UNDP Jobs - 28910- International Consultant on developing the proposa

International Consultant on developing the proposal for two NAMAs on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for the Republic of Kazakhstan

Location :

Home based with up to two field missions to Almaty/Astana, Kazakhstan

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2012

Application Deadline :

09-Apr-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6,5 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Republic of Kazakhstan has committed to implementing targets and integrating the principles of global UN Conventions (Rio-de-Janeiro, 1992) and the declaration of the Millennium Summit (New York, 2000) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, 2002).

Kazakhstan ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in May 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol (KP) to the Framework Convention (hereinafter – ‘Kyoto Protocol’ or ‘KP’) in March 2009. On September 17, 2009 Kazakhstan became an official Party to the KP. Thus, having acceded to the international effort to combat climate change, Kazakhstan has launched its intensive efforts to comply with the UNFCCC and KP requirements at the national level.

As an Annex I country to the KP, Kazakhstan has announced its decision to be bound by minimum quantified commitments to reduce GHG emissions (15% by 2020 and 25% by 2050 relative to the 1990 baseline). This requires the Government to develop and adopt long term policy documents guiding the national economy to the path of low-carbon development.

Within the framework of the project of Ministry of Environment Protection and UNDP “Strengthening the Capacity in the Field of Sustainable Development through Integration of Climate Change Issues into Strategic Planning in the Republic of Kazakhstan” support is provided to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the integration of the measures focused on prevention of the global climate change into strategic planning. support is provided to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the integration of the measures focused on prevention of the global climate change into strategic planning.

Since 2009 the Concept of Transition to Low-Carbon Development (LCD) till 2050 is being developed in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The need for performance of this work is first of all dictated by the international obligations of the country as a participant of KP and UNFCCC to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions by 15% to 2020. It was agreed to use the term “LCD Plan” in the process of document harmonization by the resolution of the session of the Interagency working group on development of the LCD Strategy (Astana, 24.05.11).

Based on the outcomes of the LCD Plan, detailed recommendations were developed in 2011 on energy efficiency improvement and development of renewable energy sources (RES) in different branches of economy, and assistance was provided in finalization of the Concept of Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Low-Carbon Development till 2050, the interrelations between the performed research programs focused on prevention of the climate change were determined and enhanced. The arrangements have also been focused on increasing the capacity and awareness of the governmental organizations, NGOs and business-sector. Further activity on the project in 2012 will be focused on supporting finalization and promotion of the LCD plan, development of NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions) document, detection of the opportunities for Kazakhstan’s participation in the international financing and assistance in submission of NAMA for financing in accordance with decisions of the 17^th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC. Also activity on raising awareness of the governmental agencies, scientific, public and business associations on the issues of the GHG emissions reduction will continue.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP in Kazakhstan within the framework of the Project invites the international consultant to prepare a proposal for two NAMAs: one on energy efficiency and the second one on renewable energy sources (RES) which should reflect the international requirements and national commitments under the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, any new global agreements as well as the national circumstances.

Besides the desk work, the consultant will undertake at least one mission to the country in full collaboration with the UNDP Country Office. The missions will include consultations with key partners in:

National Government, responsible for climate change as well as relevant sectoral ministries, including those involved in planning and finance.
If needed relevant National Institutions, including research and academia.

The international consultant will work together with several national consultants specializing in the subject area.

Undertake a desk review of all relevant international and national documents for background information and initial situational analysis, including draft low-carbon development Action Plan to 2050 for Kazakhstan and draft Action Plan on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Identifying national stakeholders (with support of the CO).
Prepare recommendations for two NAMAs on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources developing, according to the international best practice and experience on methodology and data, to be consulted with national stakeholders (including mission).
Development of two NAMAs on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources according to the UNFCCC requirements (incl. technology and capacity building support needs) and possible effect on jobs and gender issues.
Identify the opportunities for national and international financing of the proposed NAMAs.
Presentation of draft NAMAs on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources on national conference.
Finalizing the NAMAs in accordance with the received recommendations and addressing comment and input from relevant stakeholders.
Preparation of the necessary brief information on NAMAs to be submitted to the UNFCCC registry in accordance with their requirements.

Competencies

The International Consultant must also be prepared to:

Undertake up to two field missions in Kazakhstan (May/June, Astana, 5 working days mission; November-Almaty/Astana, 2 working days mission);
Ensure that all relevant national stakeholders are consulted;
Take responsibility for ensuring that results meets the UNDP’s quality standards

The International Consultant will report directly to the national project manager. The International Consultant with support of the CO will obtain the appropriate national policy documents; and access the appropriate stakeholders for consultation on the project implementation. nal Consultant with support of the CO will obtain the appropriate national policy documents; and access the appropriate stakeholders for consultation on the project implementation.

The International Consultant will anchor the results in evidence and information extracted from existing national policy documents, outcomes of the ongoing international climate change negotiations, international good practices and from stakeholder consultations in the country.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in energy, economics or other closely related field
Knowledge of introducing energy efficiency and RES policies.
Technical knowledge on energy efficiency and RES measures.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience;
Demonstrated solid knowledge of energy efficiency and RES policies and measures;
Demonstrated experience in project development;
Experience in the policy development process associated with energy and environment;
Experience in working and collaborating with governments an asset;
Excellent knowledge of English including writing and communication skills;
Knowledge of Russian including writing and communication skills would be an advantage;
Experience of relevant work in countries of the region would be an asset.

Technical work:

Thorough knowledge of international experiences and requirements towards NAMA development;
Demonstrated knowledge, analytical skills and relevant experience in mitigation options, in particular energy efficiency and RES;
Sound, practical understanding of market economics and how regulatory and fiscal policies can help to implement energy efficiency and RES measures;
Experience in drafting policy and technical documents;
Ability to pick up new concepts easily and to turn information from various sources into a coherent project document;

Partnership:

Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior political and technical experts from national institutions;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Good oral communication skills and conflict resolution competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflicting interests of varied actors;
Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports.