Expert on MEPS and Labels

Result of Service - Assessing the current institutional framework of Rwanda regarding the development and implementation of MEPS and labels - Liaising with national stakeholders, international and national experts as well as project partners for the development and finalization of policy and technical recommendations to improve the institutional framework. - Market surveillance scheme with data collection and reporting processes developed.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 9 months Part-time

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is accelerating the global transition to energy efficiency and climate-friendly cooling. Getting the right solutions in place for refrigeration and space conditioning (cooling) is essential for improving the quality of life and health of people without undue impacts on the planet. United for Efficiency (U4E) is a global initiative launched in 2015 to help developing and emerging markets quickly and comprehensively transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly lighting, room air conditioners, household refrigerators, electric motors and transformers (see http://united4efficiency.org).

Currently, under the Green Climate Fund (GCF), U4E has extended this portfolio to Rwanda, with a national readiness project titled, Rwanda Cooling Initiative (R-COOL): Enabling Deployment of Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling, and thus an expert on MEPS and Labels to support the delivery of this new two-year project. The project aims to help the country leapfrog to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions by enhancing the capacities of stakeholders (particularly national officials with regulatory oversight of cooling products, equipment vendors and technicians, small shareholder farmers, and agribusinesses) for pursuing strategic priorities, developing an implementation framework for MEPS and labels for room air conditioners and refrigerators, developing strategies for attracting investment and enhancing knowledge with consumers and other stakeholders.

A technical expert on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) is needed to support the establishment of a strong policy and regulatory framework and promote higher efficiency cooling appliances and a sustainable cold chain in Rwanda. A National Project Steering Committee (PSC) (existing), one National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on air conditioners and refrigerators (to be established), and another NTAC on agriculture and vaccine cold chain (existing) will be reinforced with capacity building to enable successful planning and implementation by key institutions germane to the cooling and cold chain domains (e.g. energy, environment, agriculture, standards, vocational trainers, industry associations, consumer / civil-society groups).

A national implementation framework for MEPS and labels will be developed to effectively oversee cooling products sold in the market and Environmentally-Sound Management (ESM) recommendations to address waste streams. The consultant will provide technical support, inter alia, to the implementation framework, development of the market surveillance scheme and product registration system, design and drafting of training programmes, as well as support communication and stakeholder engagement.

Core details

1.1 Explain the requirement for a consultant/individual contractor including the reference to the work programme

A. Implementation Framework - Assess the existing Implementation Framework for the Refrigerator and Air conditioners Committee (RAC) MEPS and labels. - Verify findings from the assessment with the NTAC and other bodies and develop new content to address gaps. - Deliver an updated MEPS implementation framework. B. Market Surveillance - Support the MVE expert in the development of a Market Surveillance Scheme to help ensure products comply with MEPS and labels and work with Government to help ensure budget is availed. C. Product Registration System - Support the development a functioning PRS to monitor regulated products including interviewing stakeholders to assess needed functions, prepare software specs, and help oversee PRS system development.

Qualifications/special skills University degree (Bachelors) or equivalent in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, industrial, or similar), Electricity, data science, public policy, environment, or in a relevant scientific development discipline. More than 10 years of experience in the RAC field, including familiarity with markets in Africa. Proven knowledge and understanding of international best practices on MEPS and labels, market surveillance Experience with policy recommendations on energy efficiency strategies, tools, systems, and measurements in line with international best practices. Thorough track record working with the government and private sector internationally on market transformation activities. Familiarity with international best practices on product design and testing to low GWP refrigerants and improved energy efficiency Knowledge on the management of data collection, review and assessment. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied field sources to produce highly qualitative presentations.

Desired: Experience working in Africa market transformation projects. An associated qualification for RAC.

Skills/abilities/competencies: - Skills for timeliness and quality development of report and documents as well as written and oral presentation. - Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good relationships with Rwandan government and stakeholders. - Capable of working to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of work. - Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills. - Ability to work alone or collaboratively with colleagues/teams and train others with varied levels of skills in refrigeration. - Strong analytical skills and ability to use and operate IT equipment and software. - Proven record of building strong relationships with customers and colleagues.

Languages Fluency in spoken and written English is required, and fluency in spoken and written Kinyarwanda or French are an asset.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.