REGIONAL ENERGY PROGRAM LEAD - EU PACIFIC REGIONAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM
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.
GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change.
GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. These in-country programs, together with global products and services, focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to countriesโ development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities which build a strong theoretical and empirical basis for green growth, while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers; as well as building the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.
BACKGROUND
GGGI commenced operations in the Pacific in 2014, and it now has programs and projects in five member countries including Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Tonga, and Vanuatu, and in three partner countries, Samoa, Solomon Island, and Tuvalu. GGGI works in other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in the Southern and Northern Pacific through its regional programs. The partnership between GGGI and PICs is built on supporting their transition towards low carbon, environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and socially inclusive economies. In 2025, GGGI has 32 active projects with its total staff expected to grow to 140 by end of 2025. In addition to national country programs, GGGI proactively implements regional programs and projects in the Pacific that benefit two or more countries for logistical reasons and economy of scale aligned with regional best practice.
Rural electrification in the Pacific faceโs significant barriers, including geographical challenges due to scattered and remote islands, which make infrastructure development costly and logistically complex. To address this challenge and improve rural electrification access in the Pacific, the European Union (EU) is implementing the Pacific Regional Electrification Program (EU PacREP) across all PICs. This EUR 15 million program aims to advance the inclusive, sustainable and resilient socioeconomic development across 13 selected PICs including Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, as well as Timor-Leste. The aim is to increase access to electricity in rural and remote areas, reduce carbon emission and reliance on imported fossil fuels.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Pacific Regional Director and under the guidance of the Pacific Country Representatives, the Regional Energy Program Lead (REPL) will be responsible for the functions of the Project Manager and Technical Lead to manage the implementation of the EU PacREP Program. The Program primarily seeks to develop national institutional capacities, energy policies and regulations, investment in energy infrastructure and promote local education and awareness in the target PICs.
PURPOSE
The REPL will provide overall strategic, technical, and managerial leadership for the implementation of the EU PacREP across 13 PICs and Timor-Leste. S/he will ensure the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities across target PICs, delivering high-impact, sustainable, gender-sensitive rural electrification solutions aligned with national development priorities, and the strategic goals of both GGGI and the EU. The REPL will serve as the primary focal point between the EU Delegation, national governments, GGGI teams, and other stakeholders, ensuring coherence, administrative and financial management, high quality reporting, and timely achievement of project outcomes.
The REPL will perform the following tasks and duties:
Oversee the development of national rural electrification models and ensure their technical, financial, and social feasibility. Ensure quality assurance and technical rigor of policy outputs, renewable energy systems design, installation of systems, in collaboration with government focal points and technical experts. Ensure that the design of the national electrification facilities or prioritized rural electrification projects will be carried out in close collaboration with the countries and national stakeholders, in full respect of their sovereignty. Guide the integration of gender and environmental safeguards, community ownership, and operations and maintenance planning into all project activities. Lead and coordinate the advancement of national rural electrification projects in selected communities across target countries by facilitating the blending of EU funds with other financing sources, providing technical support to attract public and private investment, and promoting collaboration with donors and partners to maximize impact. Oversee compliance with the projectโs Grant Agreement and ensure that all key project milestones and internal and EU reporting obligations are met, with high quality and timely delivery, using GGGIโs project management systems and control process. Formulating, compiling, and reviewing project annual budgets and monthly financial performance, procurement planning and management, and effective risk management. Ensure sound financial management of the project in compliance with GGGI and EU rules and regulations, including oversight of budget execution and procurement planning. Lead the recruitment and performance management of the regional project team, consultants, and in-country staff, in coordination with GGGI HQ. Support procurement planning and execution to ensure timely mobilization of equipment and services needed for project implementation. Serve as the People Manager in leading the recruitment and management of the Project Team and guide and supervise their individual performance compliant with GGGI staff rules, safeguards, and HR/operational systems and standards. Attend to other duties assigned from time to time by the Regional Director and higher-level officers in GGGI.
ENGAGEMENT
The REPL will report to the Pacific Regional Director and work closely with GGGIโs Pacific Country Representatives, teams, and technical experts through these engagements:
Ensuring seamless project management. Acting as the key and regular liaison between the EU Delegation to the Pacific and GGGI on all aspects of project management. Ensuring proper coordination of embedded staff in focal Ministries across the participating countries Representing GGGI and EU PacREP at regional forums, steering committees, technical working groups, and public events, and maintaining high level engagement with the relevant stakeholders such as the different Pacific Island governments (national and local authorities), private sector, and civil society organizations. Facilitating consultations and capacity-building activities with national energy agencies and community stakeholders. Providing technical advice and guidance to the Project Team and other GGGI staff on the planning and delivery of the project activities, outputs, and outcomes. Supporting preparation of analytical inputs for capacity building of internal staff and government officials in green investment project design, preparation, and implementation. Playing a critical role in building, maintaining, and strengthening partnerships with government counterparts and international/local stakeholders in the public and private sectors and ensure that they are fully consulted as and when required to fulfil all project requirements and standards.
DELIVERY
The REPL will be responsible for but not limited to:
Recruiting and managing the Project Team to implement and deliver all project components including impacts, outcomes, and outputs in close consultation with all stakeholders. Lead project implementation across all target PICs and ensure delivery of activities under policy support, rural electrification systems installation, and knowledge sharing across the region within agreed timelines. Manage the project budget, procurement, and personnel and ensure its financial reporting requirements are met in a timely manner. Oversee technical work in areas of energy policies and regulations, rural electrification initiatives, tariff structuring, private and public investment and financing mechanisms, and capacity building to meet the national priorities as well as the sustainability targets. Organize steering committee meetings, country specific consultations and workshops, and regional knowledge sharing sessions. Monitor progress of the project, identify risks timely, and propose solutions in time to ensure compliance with the project timeline. Prepare and submit reports (Inception Reports, Quarterly Snapshot Reports, Annual Progress Reports) to the EU, at high standards and compliance. Represent the project outward, presenting EU PacREP interests at regional sessions, workshops, and with strategic stakeholders. Ensure gender, social inclusion, and environment are incorporated in project activities. Enable knowledge transfer to governments and to communities to strengthen long-term ownership and resilience of the project.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Masterโs degree in electrical engineering, renewable/sustainable energy, international development, or other related and relevant fields. At least 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in international development, including design, implementation, and management of energy projects in developing countries including PICs. Strong technical knowledge of solar and renewable energy systems, energy transition pathways, climate change, and climate/green finance mechanisms. Knowledge of energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional strengthening. Proven experience in leading multi-country or regional projects, preferably in the Pacific Region or other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Proven experience in managing and delivering infrastructure projects, such as but not limited to energy infrastructure, ideally in the Pacific or other remote locations, with a strong understanding of the challenges of working in diverse cultural and geographical contexts. International multi-country experience, particularly in isolated or remote locations, working on solar and renewable energy systems, climate change, green growth, project management and development issues, with an understanding of logistical challenges such as supply, transport, and access to outer islands. Ability to efficiently manage and coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects across different cultural and institutional settings, while managing multiple workstreams simultaneously under tight timelines. Engagement with donors, especially the European Union, and familiarity with managing EU-funded projects and meeting their contractual, financial, and reporting requirements will be an advantage. Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination skills, working effectively with governments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
FUNCTIONAL
Good knowledge and experience in international and sustainable development and climate change, renewable/clean energy policy and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure investment planning and implementation, financing mechanisms and capacity development approaches. Demonstrated relationship-building and facilitation skills including stakeholder and community consultations. Resourceful and able to develop and operationalize strategies to achieve outputs and outcomes. Excellent project management skills, including work planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MERL), and risk management. Experience with project finance, private or public sector projects and investments, tariff structuring and/or in PPP transactions. Knowledge and experience in adhering to internationally agreed environmental and social safeguards (ESS) and gender-sensitive design requirements. Willingness and ability to commit to in-country work and travel as required and where possible. Proven track record in team leadership and managing multi-country and multicultural teams with sensitivity and experience working with PICs and communities. High degree of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, with experience working in cross-cultural settings and a deep appreciation for the values and social systems of Pacific Island communities.
CORPORATE
Project Management: Proven ability to independently plan, manage and complete projects that deliver quality outcomes in a timely and inclusive manner. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver products or presentations that are concise, easy to understand and influential. Influencing Change: Track record of engaging effectively to secure buy in, underpinned by strong listening, trust building, influencing, facilitation and negotiation skills. Team Player: Capacity to be selfless team member, to operate across organizational boundaries, and maintain a resilient, positive, and results-focused mindset in a dynamic environment. Governance: Observe and align with corporate governance policies and procedures and best practices. Organizational Values: Promotes GGGIโs organizational values, and promote a culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Regional Energy Program Lead is an X10, international grade level in GGGI's salary scale. For X10 International grade, the base salary starts from USD 93,480. Determination of base salary is subject to candidate's experience, academic background and internal equity. 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. In addition, GGGI provides expatriate benefits such as expatriate allowance - equivalent to 20% of the base salary, educational allowance, and other benefits.
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.
Child protection โ GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGIโs Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.