop the business models for energy projects in Colombia.

• Provide guidance energy projects and green growth issues and opportunities within targeted sectors at the national and subnational level in coordination with key national counterparts.

• Support resource mobilization activities to implement activities and projects related to renewable energy, energy policy and energy efficiency.

• Sustain the quality of deliverables accordingly with GGGI standards and assure the value of products/services.

• Coordinate the work of firms and consultants when requested.

• Prepare capacity building materials and deliver knowledge sharing workshops, consultations, and focal group discussions with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of GGGI´s service with client needs.

• Support the development of results reporting of project activities and facilitate internal and external communications.

• Facilitate effective communication and cooperation across thematic areas and with country teams to enhance GGGI’s delivery.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a Colombian citizen, or a foreigner holding a valid Work Visa.

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, energy management, business administration or other related fields.

• Post-graduate degree or master’s degree in energy management, business administration (MBA), environmental science, or a related field will be plus.

• At least 3 years of professional experience in the above fields with an emphasis on renewable energy/energy policy solutions and project implementation.

• Experience in coordinating relationships with government officials, industry groups and contractors to deliver timely and high-quality results.

• Proficiency in Spanish and English is mandatory.

• Strong understanding of energy access issues, energy policy, and regulatory frameworks in Colombia.

• Experience in data analysis, research, and application of quantitative/qualitative assessment desirable.

• Experience in developing projects and programs within international cooperation, private or public sector.

• Demonstrated understanding of green growth in the context of developing countries.

• Understanding of financing mechanisms for energy projects and experience in market assessments and cost/benefit analysis are a plus.

• Experience in Colombian context, preferably on policy consultation and project development, is a plus.

• Experience in project finance, origination and development, and engaging with development partners in support of government climate change objectives.

• Strong understanding of global landscape of climate change policy and finance.

• Specialization in sustainable energy and related fields is a distinct advantage.

• Proven experience leading or supporting project delivery, i.e. managing/supporting the delivery of results on time and on budget.

 FUNCTIONAL

• Strong command of utilizing Microsoft Excel, and other complex data management software is a plus.

• Excellent analytical skills, critical thinking ability, and data mining skills.

• Able to communicate information and ideas in a clear and articulate manner in both oral and written formats. Uses appropriate language, style, and methods depending on the audience and the purpose of communication.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The Energy Associate is an X6 grade level in GGGI’s Colombia national salary scale. The salary range for the position starts at USD 17,757 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision.

GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members.