SUSTAINABLE FINANCE SENIOR ASSOCIATE (FORESTRY FINANCE)

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 has a rapidly expanding 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' NDC and SDG goals.

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Based in Asunción, Paraguay, the Sustainable Finance Senior Associate (Forestry Finance) will support AFD in aligning its operations with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and other applicable safeguard requirements for borrowing entities. The role will contribute to the identification, assessment, and management of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with AFD-financed projects. Among its key responsibilities, the position will facilitate the implementation and operationalisation of the SFIF, and its activities include but are not limited to: developing internal manuals; designing implementation arrangements and strengthening AFD’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to ensure consistency with SFIF requirements and the World Bank standards.

Additionally, the position will support the development of a Sustainable Forestry Investment Pipeline for AFD, contribute to the delivery of a Timber Collateral Training Program, and assist in integrating AI-powered MRV systems for performance monitoring and traceability.

PURPOSE

The Sustainable Finance Senior Associate (Forestry Finance) will play a key role in implementing GGGI’s sustainable finance agenda in Paraguay by contributing to enhance AFDs capacities to access funding required to operationalize the SFIF, that will ultimately result in resource mobilization aiming to finance sustainable forestry plantations and generate green jobs directly supporting Paraguay’s climate, biodiversity and employment goals.

The position will provide technical assistance to the AFD to advance the fund’s readiness, ensuring full alignment with the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguards and IFC Performance Standards. The Senior Associate will also help design financial mechanisms that de-risk private investment in forestry and accelerate Paraguay’s National Reforestation Plan.

ENGAGEMENT

Report to the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer in Paraguay, under the guidance of the Country Program Manager and Investment Lead and/or Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Collaborate with AFD, MADES and the World Bank on the technical design, validation, and operationalization of the SFIF, along with all required documents and procedures to advance the fund’s readiness.

Coordinate with GGGI’s global experts in sustainable finance, forestry, environmental safeguards, and AI-based Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems to ensure technical coherence and innovation.

Engage with financial institutions, plantation investors, and cooperatives to strengthen understanding and adoption of sustainable forestry finance mechanisms.

Represent GGGI Paraguay at national and international events, workshops, and conferences to showcase the project’s results and donor visibility, when required.

Contribute to internal and external communications to highlight KGNDTF’s role in catalyzing sustainable forestry investments in Paraguay.

DELIVERY

Support the development of the AFDs Operational Manual and implementation arrangements for the AFD loan to the SFIF.

Contribute to the design and validation of AFDs ESMS aligned to the SFIF, the World Bank ESF, and IFC Performance Standards.

Support alignment with the World Bank loan conditionality process and fulfillment of readiness and compliance criteria required for disbursement and fund activation.

Assist in structuring Loan mechanisms from AFD to the SFIF including defining KPIs, performance targets, and monitoring frameworks.

Participate in the development of a pipeline of sustainable forestry investments for the AFD, to enhance its financing to the Agroforestry Sector through existing financial products, supporting outreach to IFIs, plantation owners, and cooperatives.

Support the delivery of the Timber Collateral Training Program and other related topics, helping build the capacity of financial intermediaries to assess and accept standing timber as viable collateral.

Coordinate data inputs and engage stakeholders for the integration and operation of the AI-powered MRV system for sustainability performance and traceability.

Ensure adherence to GGGI’s Environmental and Social Safeguards and Gender Equality Policy, while maintaining strong project documentation and reporting.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional with a postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Finance, Forestry Economics, Business Administration, Economics or other related fields

Preferred at least 4-5 years of professional experience in the forestry sector in Paraguay.

Experience in financial modelling related to forest plantations is an asset.

At least 2 years of professional experience in sustainable finance is required. This experience may include: ESMS, thematic bonds, blended finance, forestry finance projects, or sustainability-linked instruments. Experience in implementing ESMS related to forestry projects in local financial institutions is highly valued.

Experience in forestry or land-use investment projects or climate-smart agriculture is highly desirable.

Thorough understanding of financial/fund mechanisms structuration is required

Experience in designing the development of technical manuals (such as Operational and Risk Management Manuals), with a strong focus on financial and investment frameworks is an asset.

Knowledge of FSC certification requirements is mandatory.

Knowledge of environmental and social safeguards (IFC Performance Standards), World Bank Standards and ESG integration in investment frameworks is desirable.

Verbal and written fluency in English is required.

FUNCTIONAL

Strategic thinker and solutions-oriented, with good ability to multitask and work in a matrix environment.

Ability to interact, develop and maintain working relations with financial sector stakeholders and high-level government officials and partners.

Committed to learning about the growing field of sustainable finance.

Comfortable working both in a team and independently.

Strong ability to work remotely, while maintaining productivity.

Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.

Excel at problem solving, ask questions and seek support when needed, share easily knowledge with others both internally as externally.

CORPORATE

Understand and actively support GGGI's mission, vision and values.

Promote the optimum use of public resources

Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.

Processes and shares information easily.

Manage emotions and stress positively, build rapport and resolve conflict easily.

Promote creativity and innovation among staff.

Be able to lead where needed and provide solutions to project-level challenges.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Sustainable Finance Senior Associate is an X7 grade level in GGGI Paraguay national salary scale. The salary range for the position starts at USD 30,147 per annum, depending on qualifications, experience and internal equity. In addition, GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, flexible work arrangements and contribution towards private health insurance that covers dental and vision. The initial appointment is for 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and budget availability.

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 commitments and personal and family commitments, including repercussions of post-COVID conditions, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity and well-being of Staff members.

For more information on GGGI's terms and conditions (allowances, health care, education etc) please familiarize yourself with GGGI's Rules and Regulations that can be found here: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/.