Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Specialist Consultant
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Individual Consultant 4 Consultancy Close on 2 Mar 2026
Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)
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: Paraguay Sustainable Forestry Investment Fund
Duty Station: Asunción, Paraguay
Contract Duration: March 2nd, 2026 to March 1st, 2027
Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 198 days
Consultant Level: Level 4
GGGI has a rapidly expanded 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' Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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:
Contributing to the Operational Manual and Implementation Mechanisms for the World Bank’s (WB) Loan to AFD and for the AFD Loan to the SFIF.
Updating and operationalizing AFDs Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) aligned with the SFIF and WB requirements.
Designing and implementing mechanisms of the WB Loan to AFD across its two components.
Developing a Sustainable Forest Investment Portfolio pipeline for the AFD and updating existing financial products.
Delivering Timber Collateral training program, along with other capacity-building needs of local Intermediary Financial Institutions (IFIs).
To achieve the project objectives, GGGI is looking for an ESMS Consultant to support AFD in strengthening and operationalizing its ESMS for plantation financing by updating and aligning its ESMS manual and related operational manuals aligned with WBs Performance Standards (PS), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) PS, the SFIFs ESMS, applicable local regulations and AFDs Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (PCAS) agreed with the WB. The ESMS Specialist Consultant is also expected to develop the necessary operational tools and monitoring frameworks to ensure effective implementation and regulatory compliance between the project’s stakeholders.
Key tasks for this consultancy position are as follows:
Update/support AFDs gap analysis of its existing ESMS against WBs standards, IFC Performance Standards, local applicable legislation, the SFIFs ESMS as reflected in the Environmental and Social Review (RAS), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (PPPI-ESS10), and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (PCAS) agreed between AFD and the WB.
Update/support AFDs existing ESMS to adapt it to plantation financing, aligning it with local international best practices and local regulations, in accordance with the activities established in the PCAS.
Update/support AFDs updated ESMS with the WB and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES, Spanish acronym).
Designing a framework for monitoring and reporting environmental and social impacts, in accordance with the PCAS.
All activities shall be carried out in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), including ESS1–ESS10 as applicable. References to World Bank and IFC Performance Standards shall be understood as complementary technical benchmarks, where relevant, and consistent with the ESF and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (PCAS).
The ESMS 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 and Social Safeguard Specialist 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:
| No | Deliverables | Activities/Products | Amount (%) | Due Date |
| 1 | Updated/validated gap analysis of AFD’s existing ESMS against World Bank standards, IFC Performance Standards, applicable local legislation, and the SFIF ESMS. | a) Gap Analysis Report detailing, at a minimum: Minutes of meetings (internal and external); Internal documents reviewed such as WB Performance Standards (PS), IFC Performance Standards (PS), applicable local legislation, other international and local standards applicable to plantation financing; SFIF ESMS as reflected in the Environment and Social Review (RAS), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (PCAS) agreed between AFD and WB; Identified gaps, overlaps, and strengths of AFD’s current ESMS and other relevant documents such as MAQR; Gap prioritization based on environmental and social risk; and final recommendations for ESMS update requirements in line with PCAS commitments. b) Work Plan aligned with the project timeline and the PCAS agreed between AFD and the WB. | 12,5% | April 30th,2026 |
| 2 | AFDs updated ESMS, adapted to plantation financing and aligned to international best practices and local regulations, in accordance with the activities established in the PCAS. | a) Support the update AFD ESMS Manual and other relevant documents adapted to plantation financing, aligned with international best practices, local regulations, and AFD’s PCAS (Environmental and Social Commitment Plan). b) Operational tools and templates required for the successful implementation of the ESMS and other relevant documents. c) Updates to the other operational manuals referenced in the PCAS (including but not limited to MAQR) | 25% | June 30th,2026 |
| 3 | Pilot AFDs updated ESMS and integrate improvement opportunities | a) Socialization of AFDs updated ESMS and other relevant documents (including but not limited to MAQR) with internal Staff and Pilot within AFD and at least 2 IFIs to identify improvement opportunities. b) Report detailing socialization/pilot results. c) Updated AFDs ESMS integrating findings and recommendations, if received.
| 12,5% | July 31st,2026 |
| 4 | Validated AFDs ESMS. | a) ESMS and additional manuals referenced in the PCAS validated by AFD, the WB, and MADES. b) Evidence provided by AFD, MADES, and the WB accepting the final document (no-objection letters). | 12,5% | August 31st, 2026 |
| 5 | Framework for monitoring and reporting environmental and social impacts in accordance with the PCAS designed. | a) Environmental and social impact monitoring and reporting framework aligned with the approved PCAS. | 25% | September 30st,2026 |
| 6 | Assessment on capacity-building needs of IFIs | a) Capacity Needs Assessment Report, including: IFIs’ needs to implement AFD’s updated ESMS (and to comply with the PCAS, including but not limited to MAQR, SARAS, and MRV) | 6,25% | October 30th,2026 |
| 7 | Training program developed and tailored to IFIs needs | a) Tailored training plan and training materials, including: content, examples and case studies, training methods and materials, learning objectives, among others, aligned with PCAS requirements. b) Training Event Concept Note (CN) detailing, at a minimum: training objectives, target audience, agenda, venue, roles and responsibilities, among others. | 2,5% | November 30th,2026 |
| 8 | Training sessions delivered to AFDs network of financial intermediaries | a) Capacity-building materials and evidence. b) Training report, including pre- and post- event survey, list of participants disaggregated by gender. | 3,75% | February 2nd ,2027 (to be defined by AFD) |
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 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. Executive summaries will be delivered in English, and the final consolidated product of the consultancy must include a full English translation.
Payments will be made against delivery of the products with prior approval from AFD, and approval from the GGGI Project Manager.
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. 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 installed within the AFD.
Master’s degree or higher in fields such as economics, forestry sciences, or environmental engineering.
5-8 years of experience implementing ESMS in financial institutions is required. Experience or knowledge in second-tier banks’ ESMS is an asset.
Proven knowledge in International Standards such as WB PS, IFC PS or other international best financial practices and local legislation is mandatory.
Experience in the forestry sector is an asset.
Fluency in Spanish and English is required.
Functional
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.
Corporate
Understands and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
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:
