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

Based in Seoul, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote a model of economic growth known as "green growth" which targets key aspects of economic performance such as poverty reduction and job creation, as well as social inclusion and environmental sustainability. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies and bankable projects that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and the private sector to help build economies that achieve strong growth and are less carbon intensive, more resilient to climate change, and more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources.

The Paris Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for signatory Parties to reach an ambitious commitment to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C in a cooperative manner. This framework covers a number of instruments including cooperative approaches under Article 6 which allows signatory countries (and private sector entities authorized by these countries) to engage in international carbon transactions. The Carbon Finance Department (CFD) of GGGI is a global leader in Article 6 international carbon trading technical assistance, implementing several programs since 2019 related to preparing and supporting countries in trading, opening up international carbon markets. The resultant flow of transactions is envisaged to build a robust and reliable global price for carbon, something many areas of the private sector have long called for as a way to motivate the transformational change needed to achieve the ambitious goals of Paris.

The Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German government, is a five year, 20M EUR program from 2022 to 2027. Its objective is to use Article 6 (A6) cooperative approaches to engage the private sector in NDC implementation and to raise ambition. This will enable cost-efficient, flexible, high integrity carbon markets with positive sustainability impacts. Transformative design of A6 pilots for real transactions of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMO) will be enabled by research-based capacity building in four partner countries: Colombia, Pakistan, Thailand and Zambia. The program consists of six work packages, of which two are centrally managed and four are country driven. In the first two, best practice tools and approaches to implement cooperative mechanisms will be developed, underpinned by an international forum – a community of practice of Article 6 implementing countries - that brings together countries and practitioners, who share the common objective of raising ambition through markets. In-country implementation will focus on three areas of work in each of the four countries: 1) Long-term planning, 2) institutional readiness to transact and 3) pilot design and transactions. More than eight A6 pilot programs will be implemented in Colombia, Pakistan, Thailand and Zambia based on a toolbox of innovative guidance and approaches for transformative A6 design.

The program is implemented through a consortium led by GGGI and consisting of UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Carbon Limits AS, GFA Consulting Group GmbH, and Kommunalkredit Public Consulting GmbH. SPAR6C is supporting Colombia in developing its institutional, regulatory, and technical framework and capacities to embark on Article 6 transactions of ITMOs during the NDC implementation period 2020-2030 of Paris Agreement.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement has been established as a tool to promote countries' climate ambition, and to enable countries to collaborate internationally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through cooperative approaches and carbon markets. Thus, it also provides a source of potential funding for companies looking to co-fund projects that generate verifiable emission reductions.

Within the framework of the SPAR6C program, a pre-feasibility analysis of the green hydrogen (H2) industry in Colombia was developed and indicated an opportunity to develop a more detailed analysis for a specific project, to estimate the GHG reductions using the more adequate methodology, a detailed analysis and assessment of the safeguards of the project, and a financial analysis including the additionality of the carbon market input to accelerate the implementation.

To access funding through Article 6, project developers must submit detailed documentation – first a Mitigation Activity Idea Note (MAIN)¹, followed by a Mitigation Activity Design Document (MADD) – to demonstrate the climate impact and credibility of their proposed activities.

GGGI is seeking a qualified expert in developing carbon markets projects and development of MAIN (Mitigation Activity Idea Note) for energy sector.

The selected consultant will develop a Mitigation Activity Idea Note (MAIN) for the use of green ammonia in Colombia within the framework of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Building on information provided by the participating company, the MAIN will integrate the technical, methodological, and financial analyses required to assess the project’s readiness for potential participation in Article 6.2 or 6.4 cooperative approaches.

The consultancy will include a thorough review of existing data, tools, and assumptions used to estimate GHG emission reductions from hydrogen production and utilization pathways. The consultant will evaluate the robustness and alignment of these estimations with recognized methodologies (e.g., Article 6.2 cooperative approaches, Article 6.4 methodologies, or voluntary standards) and their consistency with national MRV and inventory frameworks.

The final outputs will provide the Government of Colombia and the private sector with robust, evidence-based insights to inform strategic decisions on integrating hydrogen and green ammonia activities into carbon market mechanisms and national mitigation portfolios.

Under the supervision of the Colombia Senior Mitigation Associate SPAR6C Colombia the consultant will prepare the GHG emission reductions information for the MAIN. The scope includes, at minimum, the following activities:

In articulation with the GGGI-SPAR6C program team and the mitigation activity’s company team, the consultant is expected to collect, analyse and synthesize all relevant information for GHG emission reductions for potential participation in Article 6.2 or 6.4 cooperative approaches for the MAIN.

Activity 1. Review of GGGI template, Existing Information and Data Consolidation

1. Collect and review existing technical, financial and institutional information provided by mitigation activity company and other relevant stakeholders, identifying information gaps and additional data needs to ensure compliance with the requirements of the GGGI MAIN Template for the green hydrogen mitigation activity.

2. Compile national and international references relevant to hydrogen and green ammonia projects, including GHG quantification methodologies, participation in carbon markets, and existing certification schemes for green hydrogen (e.g., Guarantees of Origin, Certify, ISO standards). This review should assess how these schemes account for emission reductions and identify potential overlaps or risks of double counting of benefits at the global level.

Activity 2. Key features for GHG emission reductions

The consultant shall review and compile all relevant information required regarding the section of key features of the Mitigation Activity.

1. Review international methodologies and approaches currently applied to quantify GHG emission reductions in hydrogen and green ammonia projects, including those under Article 6.2 cooperative approaches, Article 6.4 methodologies, and voluntary carbon standards. Identify similar projects under development globally, the methodologies they apply, and the rationale behind their selection.

2. Select the most appropriate methodology to be applied for estimating GHG emission reductions for the green ammonia project in Colombia, considering its technology, boundaries, and data availability. This methodology should consider and be aliened to the existing carbon methodologies for certified carbon standards (e.g. Verra, Gold Standard).

3. Based on the selected methodology, define the data requirements, parameters, and assumptions necessary to perform emission reduction estimations. Assess the availability and quality of the existing information provided by the company and national sources.

4. Review and compile all relevant information required regarding the section of key features of the Mitigation Activity, including, but not limiting to, mitigation measures, applicable methodology, technology, geographical boundaries, among others.

5. Identify data gaps and propose a strategy to collect, estimate, or develop the missing information to ensure methodological completeness and integrity.

6. Validate the robustness and internal consistency of emission reduction estimations following the selected methodology, ensuring alignment with recognized standards and national MRV and GHG inventory systems.

7. Provide recommendations for methodological improvements to strengthen the accuracy, transparency, and credibility of the project’s emission reduction estimates.

8. Define the expected crediting period, amount of total mitigation outcomes and insurance schedule (this activity can be carried out once the Mitigation Activity Environmental Integrity and financial sustainability and feasibility analysis have been elaborated).

Activity 3. Baseline analysis and report of the field visit to the project

1. Conduct an integrated assessment to quantify baseline emissions, project emissions, leakage, and net emission reductions or removals. This includes estimating the baseline scenario using credible data and justified assumptions, calculating all relevant project emissions within the activity boundary, assessing potential leakage conservatively, and determining net reductions or removals as the difference between baseline and project emissions adjusted for leakage, in line with the applicable carbon-standard methodology and Article 6 requirements.

2. A field visit to the project facilities will be carried out to collect information. The visit will support the verification of existing conditions, complement secondary data, and ensure the accuracy and robustness of the baseline analysis.

3. Develop the calculation of baseline emissions, emissions from the activity (activity emissions) and any leakage emissions should be presented, to provide an estimate of ex-ante emission reductions.

4. Estimation of the emission reductions by year and propose a transactions arrangement considering the expected crediting period, amount of total mitigation outcomes and insurance schedule (this activity can be carried out once the Mitigation Activity Environmental Integrity and financial sustainability and feasibility analysis have been elaborated).

5. Develop a potential schedule payment and transactions considering the financial and technical viability.

Activity 4. Mitigation activity environmental integrity.

1. The consultant shall Describe how environmental-integrity principles are embedded in the design including the evaluation of the following key elements:

• Baseline setting

• Leakage

• Permanence

• Quantification approach and uncertainty management

• Applicable carbon standard and methodological coherence

• Carbon lock-in risks review and analyse the information to determinate the additionality, baseline and methodology and alignment with NDC and national framework.

2. The analysis includes the development of an assessment to demonstrate the need of carbon revenue for the viability of the activity to ensure the additionality.

3. Define the main variables and parameters used for the baseline and the ones to monitor the reductions of the project, considering the relation with the Colombian INGEI.

Activity 5. Cross-cutting Coordination, Consultation, and Reporting support

Throughout the consultancy will participate in coordination meetings with GGGI- SPAR6C program and government representatives to present progress and receive guidance; support the organization of technical discussions or validation sessions to review preliminary findings and submit monthly progress reports summarizing activities, achievements, and next steps, according to GGGI’s reporting format and the MAIN template.

Deliverable 1. Work Plan

A detailed work plan (in English and Spanish) describing the consultant’s management approach, timeline, activities, deliverables, milestones, responsibilities, and potential workshops. The plan should include the identification of the main stakeholders that will be relevant for the development of the MAIN and consultations for the GHG validation.

Deliverable 2. Key Features for GHG emission reductions

A concise technical report defining the methodological approach and key features of the Mitigation Activity for the project. The deliverable should include the review and selection of an appropriate GHG quantification methodology aligned with Article 6 approaches and recognized carbon standards, the definition of data requirements, parameters, and assumptions, an assessment of data availability and gaps, and the validation of the robustness and consistency of emission reduction estimates in line with national MRV systems. The document should include the information to fulfil the MAIN template sections related with the analysis developed.

The report will also present key characteristics of the mitigation activity and provide preliminary estimates of the crediting period and total mitigation outcomes, subject to the completion of environmental integrity and financial feasibility analyses.

Deliverable 3. Baseline analysis

A technical report as support and the information to be added in the MAIN format with quantifying baseline emissions, project emissions, potential leakage, and net ex-ante emission reductions for the Mitigation Activity, in accordance with the applicable carbon-standard methodology and Article 6 requirements. It will also present a preliminary transaction and payment structure, including an indicative crediting period, expected mitigation outcomes, insurance considerations, and a proposed payment and transaction schedule aligned with the project’s technical and financial viability.

The document should include the information to fulfil the MAIN template sections related with the analysis developed.

The deliverable should include an excel with all the calculations of baseline and activity emissions, conservative leakage assessment, and annual emission reduction estimates, with clear assumptions, source of information, and information used for the estimations.

Deliverable 4. Mitigation activity environmental integrity

A technical document with the demonstration of how environmental integrity principles are embedded in the design of the Mitigation Activity. The deliverable will evaluate key elements including baseline setting, leakage, permanence, quantification approach and uncertainty management, methodological coherence with the applicable carbon standard, and potential carbon lock-in risks. It will assess additionality through an analysis of the project’s reliance on carbon revenues for financial viability, and review alignment with national frameworks, including the NDC. The report will also define key variables and parameters for baseline setting and monitoring of emission reductions, ensuring consistency with Colombia’s national GHG inventory system (INGEI).

The document should include the information to fulfil the MAIN template sections related with the analysis developed.

Deliverable 5. Final MAIN information and Executive Presentation

1. One (1) document with the final version of the information to be included in the Mitigation Activity Idea Note (MAIN), an Excel data base with all the calculations and the information used.

2. One (1) PowerPoint presentation summarizing the methodology, key findings, and recommendations.

3. One (1) concise executive summary (English and Spanish, max. 5 pages).

4. A summary report (max. 10 pages in English and Spanish) and slide deck (max. 10 slides) highlighting main findings, milestones, and recommendations from the consultancy. The consultant will also submit all databases, calculations, and relevant materials used for the analysis.

Deliverables and payment schedule

The consultant will support the activities developed by the SPAR6C team and the activities mentioned before, the payments carried out the following outputs and times:

Reporting Arrangements

The consultancy will be supervised by the Sectoral Mitigation Senior Associate of SPAR6C Colombia, to ensure the timely and quality delivery of the products described in the contractual objectives. Follow up of activities will be done taking as reference the agreed working plan and further amendments as agreed.

• The consultant's work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning, and biweekly meetings for prioritizing activities, changing in priorities and scope of deliverables. These review meetings will tackle subjects such as overview of contractual objectives, development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially settled, and any other relevant progress details. The assessments will be carried out under the guidance of GGGI staff.
• The consultant will carry out the foreseen activities online, and in person as agreed in the workplan and during its progress.
• All products (documents with their annexes and infographics, diagrams, tables, and any other technical document) will be delivered in digital media, in open files that allow their edition.
• In terms of language, all reports and deliverables will be delivered in Spanish. The first deliverable (work plan) and the last delivery corresponding to the executive summary[KS3] (2-3 pages a word document and 5-slides PowerPoint document) at the end of the consultancy must be presented in both languages Spanish and English.
• The consultant must submit the reports in GGGI's standard template.
• All relevant technical documents, reports and other documents prepared from the beginning to the end of the consultancy will be attached to the Final Report.

Suggested methodology

The consultant is expected to have biweekly interactions with the Sectoral Mitigation Senior Associate of SPAR6C Colombia as well as the Article 6 SPAR6C sectoral consultant, and periodically with the SPAR6C Colombia Project Manager. The consultant will be asked to report progress in relation to contractual objectives, activities, and milestones during the meeting. The consultant shall support the GGGI team in internal and donor reports with respect to the topics of the consultancy. The consultant shall communicate any proposed deviation from the Workplan to the GGGI supervisor.

Before submitting each deliverable, the consultant will be expected to share and circulate a draft version of the document with the Sectoral Mitigation Senior Associate of SPAR6C Colombia, allowing at least two weeks to receive comments and feedback. Submission of final deliverables must include a clean version as well as a tracked changes version (for MS Word documents) which includes responses to comments received.

Expertise required

The consultant must demonstrate solid technical expertise in carbon markets, hydrogen technologies, and project structuring, with proven experience in GHG quantification methodologies, financial analysis, and Article 6 mechanisms.

(REQUIRED)

• Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy Systems, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Management, Economics, or related fields.
• At least 5-8 years of relevant professional experience in the design, evaluation, or implementation of mitigation projects related to hydrogen, renewable energy, or industrial decarbonization.
• Proven experience applying carbon market methodologies and standards (e.g., CDM, Article 6.4, VCS, Gold Standard) and developing GHG emission reduction calculations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills in English and Spanish.

(DESIRABLE)

• Previous experience developing or contributing to Mitigation Activity Idea Notes (MAINs), concept notes, or feasibility studies under carbon market mechanisms.
• Knowledge of international certification schemes for green hydrogen (e.g., CertifHy, Guarantees of Origin, ISO standards).
• Experience with policy and regulatory frameworks related to hydrogen, renewable energy, or climate finance in Latin America.
• Experience in financial modelling or techno-economic analysis of mitigation projects, including CAPEX/OPEX assessment, IRR/NPV evaluation, and sensitivity analysis. Familiarity with MRV systems, national GHG inventories, and sustainable development indicators.
• Familiarity with GGGI’s methodologies, Article 6 cooperative approaches, and carbon pricing instruments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

(OTHER REQUIREMENTS)

• Must be a Colombian citizen or legal resident with valid permission to work in Colombia.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and capacity to handle technical and financial datasets.
• Ability to deliver high-quality outputs under limited supervision and within agreed deadlines.

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e., the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of “Leaving No One Behind” in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia´s Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI’s Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI’s Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI´s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI's anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI's operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/ 2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI's policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.