Forestry Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Specialist Consultant

Forestry Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Specialist 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: Paraguay Sustainable Forestry Investment Fund
• Duty Station: Asunción, Paraguay
• Contract Duration: August 17th, 2026, to March 31st, 2027
• Consultant Level: Level 3

Project Background

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.

Key activities include:

• Technical review and adaptation of Sustainability KPIs agreed between AFD and the World Bank (WB), aligned with forest plantation investments and AFD guidelines. Definition of baseline and timelines.
• Support the operationalization of the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework within AFD, including translation of technical requirements into internal workflow, development of standardized data templates, and identification of institutional data gaps. Design of a MRV framework detailing methodologies, roles and responsibilities, and all operational documentation required by AFD to comply with WB’s requirements.
• Organize validation/socialization workshops with stakeholders and plantation owners to socialize, review and validate the proposed KPIs and performance targets.
• Support the integration of AI-driven verification and traceability tools, applying satellite data and predictive analytics to monitor the established KPIs.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to support AFD and GGGI in the validation and operationalization of sustainability KPIs related to forestry plantations, establishing the corresponding baseline and timelines, while supporting de integration of AI-driven KPIs verification tools.

Scope of Work

Key tasks for this consultancy position are as follows:

• Review the list of sustainability KPIs aligned with forest plantations defined between AFD and the WB, while identifying data requirements, possible limitations and risks for its operalization.
• Developing a comprehensive MRV framework detailing measurement methodologies, reporting and verification processes, roles and responsibilities, and all relevant operational documents required by AFD to ensure its successful implementation. This framework will be aligned with the Project Results Indicators, the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) including the requirements outlined in the Project´s Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and other instruments included in the ESCP.
• Support the operationalization of the MRV framework within AFD by translating technical requirements into internal processes, developing standardized data templates, and identifying institutional data and data gaps affecting implementation. Strengthen AFD´s capacity to implement the MRV system through the development of a capacity building plan and delivery of targeted technical training on MRV processes, satellite data, and AI-based monitoring tools. Providing ongoing support to the MRV Consulting Firm in charge of developing and integrating the proposed KPIs to AI-driven tools, while testing its correct functionality.

The Forestry MRV Specialist Consultant will work closely with the Project Team, consisting of the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer, the Sustainable Finance Senior Associate, the Sustainable Finance Senior Associate (Forestry Finance), the Climate Change Policy Senior Officer and the Environmental, Social Safeguard Specialist and MRV Consulting Firm to maximize the results of this consultancy. The selected consultant will report directly to the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer in the Paraguay Country Office.

Deliverables and Payment Schedule

The consultancy is expected to deliver the following key results:

No

Deliverables

Activities/Products

Amount (%)

Due Date

1

Technical Adaptation of KPIs and Operational MRV Framework

a) Technical review and adaptation of Sustainability KPIs agreed between AFD and the WB, identification of data requirements, limitations and risks. Definition of baseline and timelines.

b) List of Sustainability Performance Targets for the above-mentioned KPIs, including baselines and timelines, aligned with international best practices, local practices and scenarios.

c) MRV framework detailing methodologies, roles, responsibilities, and all operational documents required by AFD to ensure its successful implementation, in alignment with the Project Results Indicators and the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), including the requirements of the Environmental and Social Review (ESR), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and other relevant instruments.

d) Formal validation of the MRV framework by the WB and AFD.

30%

September 30th, 2026

2

Workshops with stakeholders and plantation owners to validate/socialize the proposed KPIs and targets.

a) Workshop Concept Note (CN) detailing, at a minimum: objective, agenda, target audience, venue, roles and responsibilities, among others.

b) Workshop materials.

c) List of participants disaggregated by gender.

d) Summary of comments/feedback and agreed next steps regarding the validate/socialize proposed KPIs and targets.

35%

October 15th, 2026

3

Support the design and implement an AI-enabled MRV tool for AFD, based on the defined MRV framework, to enhance verification and traceability of sustainability KPIs,

a) Collaborate with Consulting Firm on the development of the MRV tool.

b) Provide support to the Consulting Firm in the design of the prototype or operational dashboard demonstrating AI-enabled sustainability KPI monitoring.

c) Test and ensure that the prototype and operational dashboard comply with the requirements to track the KPIs.

d) Approval of the prototype by AFD.

e) Present evidence of formal implementation of AI-driven tools by AFD.

20%

February 28th, 2027

4

Validation support of the AI-enabled MRV system with AFD and the World Bank.

a) AI-enabled MRV system architecture, workflows, and operational integration, validated by AFD and aligned with WB requirements.

b) Evidence provided by AFD and the WB accepting the final system, MRV framework integration and operational documentation (no-objection letters).

15%

March 31st, 2027

The Consultant is expected to hold a Kick-off meeting with AFD to understand the scope of the consultancy and activities and align expectations and to present its tentative workplan during this meeting. If required, the consultant might be required to work from AFD offices, previous agreement.

The Consultant must integrate the comments of GGGI, AFD, WB and the technical focal points of other institutions involved, within 7 days after receiving the comments or requests for modification of products. All reports will be produced in Spanish, will follow GGGIs and AFDs format requirements and will be submitted along with full raw data sets, research materials, minutes, interviews, and participant listings,and the final consolidated product of the consultancy must include a full English translation.

During the first week of assignment the consultant will define the reporting arrangements of the consultancy, in consultation with AFD and the Sustainable Finance Senior Officer.

The consultant will work from AFDs office to ensure smooth communication and cooperation, data collection and on-the-job training. This will also ensure that all capacities are being installed within AFD.

Payments will be made against delivery of the products with prior approval from AFD, and approval from the GGGI Project Manager.

Expertise Required

• Master's degree or higher in fields such as forestry sciences, environmental engineering or related disciplines.
• 5+ years of experience in monitoring, reporting and verification, traceability, or transparency in the forestry sector related to climate change, environment or sustainability.
• 5+ years of experience in forestry plantations is required. Experience or knowledge in forestry finance or developing forestry investment projects is an asset.
• Knowledge of FSC certification requirements is mandatory
• Proven knowledge in International Standards such as WB PS, IFC PS or other international best financial practices and local legislation, related to forestry plantations is mandatory.
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required

• A proactive attitude, with an ability to find workable solutions promptly.
• Punctual, professional, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multicultural and interdisciplinary staff

• Commits to team goals and works effectively across the organization with individuals of different views, cultures, nationality, gender, and age.
• Excellent problem solver.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

Administrative Information

• Interested consultants shall submit following documentations: cover letter, and CV

• Selection method/process: competitive selection
• Timeline of selection: 15 days

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.