COLOMBIA: ARTICLE 6 RESTORATION 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: Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program โ GIS05-E1-03 Duty Station: Bogotรก, Colombia or Remote (within Colombia) Contract Duration: 23 June 2025 โ 22 June 2026 Consultant Level: Level 4 Total Fees: 64,800 USD
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Carbon Pricing Unit (CPU) of GGGI is implementing several programs related to scaling up international carbon trading, now covered by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. By opening these markets and the resultant flow of transactions it is envisaged a robust and reliable global price for carbon can be established, something many governments and private sector actors have long called for as a way to motivate the transformational change needed to achieve the ambitious goals of Paris. GGGIโs Article 6 programs provide technical assistance and capacity building to government counterparts to improve their readiness for Article 6 engagement. These programs support the design of projects and policies for pilot transactions and strengthening of institutional frameworks required for their implementation.
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 (ITMOs) 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 โ 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 consists 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.
Implementation of Article 6 in Colombia requires to analyze what subsectors could have better possibilities and the degree of readiness to access carbon markets, for which different conditions must be evaluated to determine viability for projects under Article 6.
Forest restoration is a key priority for Colombia, as reflected in its National Restoration Strategy 2023-2026 and its commitments under the NDC. However, securing sustainable, long-term financing for restoration projects remains a significant challenge. In this context, SPAR6C aims to strengthen the financial framework for forest restoration, with a particular focus on leveraging carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
To advance in the analysis of this sub-sector, the SPAR6C program developed the study \"Feasibility of Article 6 for Forest Restoration in Colombia.\" The objective was to explore the potential for designing strategic support programs for forest restoration in the country under Article 6. This analysis was based on Guide 2: Developing an A6 Host Party Strategy and Guide 5: Screening Article 6 Activities from SPAR6Cโs global A6 Toolbox. Key aspects examined included financing mechanisms, alignment with national policies, contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the development of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, and implementation potential. In addition to forest restoration, these analyses are also being conducted for two other subsectors: hydrogen and an industrial subsector focused on transport logistics.
As a result of the forest restoration sub-sector study, a concept note for a forest restoration financing program under Article 6 was developed. This program seeks to promote forest restoration and conservation in Colombia by mobilizing financial resources from carbon markets in synergy with other funding mechanisms, aligning with the NDC, the 2023-2026 National Restoration Strategy, and the National Restoration Plan and the Socioecological Transition Portfolio, which includes numerous restoration projects. It shall be financed through carbon markets (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement), voluntary markets, or complementary mechanisms. Additionally, it aims to develop a national methodology for restoration projects in carbon markets, ensuring environmental standards and community participation.
In February 2025, this note was reviewed in a workshop with experts, where recommendations were gathered to refine the programโs design. Based on technical discussions and feedback on a preliminary concept prepared by GGGI, a second version of the programโs concept note is currently being developed. To support this process, the project requires a consultant to lead the initial structuring of the program in alignment with the Ministry of Environment, ensuring the identification of potential projects eligible for financing through carbon markets related to Article 6 and alternative sources, having as priority of Article 6 (over voluntary carbon finance).
The main objective of this workstream is to begin the process of Article 6 mitigation activity development in Colombia. By assessing Article 6's potential in various sectors, SPAR6C aims to identify mitigation actions with high GHG reduction potential and promote a transformational change in the sectors.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The aim of the assignment is to lead the initial structuring of the Forest Restoration Program with Article 6, defining the strategy, methodologies, and implementation mechanisms. Additionally, provide guidance and advice on the design of specific projects and develop the national methodology for the program.
SCOPE OF WORK
Under supervision of the SPAR6C Colombia Project Manager with the support of the GGGI Colombia Climate Adaptation Senior Officer, the consultant will support the following activities and deliverables:
Activities
Develop a work plan Prepare a detailed work plan aligned with SPAR6C Project objectives, including activities, timelines, field missions and coordination mechanisms. Design the general strategy for the restoration program under Article 6 Define the financial, operational, and technical feasibility of the program in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and strategic stakeholders. Develop methodological guidelines for structuring restoration projects under Article 6 carbon markets, incorporating principles of additionality, permanence, and MRV systems. Develop Terms of Reference for a support firm Determine ToRs for a firm to support the construction of the program in conjunction with the consultant. The ToRs of the firm should include 1) the selecting and further developing an appropriate methodology for forest restoration for Colombia; and 2) fieldwork for selecting eligible projects with high-quality characteristics according to the eligibility criteria, 3) development of a portfolio of projects; 3) the development of at least 2 MAINs (Mitigation Activity Idea Notes) for individual projects; 4) Financial arrangements for the projects. Define eligibility criteria and identify priority areas for restoration Establish eligibility criteria for restoration projects under Article 6, ensuring alignment with UNFCCC regulations and Colombian policy frameworks. Define priority restoration areas based on ecological, social, and economic criteria to maximize environmental and social benefits. Assess the Socio-Ecological Transition Portfolio of the Ministry of Environment to determine synergies with that portfolio. Support the formulation and structuring of restoration projects Provide technical guidance and recommendations for the key activities and deliverables for project formulation under Article 6. Provide guidance on the development and outcomes of project structuring, ensuring alignment with program objectives and strategic priorities. Identify potential projects under Article 6 and assess investor preferences based on global and national case studies. Develop the proposed funding structure for thee the Article 6 forest restoration program Map different funding mechanisms for restoration and propose how these could be placed in synergy for an Article 6 Forest Restoration Program, for the benefit of project participants. Propose a funding structure at the program level prioritizing Article 6 over voluntary carbon finance. Support the research conducted by the SPAR6C team members and GGGI to assess the level of interest among buyers in investing in restoration projects under the mechanisms of Article 6 (sovereign buyers, corporate buyers under CORSIA and for net-zero offsetting claims). Participate in the discussions on bilateral agreements to provide insights and strategic advice for potential development of restoration projects. Support on selecting and further developing of a draft of a methodology for restoration projects. Provide orientation to the selected firm in the selection and/or further development of a methodology for restoration projects under Art. 6 by reviewing outputs and providing technical guidance, while promoting alignment with international best practices on scientific and field-based approaches, and integrating key criteria for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) to enhance project effectiveness and credibility. Lead agreement and consensus-building processes Facilitate dialogue and agreements between government entities, the private sector, local communities, and international organizations. Work closely with interdisciplinary teams from the Ministry of Environment and other strategic partners to integrate diverse perspectives into program design and execution. Participate in technical roundtables, workshops, and sector-specific events Represent the program in technical discussions with stakeholders, ensuring alignment and knowledge sharing. Attend relevant meetings, industry events, and restoration congresses to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends. Prepare technical and conceptual documents Develop reports, policy brief, strategic financing plans, and technical recommendations for internal and external stakeholders, particularly for governmental stakeholders involved. Generate content for concept notes, presentations, and other communication materials. Support the search for strategic partnerships Identify and engage private sector actors, multilateral organizations, and financial institutions to strengthen the programโs funding base. Define a monitoring, Reporting, and verification (MRV) Plan Support the development of a comprehensive MRV framework aligned with the requirements of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, differentiating between outcomes generated under cooperative approaches (6.2) and those under the Article 6.4 mechanism. Establish clear technical and institutional guidelines to track the effectiveness of ecological forest restoration initiatives and the generation of mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) or emission reductions (ERs), ensuring environmental integrity, avoidance of double counting, and long-term permanence. The MRV plan should be consistent with international best practices and integrated with Colombiaโs national systems for transparency and carbon accounting. Report progress and outcomes to key stakeholders Present findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, GGGI, and other relevant actors. Elaborate the final report Prepare a final report on the work performed during the consultancy. This report should include the final version of all the developed documents and activities of the consultancy.
Deliverable:
1) Work plan:
One (1) document containing the detailed work plan (in English and Spanish) that includes at least the following aspects: management approach, activities, methods to develop, deliverables, development times, deliverable times, and responsibilities.
2) Program strategy document focusing on financing and project eligibility criteria.
One (1) document containing the General Strategy for the Restoration Program under Article 6. It should include the financial, operational, and technical feasibility of the program worked jointly with and in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and strategic stakeholders, and the eligibility criteria for restoration projects under Article 6, ensuring alignment with UNFCCC regulations and Colombian policy frameworks.
3) Terms of Reference for consulting firm
One (1) document containing Terms of Reference for a consulting firm that would support various aspects of the design of the project including the selection and further development of a methodology for forest restoration under Art.6. The ToRs should contain the requirements for the said methodology incorporating principles of additionality, permanence, and MRV systems. The ToRs should include 1) the development of a 6.4 Methodology for forest restoration for Colombia; and 2) fieldwork for selecting eligible project., 3) development of a portfolio of projects; 3) the development of at least 2 MAINs (Mitigation Activity Idea Notes) for individual projects; 4) detailed financial structuring of the projects under the Article 6 forest restoration program
4) Advance report 1 of the activities 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11
One (1) document compiling the progress made under activities 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11. This document should include meeting minutes, presentations, and communication materials developed, as well as a dedicated subsection outlining the key advancements and recommendations to guide the continuation of the consultancy activities. It also includes the field trip report that presents a detailed account of the field mission(s) carried out in the framework of the consultancy.
5) Priority areas identification document
One (1) document containing the priority restoration areas based on ecological, social, and economic criteria to maximize environmental and social benefits. This document should include Including Selection Criteria and Preliminary Mapping.
6) Proposed financial structure for the A6 forest restoration program
One (1) document containing a proposed financial structure for the A6 forest restoration program. This document should include the mapping and assessment of financial mechanisms that could combine with article 6 for the project portfolio and a, the outcomes of the research to assess the level of interest among countries in investing in restoration projects under the mechanisms of Article 6. Lessons learnt and recommendations for a funding structure for the program. The detailed financial structuring of individual projects would be developed by the firm.
7) Advance report 2 of the activities 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11.
One (1) document compiling the progress made under activities 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11. This document should include meeting minutes, presentations, and communication materials developed, as well as a dedicated subsection outlining the key advancements and recommendations to guide the continuation of the consultancy activities. It also includes the field trip report that presents a detailed account of the field mission(s) carried out in the framework of the consultancy.
8) Risk and opportunity analysis for financing restoration through carbon markets (Article 6).
One (1) document containing a comprehensive risk and opportunity analysis for financing restoration projects through Article 6 mechanisms of the Paris Agreement and hybrid financial mechanism proposed, outcomes of the interest of countries in investing in restoration projects, evaluating additionality and co-benefits aspects to inform investment decisions and ensure alignment with national and international climate commitment.
9) Final report
One (1) document detailing the work performed. The report should include a compilation of the final version of all documents and, and subchapters of lessons learnt and recommendations for further action.
DELIVERABLE, TIMES AND PAYMENTS
Payments
Deliverables
Deliverable time
Quality (% of the total rate)
Payment 1
Deliverable 1. Work plan
2 weeks after execution of the contract
5%
Payment 2
: Deliverable 2. Program strategy document focusing on financing and project eligibility criteria.
Draft version: Deliverable 3 Terms of Reference for consulting firm.
8 weeks after
signing the contract
15%
Payment 3
Deliverable 4: Advance report 1 of the activities 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 and field trip report.
Deliverable 5 Priority areas identification document.
Final version: Deliverable 3. Terms of Reference for consulting firm.
18 weeks after signing the contract
20%
Payment 4
Deliverable 6: Proposed financial structure for the A6 forest restoration program
.
26 weeks after signing the contract
20%
Payment 5
Deliverable 8: Risk and opportunity analysis for financing restoration through carbon markets (Article 6).
34 weeks after signing the contract
20%
Payment 6
Deliverable 7: Advance report 2 of the activities 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 and field trip report 2.
Deliverable 9: Final report
43 weeks after signing the contract
20%
*Reporting Arrangements
The consultancy will be supervised by the SPAR6C Colombia Project Manager with the support of the Climate Adaptation Senior Office, 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 virtually, and in person as agreed in the workplan and during its progress. It is expected that the consultant has at least a 20% time availability for in-person meetings at GGGIโs offices in Bogotรก and an additional 20% for additional in person meetings as needed with counterpart institutions. All products (documents with their annexes and infographics, diagrams, tables, and any graphic developed to facilitate understanding of technical contents) 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 an executive summary (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 monthly progress 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 SPAR6C Colombia Project Manager and the Climate Adaptation Senior Office. 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. The consultant shall work closely with the firm to be contracted providing technical orientation and commenting on outputs, and act as the daily point of contact with the firm.
Before submitting each deliverable, the consultant will be expected to share and circulate a draft version of the document with the GGGI Project Manager, 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 description of the required expert is as follows:
The candidate must demonstrate expertise in Colombiaโs environmental sector and carbon markets. The integration of carbon markets and forest projects is desirable.
(REQUIRED) Professional degree in environmental sciences, forestry engineering, environmental economics, biology, economic science, or related fields. (REQUIRED) Postgraduate studies (Master) in climate change, carbon markets, sustainable development, ecology, or ecological restoration, and other fields. (DESIRABLE) PhD in climate change, carbon markets, sustainable development, or ecological restoration, and other fields. (DESIRABLE) A professional background combining expertise in environmental sciences, forestry engineering, or environmental economics, with emphasis on climate change, carbon markets, sustainable development, or ecological restoration, developed through undergraduate and postgraduate studies. (REQUIRED) At least 5 years of experience in implementation, financing or monitoring ecological restoration projects or afforestation projects or agroforestry projects. (REQUIRED) At least 5 years of experience in financial mechanism for environmental projects, preferably carbon markets. (REQUIRED) Experience in coordinating co-creation processes and facilitating agreements among diverse stakeholders, especially governmental. (DESIRABLE) Experience in designing MRV systems for monitoring carbon projects. (DESIRABLE) Experience in climate change policy, greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and Carbon standards. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills; capacity for synthesis, presentation, and communication; and strategic thinking skills. Organized with excellent time management and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work with teams. Strong command of spoken and written English and Spanish. Permission to work legally in Colombia is required.