Technical Needs Assessment Consultant, Climate Technopreneurship

Based in Seoul, The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote a model of economic growth known as "green growth", which targets key aspects of economic performance such a poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. 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.  

Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by climate change but faces a lack of resources and capacities to contribute effectively to climate change mitigation and adaptation building. In addition, financing barriers are holding back climate tech entrepreneurs in Vietnam. 

GGGI, in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Korea Development Bank (KDB), and the government of Vietnam seeks to accelerate the deployment of climate technologies at scale through the Climate Technopreneurship Project. This will be achieved through (i) incubator/accelerator services for start-ups, (ii) an investment fund, and (iii) other technical assistance tailored to the needs of Vietnam. The ultimate goal of the Climate Technopreneurship Project is to match up selected local startups with global tech firms for technology transfer and provide funding to newly established Joint Ventures or partnership entities for climate technology deployment. The purpose of this preparatory work by consultant would be to conduct an assessment of the Ecosystem for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Technology and identify candidate technologies that are suitable for this project goal. 

Objective of the Consultancy 

The Consultant will support the preparatory phase of the Program by conducting a needs assessment for climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies in Vietnam. When drafting the Report, the Consultant should:  

1. Identify priority sectors for Vietnam to meet its adaptation and mitigation goals. 
2. (For each sector) Identify priority technologies based on accepted process and criteria. 
3. (For each sector and from the list of priority technologies) Recommend technologies for business incubation/acceleration or technology transfer/diffusion. 
4. Identify and map key stakeholders in Vietnam to be consulted with, including conduct consultations with key stakeholders and conduct stakeholders input analysis.  

The duration of this assignment is approximately 3 months.

Scope of Work  

The individual (the “Consultant”) is expected to develop a report to assess the potential and technical barriers of climate-tech startup markets throughout the following activities: 

1. Setting the context: Climate Vulnerability

• Relevant government plans and strategies including national development plans, climate vulnerabilities, NDC, TNA, GCF country planning, etc.
  

2. Country Planning and Strategies for climate-tech 

• Assess climate technology needs by reviewing relevant country’s official plans, policies, and strategies, etc., including National Development Plans and Climate Strategies; NDC; TNA; and GCF Country Programme. 

3. Identify priority sectors for Vietnam to meet its adaptation and mitigation goals, in consideration of:   

• Relevant government plans and strategies including national development plans, climate vulnerabilities, NDC, TNA, GCF country planning, etc. 

4. (For each sector) Identify priority technologies based on accepted process and criteria (e.g. country needs, financial viability, technology feasibility, market/commercial availability, business potential, etc.) and their potential mitigation/adaptation impacts. 

• The Consultant may refer to the process and criteria developed by UNEP DTU when prioritizing technologies (see “TNA Step by Step: A Guidebook for Countries Conducting a Technology Needs Assessment and Action Plan”, pg. 21).  
• If Vietnam has completed its TNA and TAP, the Consultant must ensure that the Report is aligned with the contents thereof. 
• The Consultant has to update the existing TNA/TAP based on extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and market assessment.  
• The Consultant may be requested to collect relevant data for the estimation of potential mitigation/adaptation impacts and co-benefits by GGGI. 

5. (For each sector and from the list of priority technologies) Recommend technologies for business incubation/acceleration and/or technology transfer/diffusion (from global tech companies to local start-ups), highlighting current gaps and barriers as well as interventions to address them.

• The Consultant may organize this section by starting with (i) the list of recommended technologies, followed by subsections that include (ii) barrier identification and analysis, (iii) interventions to address the barriers, and (iv) concrete action plans and ideas. 

In addition to desktop research the Consultant should rely on interviews (in-person or remote) as his/her primary means of gathering information, starting with the stakeholder list in the latest TNA. A consultation workshop to discuss the findings will be organised in cooperation with GGGI. 

Deliverables and Payment schedule 

The expected outputs of the consultants are as follows: 

The written report (including executive summary) shall be provided to GGGI to address all items requested in the Scope of Work, including list of references and possible databases. The consultant is expected to incorporate comments from GGGI into the reports before the deliverables are approved. The official (final) report shall be issued after the comments on the draft report has been fully addressed.  

To maintain a prompt communication between the consultant and GGGI as well as achieve the high quality of services, it is expected that the consultant shall regularly hold update calls/meetings or email exchange to update on key findings and keep track on the engagement progress on the bi-weekly basis.  

All reports and outputs must be in English (unless being indicated otherwise), in accordance with GGGI’s formatting requirements, and submitted in hard copy and electronic formats along with complete sets of raw data, research materials, and interview notes. 

Payment timeline:  

Expertise required

GGGI is looking for a highly qualified individual consultant that may provide technical support and advice as specified in this TOR, as guided below:  

• Master’s in Finance, Banking, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering or other related fields (PhD is an advantage). 
• At least 10 years of professional experience in which 5-7 years of experience engaging entrepreneurship ecosystem, public policy development relating to SMEs/ startups/ Innovation/ climate technologies 
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge in entrepreneurship regulations, startup ecosystem, with sound understanding of climate-tech landscape of Vietnam.  
• Good understanding of climate tech, green assets/technologies (i.e. in the areas of energy efficiency, waste treatment facility, green business, sustainable agriculture etc.) 
• Strong background in research;  
• Ability to work independently under time pressures with minimal instruction or supervision;
• Fluency in English is required, with excellent writing and presentation skills. 

Administrative information

In addition to the Cover letter and CV and examples/links of previous work, the consultant needs to submit a draft financial proposal.  

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.  

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.