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: DO010-E1: Dominican Republic Country Platform: strengthening institutional capacity and developing a national climate investment portfolio to advance the NDC and strategic climate frameworks.

• Duty station: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (with occasional missions as required)

• Travel: One (1) official mission to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (indicatively March 2027), with travel costs budgeted and covered by the consultant.

• Contract duration: 3/12/2026 - 21/08/2027

• Consultant level: Level 5

• Total fees: USD 52,650.00

PROJECT BACKGROUND

GGGI operates in more than 40 countries to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. GGGI's Carbon Finance Department is a global leader in Article 6 technical assistance and, since 2019, has supported countries in accessing international carbon markets and building a credible global carbon price aligned with the Paris Agreement. In 2024, GGGI launched the Carbon Transaction Facility (CTF) to scale up cooperation under Article 6 through a combination of country-level readiness support and dedicated Carbon Funds that mobilize carbon finance through ITMO transactions.

The Paris Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for signatory Parties to achieve an ambitious commitment to limit the rise in global average temperature to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, on a cooperative basis. This framework encompasses various instruments, including the cooperative approaches under Article 6, which allow signatory countries (and private-sector entities authorized by them) to participate in international carbon transactions. In its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0 DR-2025) submitted to the UNFCCC, the Dominican Republic commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 14,732.10 ktCO₂e by 2030 and 18,349.32 ktCO₂e by 2035, representing a 28% reduction by 2030 and a 32% reduction by 2035 relative to the projected business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The Government estimates that achieving these mitigation targets will require approximately USD 11.47 billion, of which 8.5% constitutes the unconditional contribution financed with domestic resources, while the remaining 19.5% is conditional on the mobilization of international climate finance, technology transfer, capacity building and international cooperation.

Despite progress in strengthening the country's climate finance architecture, including the National Climate Finance Strategy, the issuance of thematic bonds, and steps toward direct access, significant institutional and coordination gaps persist. In response, the Government, led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, is driving reforms to strengthen the enabling environment for carbon and biodiversity market transactions through improved coordination, strengthened institutional capacities, and innovative financial instruments. In April 2025, Resolution No. 0028/2025 was adopted, establishing requirements to identify and register the environmental benefits of climate projects through the Environmental Impact Assessment process and creating the National Registry of Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits. This measure strengthens traceability and provides a critical regulatory basis for the effective national implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

The GCF Readiness Programme supports this transition through a programmatic approach centered on establishing the Country Platform for Climate Finance as the national mechanism for coordinating and articulating investments. The programme will strengthen institutional capacity for NDC implementation, advance strategic frameworks and policy instruments, support the accreditation of two Direct Access Entities to the GCF, develop a prioritized, investment-ready pipeline, and prepare high-quality funding proposals.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

To achieve the project objectives, GGGI is seeking an Article 6 Expert Consultant, in an international modality, who, under the supervision of the Senior Associate for Carbon and Biodiversity Markets and in close coordination with MMARN, will contribute to the following objectives:

• Support the design of key national policy instruments (the Carbon and Biodiversity Markets Regulation and the National Article 6 Strategy), providing technical facilitation for their validation and dissemination by the Government. The formal adoption or approval of these instruments constitutes a sovereign decision of the Government of the Dominican Republic and is not a task or deliverable of the consultant; the consultant is expected to proactively support their design through timely technical inputs, follow-up, and coordination with the relevant government counterparts.

• Support the implementation and operationalization of existing carbon market operational guidelines, through practical implementation tools, institutional workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and other operational instruments.

• Provide direct, hands-on operational support to ongoing bilateral cooperation processes under Article 6.2, including maintaining a governance and operational risk register, technical inputs for coordination meetings, and support in resolving concrete implementation bottlenecks.

• Assess the financial, regulatory, and institutional requirements for implementing carbon pricing mechanisms and corresponding adjustment procedures, translating them into practical recommendations on governance structures, registry systems, and monitoring frameworks.

• Support MMARN in resolving open institutional and procedural issues related to carbon market transaction authorization processes (for example, Letter of Authorization requests).

• Deliver capacity-building activities for public- and private-sector actors on Article 6 instruments, both national and bilateral, and on REDD+.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

A. CONTINUOUS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVISORY SERVICES

Throughout the duration of the assignment, and as a general obligation of the contract, the consultant will provide ongoing strategic, policy, and technical advisory support to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MMARN), in its role as National Designated Authority (NDA), to facilitate informed decision-making and the implementation of activities related to carbon markets, climate finance, and Article 6. This support is reported and certified through Deliverable E1 (progress reports).

This ongoing support includes:

• Providing timely technical advice and policy recommendations to support Government decision-making.

• Preparing technical notes, policy notes, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, and other knowledge products requested by GGGI and MMARN.

• Providing technical support during meetings, negotiations, workshops, and bilateral engagements.

• Coordinating closely with other consultants and consulting firms engaged under the project.

• Facilitating access to relevant information and supporting coordination with government counterparts and key stakeholders.

• Responding to ad hoc technical requests from GGGI and MMARN throughout the duration of the assignment.

B. LINKED DELIVERABLES

The deliverables listed below are the concrete, verifiable products against which payment will be certified, upon GGGI’s and MMARN’s approval.

E0. Work plan and scope definition (inception phase)

• The consultant will prepare a Work Plan defining the detailed scope of the assignment, the working methodology, the activity schedule for each deliverable, milestones, and progress indicators, in coordination with GGGI's Senior Associate for Carbon and Biodiversity Markets and MMARN.

• Product: Work plan and scope definition, validated by GGGI and MMARN.

E1. Progress reports to MMARN

• The consultant will prepare and submit three (3) concise progress reports over the course of the assignment. Each report will summarize activities carried out during the reporting period, progress against the work plan, key challenges, proposed mitigation measures, and priorities for the following period, and will include the timesheets for the period covered. The third report will be a final cumulative report covering the full assignment.

• Product: Three (3) progress reports (E1.1, E1.2 and E1.3) with their respective timesheets, submitted to MMARN and GGGI.

E2. National Carbon Market Strategy or Framework

• The consultant will prepare the draft National Carbon Market Strategy or Framework, including vision, objectives, strategic priorities under Article 6.2, Article 6.4 and voluntary markets, environmental integrity principles, priority actions, and an assessment of regulatory options and instruments.

• Product: Draft National Carbon Market Strategy submitted to MMARN.

E3. In-country mission to the Dominican Republic

• The consultant will undertake one (1) in-country mission to Santo Domingo of approximately five (5) working days, scheduled to coincide with the national Article 6 workshop (indicatively March 2027). During the mission, the consultant will hold working sessions with MMARN and relevant institutional stakeholders to deepen understanding of the national context. The consultant will also present the assignment's preliminary findings, including the draft National Carbon Market Strategy, to MMARN and deliver technical presentations and facilitation support at the Article 6 workshop. Mission dates and agenda will be agreed in advance with MMARN and GGGI.

• Product: Mission report including the mission agenda, list of meetings held, presentation materials for MMARN and the Article 6 workshop, key takeaways, and agreed next steps incorporated into the work plan.

E4. Report on additions and improvements to the carbon market operational guidelines (National Authorization Framework)

• Building on the existing operational guidelines document, the consultant will prepare a report on additions and improvements covering authorization principles and criteria, eligibility requirements, corresponding adjustments, and the decision-making process, accompanied by practical tools enabling its operationalization.

• Product: Report on additions and improvements to the operational guidelines, with annexed implementation tools (institutional workflows, standard operating procedures, and templates).

E5. Participation and Risk Management Framework

• The consultant will prepare the Participation and Risk Management Framework, covering the management of overselling risk, positive and negative lists, the risk categorization methodology, and guidance for managing international ITMO demand.

• Product: Participation and Risk Management Framework document submitted to MMARN.

E6. Governance and Institutional Framework

• The consultant will prepare the Governance and Institutional Framework, defining institutional roles and responsibilities, coordination mechanisms, and governance arrangements for bilateral cooperation.

• Product: Governance and Institutional Framework document submitted to MMARN.

E7. Risk register and technical inputs for bilateral cooperation under Article 6.2

• Within the framework of at least one ongoing bilateral cooperation process under Article 6.2, the consultant will maintain a governance and operational risk register with quarterly updates shared with MMARN and GGGI, prepare technical inputs for coordination meetings with counterpart authorities, propose solutions to concrete bottlenecks, and provide technical review of preliminary bilateral instruments.

• Product: Final governance and operational risk register, summary note on bottlenecks addressed, and procedural documentation on Letter of Authorization requests.

E8. Validated implementation roadmap

• The consultant will prepare the implementation roadmap for the National Carbon Market Strategy (priority actions, sequencing, institutional responsibilities, regulatory and registry-operationalization milestones, resource requirements, and monitoring indicators) and will provide technical facilitation of its validation process through technical consultations, stakeholder-engagement workshops, and bilateral meetings.

• Product: Validated implementation roadmap, accompanied by the consultation report and the consolidated matrix of stakeholder comments.

E9. Four (4) capacity-building workshops on Article 6 and REDD+ delivered

• The consultant will design and deliver four (4) workshops for public- and private-sector actors on Article 6 instruments (both national and bilateral) and on REDD+, including a needs assessment, audience-tailored modules, and an evaluation of learning outcomes. The schedule and audience for each workshop will be agreed with MMARN and GGGI.

• Product: Four (4) workshops delivered, training materials, and a consolidated training report including the evaluation of learning outcomes.

E10. Final consolidated policy instrument package

• The consultant will submit the final consolidated package of policy instruments, incorporating the comments and technical feedback received during the consultation and validation process.

• Product: Final consolidated package of policy instruments, executive summary, and presentation materials for Government review, submitted to MMARN and GGGI.

C. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment will be made against satisfactory certification and approval of each deliverable by GGGI and MMARN. Completion dates are indicative and are counted from the contract start date.

DELIVERABLE	ESTIMATED DAYS	PERCENTAGE OF PAYMENT	ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE
E0. Work plan and scope definition (inception phase)	10 days	8%	31/12/2026
E1.1 Progress report 1 (December–February)	1 day	1%	26/02/2027
E2. National Carbon Market Strategy or Framework	21 days	18%	31/03/2027
E3. In-country mission to the Dominican Republic	7 days	7%	31/03/2027*
E4. Report on additions and improvements to the carbon market operational guidelines (National Authorization Framework)	13 days	11%	30/04/2027
E5. Participation and Risk Management Framework	12 days	10%	31/05/2027
E6. Governance and Institutional Framework	10 days	9%	31/05/2027
E1.2 Progress report 2 (March–May)	1 day	1%	31/05/2027
E7. Risk register and technical inputs for bilateral cooperation under Article 6.2	14 days	12%	30/06/2027
E8. Validated implementation roadmap	11 days	9%	30/07/2027
E1.3 Progress report 3, final cumulative report (June–July)	2 days	1%	30/07/2027
E9. Four (4) capacity-building workshops on Article 6 and REDD+ delivered	8 days	7%	21/08/2027
E10. Final consolidated policy instrument package	7 days	6%	21/08/2027
TOTAL	117 days	100%

* Indicative; subject to the date of the Article 6 workshop agreed with MMARN.

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

• Applicants should be based outside the Dominican Republic to apply for this consultancy.

• Master's degree in environmental policy, public policy and/or planning, international public management, and/or any other relevant field.

• At least 8-15 years of relevant experience and an advanced degree (Master's) related to climate action, carbon markets, or green investment, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Solid understanding of international carbon markets, including in-depth knowledge of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (Articles 6.2 and 6.4) and of REDD+.

• Proven track record providing direct, hands-on operational support to bilateral cooperation processes under Article 6 (for example, authorization procedures, corresponding adjustments, implementation agreements). Practical experience is required, not merely theoretical knowledge.

• Demonstrated ability to operate in complex and changing institutional environments, and to resolve concrete governance and procedural bottlenecks in practice, rather than producing purely diagnostic outputs.

• Experience working day-to-day with ministries and government bodies. Experience with the Government of the Dominican Republic and MMARN constitutes a significant advantage.

• Experience with the requirements and procedures of bilateral donors or multilateral organizations.

• Experience organizing and delivering consultations, validation meetings, workshops, and capacity-building events.

• Strategic thinking and solutions orientation, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities in a demanding, time-sensitive environment.

• Ability to review and synthesize information and produce high-quality reports.

• Excellent spoken and written command of Spanish and English. Proficiency in French is desirable.

• Availability to travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the in-country mission described under E3 (travel costs covered by the consultant).

Functional

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

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

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

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, nationalities, gender, and age.

• Excellent problem solver.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

• Interested consultants shall submit the following documentation: Cover Letter and CV.

• Selection method/process: Competitive

• Duration of the selection process: 15–21 working days

The closing date is [date/time] Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. The application, cover letter, and CV must be submitted in English. A consortium or a firm may not be engaged for this individual consultant assignment.

As an international consultant, the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging and financing their own travel (including airfare, visa, and travel insurance) to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as any applicable immigration requirements.

SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SAFEGUARDS

As an institution, GGGI is governed by its Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) at the project level for all projects, in line with international environmental and social safeguards standards. The SSR are aligned with commonly recognized international environmental and social safeguards (ESS) standards, namely, the World Bank's Performance Standards, which ensure the protection, at the project level, of communities and individuals affected by GGGI's activities. GGGI has integrated environmental and social safeguards at the project level into its Project Cycle Management (PCM), with mandatory preliminary gender and social assessments, as well as an ESS analysis of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI's 2021–2025 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy provides a framework for achieving the principle of "leaving no one behind" in the transformation toward green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to gender-equality mainstreaming and poverty reduction within GGGI's programme in the Dominican Republic. This also includes the application of GGGI's Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy indicators across all projects. GGGI's Corporate Results Framework requires gender-disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI's capacity-development events.

GGGI's Child Protection Standards and GGGI's Standards on Sexual Exploitation safeguard children affected by GGGI's activities or who are in contact with personnel engaged by GGGI, reflecting GGGI's zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection regardless of whether a specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI's Child Protection Policy has been drafted in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All of the procedures referenced above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity-development initiatives. GGGI also offers a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, acceptance of diversity in all its forms, integrity, and a healthy work–life balance. We are committed to maintaining a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunity for all, including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI policies are available for public consultation at the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

FRAUD PREVENTION AND PROTECTION MEASURES

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

In addition, all GGGI policies are available for public consultation at 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.