National Consultant – Local RET Expert for the Joint Technical Committee of TSSC Project - For Sri Lankans only

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Energy and agriculture sectors are the largest Green-House Gas (GHG) emitters in Sri Lanka, respectively representing around 59%, and 27% of the total national GHG emissions (SNC, 2011). Thus, these two sectors are sectors where energy savings and use of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) can have a significant impact in terms of emission reductions apart from significant socio-economic benefits to the country.

Biogas, Biomass and Solar Trilateral Cooperation - Transitioning to Sustainable Energy Uses in the Agro-Industry in Sri Lanka (TSSC) is a 2 year project implemented by the United Nations Development in Sri Lanka. The Project supports Sri Lanka GHG emission reduction national targets through trial and demonstration of the potential of biogas, biomass and solar in the agro-industry sector. The Project is implemented under a South-South Cooperation framework and as such presents itself as a learning platform for both China and Sri Lanka to engage and cooperate at the international level in renewable energy technology (RET) transfer for GHG emission reduction.

Project interventions include:

• Developing Sri Lanka’s Provincial Council capacities in assessing carbon footprint in different agriculture activities and monitoring RET potential for GHG savings;
• Sharing Chinese knowledge and experience in biogas, biomass and solar for agro-industry in Sri Lanka;
• Determining suitable business models through South-South knowledge and experience sharing platforms.
• Providing support to Chinese institutions on carrying out relevant capacity development in South partner countries.

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and the Ministry of Power are the project implementing partners whereas UNDP, Sri Lanka provides the implementation support through Direct Implementtion Modality (DIM).

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The selected consultant is expected to be engaged in various assignments including assessing energy use baseline in agriculture sectors, identify conducting training, facilitate with technical assessments, stakeholder consultations and discussions, use of consultants’ expertise for preparation of provincial energy plans as detailed under Section C( Responsibilities) below. Further, the selected consultants will be assigned to a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) which consists of technical experts from Sri Lanka and China, and the consultant is expected to work collaboratively with other JTC members. The requirements of specific engagements of the consultant will be decided by the Project Management Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: RET Applications

• Develop site selection criteria for short-listing of RETs demonstration sites;
• Evaluate proposals received from provincial councils and service providers based on the criteria developed above;
• Conduct prefeasibility (technical feasibility, financial viability, environmental aspects, and local adaptability of any available Chinese technology or solutions) studies for RET applications short –listed sites with the assistance of Chinese & PMU experts;
• Preparation of technical specifications for the procurement of RET technologies as per local requirements;
• Evaluation of project proposals and contract negotiations with selected parties;
• Quality assurance of construction/installation of above technology demonstration sites during construction/installation;
• Develop a data collection framework and strategy for the provincial councils
• Conduct training program on data collection, data management and ENERGIS for provincial staff and facilitate baseline data collection
• Develop specifications for IT equipment to facilitate data collection
• Facilitate Chinese Agricultural Univeristy experts to conduct training needs assessments
• Facilitate Chinese Agricultural Univeristy experts to design and conduct training programmes. It is expected that the consultant will support the CAU in developing training materials, translation to local languages, identifying the target audience and most suited locations, necessary coordination with relevant provincial officials to conduct the training programme where necessary.
• Develop national guidelines on operation, maintenance, and design for the agriculture sector on RET technologies with other JTC members;
• Develop & document best case studies based on the lessons learnt from the demonstration sites
• Support in the design of Award Scheme for best RET in agriculture and fisheries sectors
• The consultant should be available for in-country mission schedules of Chinese consultants which will be informed 2 weeks in advance

Note: The consultant should closely work with all JTC experts in delivering the above scope of work. The expert is to provide sufficient information and guidance on specific technology applications to be deployed in five provinces as demonstrations. Further, he/she should work in collaboration with other local and Chinese experts, PMU, Provincial and SLSEA members.

Other Responsibilities;

i) Preparation of Provincial Energy Plans

• Assist to prepare and/or upgrade provincial energy plans and establish energy saving targets. Inclusion of potential new RET application opportunities identified above should be recommended, as deemed

ii) Establishment of Joint Research Extension Centres

• Provide technical assistance in the process of establishment of 2 Joint Research Extension Centres (JREC) in two provinces. Task includes assist to preparation of Letter of Agreements (LOAs), Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and agreement during JREC establishments, training of JREC members on RET system design, construction/installation, and operation & maintenance etc.
• Assist to follow up their activities and services to ensure smooth and extended service offer promoting RETs in agriculture sectors after establishment of JRECs.

iii) Energy Data Management and MRVing of Emission Reductions

• Review MRVed emission reductions of RET technologyapplications.
• The consultant should assist to develop data collection templates, MRVing templates and data follow structures for the these selected RET technology applications.

Expected Output/Deliverables

The following results are expected from the consultancy:

1. Identify a total of 30 potential sites for demonstrations ( solar,biogas and biomass) by Calling for Proposals (CfP) from provincial councils. The consultant should jointly lead the task with other local JTC experts by developing site/project selection criteria, and evaluating proposals received with the assistance of other JTC members.
2. Support the service provider recruited to conduct 30 feasibility studies in the selected 5 provinces.
3. Conduct two training programs for provincial staff
4. Specifications for data acquisition equipment
5. Specifications for the procurement of identified renewable technology equipment with the assistance of other JTC members.
6. Review report on capacity need assessment (installation, operation, maintenance and system design) of trainers and end users submitted by the Chinese Agricultural Univeristy.
7. Design training of trainers programmes (including training materials/modules) for construction, operation and maintenance, and system design.
8. Conduct two Training of Trainers programme on RET system design with the assistance of Chinese experts.
9. Three new or updated draft provincial energy plans which include RET applications in Agriculture sector. The consultant/s should lead this task with the assistance of other JTC members, SLSEA and provincial council officials.
10. Report outline provided guidance and supervisor support for the installation of RET equipment in selected demonstration sites/locations.
11. National guidelines (or international standard or guideline adapted for local applications) on operation, maintenance and design developed for the agriculture sector for RETs technologies in collaboration with SLSEA and other experts
12. Development of lessons learnt/best case studies reports and/or articles, videos, or similar promotional materials on piloted RET applications
13. Award Scheme for best RET in agriculture, livstock and fisheries sectors

TIMEFRAME

The maximum envisaged timeframe per consultant is 120 days from 1st January 2021 to 30th October 2022 for 21 months.

Competencies

The prospective consultant should have the following competencies and qualifications:

a. Technical competencies

• Demonstrated experience in the renewable energy project/programme developments and/or GHG mitigation activities;
• Candidates with professional experience in the applications of Renewable energy Technologies in the Agriculture sector will be preferred;
• Strong understanding about global and national climate change and environmental issues;
• Skills demonstrated in capacity building and mentoring of various stakeholders on the planning and application of RET Applications;
• Candidate should have a minimum of 15 years (overall covering above aspects) of professional experience in energy and/or agriculture sector. Some experience in other sectors industry, transport, and waste would be an added advantage and experience in working with international projects will be prefered.

b. Partnerships

• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national and provincial institutions;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent teaching, training and communication skills, with analytical capacity and ability to synthesize collected data and present findings to stakeholders;
• Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with colleagues – especially in this case the national level consultants and officials.

c. Results

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ministry of Power & Energy;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant area such as climate change mitigation, energy management, energy technology, natural resource management, agriculture engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience and knowledge in the earlier mentioned fields of expertise, experience working on GHG/Climate Change Mitigation projects, programmes and initiatives;
• Charter (mechanical, electrical, civil or chemical engineering) of an recognized institution is required;
• Demonstrated strategic technical and intellectual skills in the substantive areas;
• Demonstrated leadership, facilitation, coordination skills, ability to mentor technical teams;
• Working experience with international organizations or similar projects/programme design and implementations;
• Experience in planning and/or delivering gender responsive programming;
• Excellent communication (both oral and written), synthesis, analysis and trouble-shooting skills;
• Computer proficiency, especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office).

Languages/ Other

• Excellent English language skills, particularly in the preparation of written documents; Work experience in the region is preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR. Please include the Financial Proposal (Format can be accessed via link Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability ) along with above documents, when applying online.
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.

Not submitting of all above mentioned documents together with the CV, will be treated as a disqualification.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Or

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR (_____________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._____________________________________________________)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

EVALUATION

Applicants will be evaluated based on cumulative analysis of the offers being determined as:

a) Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Criteria / Wighted Max / Points

Technical / 70% / 70

• Academic Qualification / 30% / 20
• Years of relevant experience / 30% / 30
• Competencies / 20% / 20

Financial / 30% / 30

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 of 70 points (70%) in the technical evaluation will be considered for the financial evaluation.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on completion of deliverables and submission of written reports specifying the tasks accomplished and corresponding number of work days put in towards achieving the deliverables that were completed.

The payment will be cerfitied by the Programme Coordinator (Energy), UNDP Sri Lanka.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.