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: Fiji bamboo to adapt and mitigate climate change
• Duty Station: Suva, Fiji (with potential travel to Philippines)
• Contract Duration: 1 April – 30 September 2025
• Consultant Level: Level 4
• Total Fees: USD 22,000

The Fiji Bamboo to Adapt to and Mitigate Climate Change project aims to support the sustainable and inclusive production and use of bamboo as a resilient, sustainable and cost-effective construction material in Fiji that can be used to help increase the supply of affordable, resilient and accessible buildings in Fiji while also economically empowering women and other marginalized groups in Fiji, who are expected to play a key role in both the sustainable production and use of bamboo as a construction material. The project is being implemented by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with a coalition of Government and Non-Government partners both locally and internationally and is supported financially by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Phase 2 of the Pacific regional Low Emissions and Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) program.

The project aims to create an evidence-based and an enabling environment (the local capacity and policy environment) that will support and encourage:

• the use of locally grown bamboo as a cost-effective, sustainable and resilient construction material;
• the adoption of environmentally sustainable (or even regenerative), socially inclusive and economically viable methods for cultivating, harvesting, treating and processing bamboo (for use in construction); and
• women and other marginalized groups to seize the economic opportunities that are expected to arise from the development of a new green and sustainable bamboo industry in Fiji.

Bamboo has gained recognition as an eco-friendly and cost-effective construction material, particularly in regions with abundant bamboo resources like Fiji. Despite its potential, there is limited research on construction methods using bamboo, especially regarding their cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability. One innovative approach is Cement Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT), pioneered by Base Bahay Foundation in the Philippines. This consultancy aims to bridge this gap by developing a research report that evaluates construction methods, provides a detailed cost-benefit analysis, and provide an in-depth evaluation of CBFT’s applicability to Fiji’s context.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to produce a research report detailing construction methods using bamboo, including a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of bamboo construction compared to conventional construction and an in-depth assessment of CBFT’s applicability to Fiji. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Review and document existing bamboo construction methods in Fiji, Base Bahay Foundation CBFT in Philippines or similar successful projects globally.
• Engage with key stakeholders and conduct research and analysis into resilient bamboo construction methods and building designs that could be adopted in Fiji that addresses Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) concerns and safeguards the environment.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing bamboo construction with conventional construction in Fiji
• Evaluate the feasibility of implementing CBFT in Fiji.
• Provide recommendations for promoting bamboo as a viable resilient construction material in Fiji.

To meet the objectives of this assignment GGGI is aiming to hire an individual consultant. The consultant is required to work in close collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport to:

• conduct a literature review on global and local bamboo construction best practices;
• assess current bamboo construction methods in Fiji through field visits and stakeholder interviews;
• conduct research and analysis into resilient bamboo construction methods and building designs that could be adopted in Fiji;
• analyze CBFT’s technical, economic, and environmental viability in Fiji.
• analyze the economic, environmental, and social costs and benefits of bamboo construction methods in Fiji compared to Base Bahay Foundation CBFT in Philippines or similar successful project globally.
• present findings in a stakeholder workshop for validation.

The in-depth assessment of CBFT in Philippines or similar successful project globally and its relevance in Fiji will address the following questions at minimum:

1) Technical Feasibility:

• How does CBFT compare with other bamboo-based construction techniques?
• What modifications, if any, are needed for CBFT to be viable in Fiji’s climatic conditions?
• How adaptable is CBFT to different soil conditions, terrain, and natural disaster risks?

2) Economic and Cost-Benefit Analysis

• What are the long-term cost savings in terms of maintenance, durability, and resilience?
• How can CBFT be made financially attractive for stakeholders in Fiji’s construction sector?

• What financing models (grants, subsidies, microfinance, etc.) have been used in the Philippines, and can they be replicated in Fiji? What financing models do we need in Fiji?

3) Social and Cultural Considerations

• How has CBFT been accepted by communities in the Philippines?
• What role do women, youth, and marginalized groups play in CBFT adoption?
• How can CBFT be integrated with traditional Fijian architectural styles and cultural preferences?

4) Policy and Regulatory Framework

• What policies and regulations support CBFT adoption in the Philippines?
• What are the regulatory gaps in Fiji that need to be addressed to implement CBFT?
• What incentives or policy changes could facilitate CBFT adoption in Fiji?
• How can government and private sector collaboration enhance CBFT integration into national housing and infrastructure plans?

5) Scalability and Implementation Strategy

• What lessons can be learned from the scaling of CBFT in the Philippines?
• How can CBFT be linked to disaster resilience and climate adaptation strategies in Fiji?

[Deliverables, Timeline and Payment Schedule]

Note: For non-Fiji based consultant, 1 International travel up to a duration of 2 weeks will be covered by GGGI for the execution of this consultancy up to a maximum of USD 4,000. However, GGGI is under no obligation to use the entire maximum amount for travel expenses. For Fiji-based consultant, local project-related travel will be covered on a reimbursement basis.

[Reporting Arrangements]

The consultant’s progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning, and short meetings for prioritizing activities, in consensus with the contract supervisor at Ministry of Public Works and GGGI. The review meetings will include subjects such as: the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.

Supervision shall be provided by the Ministry of Public Works with the support of the GGGI Fiji office, to ensure the timely and quality delivery of outputs outlined in the contractual objective. The final review and approval of activities and deliverables under the contract is to be made by the Project Steering Committee (PSC) of the Fiji Bamboo project in collaboration with the GGGI project team.

The consultant will report to the Project Manager on a bi-weekly basis, providing updates on progress and addressing any challenges.

[Reporting Requirements]

1. The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant.
2. All outputs must be in English, in accordance with GGGI’s formatting requirements and editable format that is readable by a Microsoft Office application. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide sets of raw data, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective. The consultant will also provide all information necessary to meet the reporting requirements GGGI’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan which will include the provision of disaggregated data and information about stakeholders consulted with.
3. The final report must be approved by the GGGI with the agreement of the PSC. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI, the Consultant shall prepare and submit the final versions of the report.

The consultant shall have the following educational qualifications, experience and competencies:

• (MANDATORY) A Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, environmental science, or a related field with at least 5-8 years of experience in (sustainable) construction, construction cost analysis and social housing.
• Demonstrated expertise in bamboo construction (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in social housing specifically with rural and low-income families and communities
• Proven expertise in cost-benefit analysis and construction technology assessment.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills; capacity for synthesis, presentation, and communication; and strategic thinking skills.
• Organized with excellent time management and attention to detail.
• Strong and mature interpersonal skills, problem solver, adapt with optimism to unforeseeable change and proven ability to work with teams.
• Reporting skills are a must
• Fluency in English mandatory and local language is desired.
• Prior experience in working in the Pacific region or Southeast Asia in a similar assignment will be an asset.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements