INDONESIA: GCF CONCEPT NOTE WRITER FOR THE NOMINATED DAE

Forest Carbon; Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta; On-site; IDR 350.000.000 - 500.000.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international organization focuses on sustainable development in Indonesia is seeking a Climate Finance Consultant to facilitate crucial climate financing projects. The role involves developing comprehensive concept notes for Green Climate Fund submissions, engaging various stakeholders, and supporting financing facilities for renewable energy projects. This position requires a Master’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience in climate finance and project design.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in climate change financing and project design.
• Extensive knowledge of Indonesia's renewable energy landscape.
• Proven experience in developing climate project proposals.

Responsibilities

• Develop a high-quality concept note for GCF submission.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and engagement.
• Establish a project financing model leveraging blended finance.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Climate financing

Renewable energy knowledge

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Education

Master's degree in renewable energy or related field

Job description

Location: Indonesia
City: Jakarta
Contract Type: Individual Consultant (Deliverable)
Grade: Individual Consultant 5
Salary scale: Individual Consultant Scale
Contract Duration: 28/7/2025 – 30/09/2025
Deadline: 20/07/2025
Job Reference: 100013426

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.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Currently, GGGI supports the Government of Indonesia (GoI) under the joint GoI-GGGI Green Growth Program (GGP, “the Program”). The Program aims to demonstrate that green investments can become the norm both for investors and planners, ultimately improving the quality of economic development for more environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Through the Program, GGGI collaborates with the Ministry of Development Planning (BAPPENAS), the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (“PT SMI”) and others.

GGGI and the Fiscal Policy Agency (FPA) implement the Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness and preparatory support project (“the Readiness Project”) in Indonesia. The FPA is the National Designated Authority (NDA) of the GCF in Indonesia, i.e., the agency through which Indonesia and the GCF interact and communicate. In September 2022, the FPA started the 3-year Readiness Project “Enhancing Indonesia’s Access to International Climate Finance and Private Sector Investments for Climate Actions” (“Readiness III”) to support the NDA in enhancing national actors’ institutional capacities to build a pipeline of climate change projects and to increase country ownership. The NDA has selected GGGI as the Delivery Partner to implement this project.

Overall, the Readiness Project aims to mobilize international climate finance and private sector investment to close the financing gap across the priority sectors identified by the Government of Indonesia. It consists of a range of activities with the objective of achieving readiness outcomes, including 1) established capacity of direct access applicants and direct access entities (DAEs) to meet and maintain the GCF accreditation standards, 2) the capacity to develop a pipeline of projects, and 3) effectively implement GCF-funded activities.

Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF), a private non-bank financial institutions specializing in infrastructure financing and advisory services, is currently undergoing the accreditation process to become a Direct Access Entity (DAE) of the GCF. The institution has been actively expanding its renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure financing portfolio, with a focus on energy transition projects that align with Indonesia’s climate goals and national development priorities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

To complement IIF’s accreditation process and ensure project readiness upon approval, the NDA through Readiness project proposed to support IIF in developing a high-quality concept note for submission to the GCF. The concept note is expected to align with IIF’s role as a catalytic player in accelerating private sector participation in low-carbon infrastructure development in Indonesia. The project aims to contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation efforts through financing renewable energy infrastructure and other climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Moreover, the NDA GCF Indonesia has developed a Private Sector Engagement strategy for selected priority sectors (energy, Forest and Land Use/FOLU, water, and food) to encourage more private sector investment in climate actions. One of strategy from the recommendations that will lead the sustainable and climate finance development in Indonesia is the blended finance.

Blended finance is an effective approach that leverages climate and public finance to mobilize private capital. By deploying climate finance in a way that addresses investment barriers and improves the investment’s risk-return profile, blended finance operates as a market-building instrument that provides a bridge from reliance on public financing towards climate-related projects. In order to identify how public funding can effectively enable the flow of private finance into climate-related projects, it is essential to develop well-structured business models tailored to prioritized sectors of energy.

As part of Readiness project supports enhancing the DAE’s project pipeline, including the pipeline of IIF, and is designed to strengthen their ability to implement a country-driven approach consistent with Indonesia’s national climate development priorities. Working specifically in the infrastructure sector, IIF is currently exploring the opportunity to channel GCF funding for establishing financing facility to encourage private sector investment in energy project in Indonesia. The type of infrastructure has yet to be determined, and the Consultant is also expected to conduct desk research to support decision making processes on the type of energy-related project. Project options should be aligned with the Government of Indonesia’s strategies to combat climate change and net zero emissions. The work is also include recommending the proper business model incorporating blended financing for two concept notes being developed by/for Indonesia Infrastructure Fund (IIF) on financing facility for energy sector, adjustments may be made as per the needs of the entity.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) requires the services of a qualified expert (hereafter referred to as “the Consultant”) to be the GCF Concept Note Writer for the IIF’s project on low-carbon infrastructure.

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks and duties:

• Present the overall approach to the concept note (CN) preparation during the kick-off meeting with the NDA, GGGI, IIF, to establish a common understanding of the scope of work, methodology, and timeline, including detailed work plan, for the concept note development process.
• Analyse past infrastructure financing of IIF (preferably in energy sector), including IIF’s investment portfolio and institutional priorities as well as conducting background research and stakeholder consultations to contextualize the concept note within Indonesia’s energy transition and climate financing framework.
• Identify the project based on the analysis, including defining the type of infrastructure, scale, and target market of the project. This includes stakeholder mapping and conducting initial engagement with potential private sector actors relevant to the selected project.
• Lead the discussion with IIF to identify and formulate technical recommendations on the following CN elements:
• Theory of change of the project and/or program;
• Project and/or program outcomes, outputs, activities, and indicators;
• Project and/or program design and justification for GCF funding

This technical recommendation is to ensure project alignment with national climate policy, IIF investment criteria and GCF investment criteria.

• Conduct market and financing landscape assessments to:
• Understand current financing flows and instruments at the national and international levels.
• Identify investment barriers, opportunities, and financing needs in the targeted sectors.
• Draw on previous studies, including the Private Sector Engagement Strategy and Blended Finance assessments, as key references.
• Business model development and financial structuring
• Develop simple financial models for the two identified projects, outlining cost and revenue drivers and identifying the level and type of financial gap to be addressed through blended finance.
• Structure the blended finance financial based on the financial model and financing gaps assessment
• Propose tailored, practical, and scalable business models for each project, aligned with the specific context of the energy and agriculture sectors that can be delivered through the IIF project proposals.
• Identify viable approaches for private sector participation and outline the required enabling conditions and capacity-building needs.
• Provide case study on successful national and international business models to identify potential business models in proposed interventions.
• Ensure alignment with national climate-related policies and regulation, GCF investment criteria, IIF investment criteria, and other relevant indicators.
• Identify potential private sector companies who are already working or interested in working with the proposed business model in the energy sector as potential pipeline for the project
• Facilitate consultations between IIF with other strategic partners to align sectors priorities, investment strategies, and obtain in-depth input for the development of robust business models, including preparing detailed reports and brief info summarizing proposed business models.
• Develop a high-quality concept note, in accordance with the latest GCF concept note template and funding requirements. The Concept note should, at a minimum, have the following elements:
• Sound climate rationale with both mitigation and adaptation actions and benefits;
• Sound arguments and rationale that demonstrate project and/or program alignment with the GCF Investment Criteria;
• High quality of project log frame, with well-defined indicators, targets, inputs, and outputs;
• Appropriate proposed implementation arrangements details for project proponents, government agencies, and other stakeholders;
• Risk analysis and risk mitigation measures for the project and/or program concept note.
• Incorporating the proposed business models/financial structure into the concept note
• Conduct initial gap analysis to identify the data, studies, and documents required for the development of a full proposal, and propose a costed work plan for follow-up activities such as environmental and social safeguards, gender analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Maintain active communication and coordination with GGGI, IIF, and the NDA throughout the assignment and incorporate feedback from stakeholders into the draft and final concept notes.

The expected deliverable, delivery timeline, and payment schedule are as follow:

No.

Deliverable

Indicative dates subject to contract

Percentage of

Maximum Amount

1

Draft Concept Note With The Following Recommendations On:

• Proposed components and activities for the log frame of the new concept note;
• Proposed project and/or program design.
• Stakeholder mapping

15 August 2025

20%

2

Submission Of:

• Final draft GCF concept note, covering tasks point 1), 2),3), and 4) as well as all inputs from key stakeholder.

29 August 2025

30%

3

Submission Of:

• Detailed reports and brief info summarizing proposed business models and financial structure for proposed program
• Final version of the GCF standard concept note, as mentioned in the point 8);
• Gap analysis report outlining recommended follow-up studies and a proposed budget for developing the full GCF funding proposal, to be incorporated into the PPF application form, as mentioned in the point 9).

18 September 2025

50%

Notes:

• The Consultant to provide his/her own equipment to produce all deliverables.
• The Consultant shall submit the report in electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
• All outputs must be in English.
• Final deliverable must be approved by GGGI and IIF. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed to provide a final version of the deliverable in a timely manner.

EXPERTISE INFORMATION

• He or she must have the following qualifications:
• Master’s degree or higher, in renewable energy, environmental engineering, climate finance, environmental studies, international development, climate policy, sustainable development or other relevant studies. Bachelor’s degree with equivalent combination years of education and relevant experience in developing climate finance concept notes/proposals will also be considered.
• At least 10 years of experience working and/or doing research in topics such as climate change projects financing and project designing in developing countries;
• Extensive knowledge on renewable energy and energy transition landscape in Indonesia and/or other relevant countries;
• Knowledge in establishing financing facility for infrastructure and demonstrated experience in the design and development of climate change mitigation and adaptation project (specifically oriented towards obtaining international donor funding) are highly desirable;
• Knowledge and experience in government-related mechanisms, particularly those involving National Planning Agency (Bappenas) and Ministry of Finance;
• Solid understanding of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance and GCF investment criteria;
• Proven experience in developing concept notes/proposals for climate projects financing to donors, preferably to GCF (please include the list of concept notes/proposals in your CV);
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and multi-sector coordination.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
• Conflict of Interest

To avoid conflict of interest, the Consultant should disclose the following (if any):

• Involvement in the development of any GCF concept notes/proposals in Indonesia;
• Current affiliation and roles in the (Direct) Accredited Entities in Indonesia

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

In order to be considered for the position, the candidate must meet the minimum qualification listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the evaluation criteria factor below. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. GGGI does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference check will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

Interviews And a Writing Exercise May Be Requested. Applicants Are Required To Prepare a Brief Narrative Demonstrating How Prior Experience And/or Education And Training Address Selection Criteria Factors Listed Below:

• Professional Competency (10 points): Advanced degree (Master degree or higher) in renewable energy, environmental engineering, climate finance, environmental studies, international development, climate policy, sustainable development or other relevant studies; Bachelor’s degree with equivalent combination years of education and relevant experience in developing climate finance concept notes/proposal will also be considered.
• Experience (40 points): At least ten years of experience working and/or doing research in topics such as energy transition, energy financing, climate change project financing, development-related financing facility, financing and developing climate projects in in developing countries;
• Communication (10 points): Level IV (fluent) oral and writing ability in English and Level IV Bahasa Indonesia is required. This means an ability to participate in professional meetings in English and writing high quality report in English.
• Technical Knowledge (40 points): Extensive knowledge of Indonesia’s national context related to renewable energy and energy transition, development frameworks, and financing instruments of climate projects in Indonesia or other relevant countries; knowledge in establishing financing facility for infrastructure, strong knowledge and familiarity with Indonesia development planning documents, policies, and national priorities, such as National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, Low Carbon Development Indonesia (LCDI), National Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); knowledge and experience in government-related mechanisms, particularly those involving National Planning Agency (Bappenas) and Ministry of Finance; understanding of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance and GCF investment criteria; strong knowledge of financial market in Indonesia; knowledge and/or experience related to climate finance (e.g. GEF, ICCTF, CDM, GCF) is an advantage.

Maximum Points Available: 100

At GGGI’s discretion, reference checks and interviews may be conducted as part of the evaluation process.

Applicants must also include in their application package as follows:

• A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements;
• A curriculum vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements;
• Names, current and accurate contract numbers (email and phone) of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation.

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to considered complete

Interest candidates should send the above information directly in the link https://careers.gggi.org/

All application submitted by GGGI website must be no later than 20th July 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Korean Standard Time (KST). Application 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.