Start-up Consultant - Accelerating innovative startups for EE Project

GGGI Vietnam is seeking to recruit the following position:

JOB: START-UP CONSULTANT - ACCELERATING INNOVATIVE STARTUPS FOR EE PROJECT

Please send application directly to GGGI following link: https://careers.gggi.org/vacancy/vietnam-startup-consultant-accelerating... [1]

Date to close (KST): 09 July 2023

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 and the EU Delegation in Viet Nam kicked off the “Accelerating Innovative Startups for Energy Efficiency” (AIS4EE) program in October 2022. In collaboration with the Viet Nam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Initiative will support start-ups to create marketable innovative Energy Efficiency (EE) solutions through an acceleration program which includes engaging with the start-up community, providing technical guidance, financial support; combined with enhancing policies and creating a national network of innovative EE start-ups. The key outcomes of this project are:

• Outcome 1: Increased investments in innovative business solutions in energy efficiency for industry, transportation, and green building sectors in Viet Nam (by increasing capacity of targeted start-ups to attract investments).
• Outcome 2: Enhanced policy framework for innovative start-ups in energy efficiency.
• Outcome 3: Improved innovative ecosystem for energy efficiency start-ups.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Start-up Engagement Consultant will work with the AIS4EE Program in Viet Nam, preferably based in GGGI Viet Nam office, and will work closely with the GGGI Viet Nam Country Team to implement the project.

He/she will support the implementation of AIS4EE related activities across all Project outcomes, including but not limited to the design and implementation of acceleration program (i.e., acceleration competition) and will work closely with key public and private stakeholders, under the supervision of AIS4EE Program Manager (PM). The Consultant will be responsible for providing support in bringing solid Start-up engagement experience and outreach support related to the AIS4EE program, applying his/her experience and knowledge to the implementation of AIS4EE. With his/her expertise in Viet Nam’s start-ups, he/she will also support the policy review aimed to strengthen policy support for start-ups in energy efficiency (Outcome 2), and the preparation of the handbook to guide innovative start-ups in energy efficiency (Outcome 3).

The consultant is expected to have experience in working with start-ups, including developing and organizing accelerator programs, hackathons/start-up competitions, and trainings. Broad sector expertise ideally in the field of innovation, energy efficiency, sustainable development, climate change, and green growth is desirable. He/she will have adequate level of stakeholder participation and strategic thinking skills, is experienced in assessing innovative products and business models of start-ups, and understands the most common funding structures for start-ups and early-stage companies.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Under guidance of the Project Manager (PM) and the supervision of the Start-up Task Lead, the Start-up Consultant is expected to support the PM in the day-to-day work activities related to the consultancy, including but not limited to:

• Design the work plan for the AIS4EE Acceleration Competition and subsequent intensive Training for Outcome 1.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders (including potential start-ups) to properly organize and implement the AIS4EE acceleration competition activities.
• Assist the PM in organizing, engaging and outreach start-up communities.
• Provide strategic advice and assist the PM and the Project Team in organizing, engaging, and reaching out to start-up communities and other relevant players and stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem for program implementation.
• Liaise with the Acceleration Competition Design and Organization Firm for the smooth implementation of the Acceleration Competition for EE start-up companies and university students.
• Deliver high quality project documents and materials (in both English and Vietnamese) that meet program objectives, donor requirements and government requirements.
• Support the Energy Efficiency Policy Review Consultant in the review of existing relevant national and provincial policies for innovative start-ups for Outcome 2. For provincial level, the Consultant will focus on the start-up policies in at least 3 provinces (Ha Noi City, Da Nang City and Ho Chi Minh City  are preferred). This review includes policy assessment and identifying policy gaps, i.e., financial mechanisms for green/innovative startups, aiming to contribute to the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy.
• Provide inputs to the development of the handbook for innovative start-ups in energy efficiency, as part of Outcome 3.
• Ensure high quality and timely submission of external consultant reports and deliverables (e.g., inception report, work plan and implementation plan for the acceleration competition, inputs for the policy review and recommendations, inputs for the handbook for innovative start-ups in energy efficiency, etc.), assist in monitoring and evaluating project results within contract timeframe, and participate in project implementation activities.
• Other relevant inputs to ensure the successful implementation of the AIS4EE program in Viet Nam.

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

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

• Bachelor’s degree in business and economics, energy and environment, international relations, development, or a related discipline
• Advanced degree (master's) relevant to climate action and/or energy and environment, background in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency is a clear advantage.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in business development, project management environmental, energy or climate public policies, market development relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy sector in Viet Nam.
• Strong network and relationships among stakeholders engaging in the start-up community, with a focus on Viet Nam. Possesses a network with potential investors is a key added value.
• Strong understanding of Viet Nam’s development, climate change and green growth targets and policy frameworks.
• Able to work independently under time pressure with minimal instruction or supervision.
• Demonstrated understanding of analytical and policy issues related to energy efficiency’s linkages with all dimensions of sustainable development, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Fluency in Vietnamese and English is required, with excellent writing and presentation skills.