UNDP Jobs - 40243- International Lead Expert for the preparation of t

International Lead Expert for the preparation of the project Document

Location :

Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Nov-2013

Application Deadline :

17-Sep-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

5.5 weeks

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

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 South African Wind Energy Programme (SAWEP) is a multi-year technical assistance project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which is supporting the Government of South Africa in promoting the large-scale commercialization of wind energy.

Phase I of the project was implemented from 2007-2011 and received USD $2.3 million in GEF grant funding. The initial aim of SAWEP was to assist the South African Government and industry stakeholders in creating an enabling environment for the commercial replication of grid connected wind farms and the establishment of a vibrant and sustainable wind industry in South Africa. The first phase of SAWEP was instrumental in removing a number of key institutional, regulatory and technical barriers required to facilitate private sector investment in the wind sector and in 2008 was responsible for the commissioning of the Darling Wind Farm, South Africa’s first wind farm and a designated national demonstration project. The first phase of SAWEP also helped fund the development and launch of South Africa’s first numerical Wind Atlas (WASA) and assisted in the development of several key national policies that led to the Government of South Africa’s decision to launch a Renewable Energy IPP procurement program with a sizeable initial allocation for onshore wind.

GEF has recently approved a project proposal concept for an additional funding allocation of USD $3.5 million for a second phase of SAWEP designed to assist government and industry stakeholders overcome strategic barriers to the successful attainment of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan target of 3,320 MW of wind power online by 2020. The second phase of SAWEP is intended to build on the achievements of the first phase as regards removal of early-stage “energy-related” barriers and focus efforts on creating the conditions for medium- and long-term wind power development in South Africa. Components proposed under the second phase of SAWEP includes activities to support optimization and improvement of local content targets in wind energy procurement mechanisms; enhanced skills development in under-represented regions; development and approval of standards, testing and certification schemes; resource mapping and wind corridor development support for policy-makers; and support for the Department of Energy’s small-scale wind REIPP program.

The main stakeholder and key executing partner for the project is the South African Department of Energy (DOE). SAWEP Phase II is firmly embedded in and prioritized under the South African National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012); the South Africa New Growth Path; the Green Economy Accord; the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity (IRP) and Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP2); the 2003 White Paper on Renewable Energy; the National Energy Act (2008); the Long Term Mitigation Scenarios (LTMS); and the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (2011).

Duties and Responsibilities

In approximately 5.5 weeks of total work throughout the duration of the PPG process (various tasks are expected to be done concurrently), the overall purpose of the consultancy is the preparation of a UNDP/GEF compliant full sized project. The International Lead Expert for the Preparation of the Project Document is expected to:

Serve as team leader for other PPG consultant(s) and together be responsible for the timely drafting of the required documents for submission to the GEF strictly adhering to the deadlines agreed to and ensuring quality control. More specifically, the consultant will produce, with support from the other consultant(s), a UNDP Project Document with minimum requirements and an accompanying GEF CEO Endorsement Request (both using the appropriate templates with all supporting annexes) by June 2014. The consultant should be available for any further revisions to the project documents after submission to the GEF Secretariat. Key project drafting tasks will be accomplished under the guidance of the UNDP/GEF regional service center and the UNDP Country Office, working in close collaboration with key government officials, donors, NGOs and the private sector. An early draft of the required submission documents will be submitted to the UNDP Country Office and UNDP/GEF technical staff at a date agreed at the inception workshop;
Play a pivotal role in developing a work plan and coordinating the input and outputs of all consultants and sub-contractors (where applicable), overseeing quality;
Finalize the project results framework: Further define the results framework with appropriate objective-level and outcome-level quantitative and qualitative SMART2 indicators, and end-of-project targets. Special attention will be made to include socio-economic and sex disaggregated indicators.
Develop a detailed M&E work plan, including clear identification of responsibilities and accountabilities, as well as an appropriate M&E budget. The plan will be based on the standard template provided in the UNDP-GEF project document template that reflects the mandatory requirements of the GEF M&E Policy;
Define a sustainability plan which will outline the principles and guidelines for ensuring the long-term sustainability of project achievements. It will also outline an exit strategy, seeking the continuation of key activities/achievements without the need of long-term international financing;
Lead the identification of climate change risks associated with the project implementation and address any opportunities/risks identified during the initial environmental and social screening of the project proposal at PIF stage •Plan all activities of the project;
Define the logical framework (including all outcomes and outputs) and work plan for the project;
Clarify the additionality of the proposed outcomes and activities, and ensure that the project approach is the most cost-effective according to GEF guidelines;
Complete the GEF Climate Change Mitigation tracking tool together with a detailed analysis of the project’s direct and indirect contribution to the stated GHG emission reduction targets;
Propose institutional and implementation arrangements consistent with a GEF Full-Sized project and in synergy with already existing arrangements for other UNDP/GEF projects in the country;
Address all comments on the project design by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel and in the GEF review sheet •Facilitate the process of confirming the co-funding and co-financing plan;
Facilitate consultations with all relevant stakeholders with regards to the proposal, including detailed budget, detailed TORs for all project staff, and a detailed activity and work plan, in line with GEF eligibility principles.

Competencies

Ability to conduct detailed quantitative GHG emission reduction calculations (direct and indirect) according to GEF policies and procedures;
Ability to conduct research and analysis with strong synthesis skills;
Ability to build strong relationships with national consultants; focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; consensus-oriented;
Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, networking aptitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum postgraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences, Renewable Energy, Economics and related subjects.

Experience:

At least 10 years experience designing and/or implementing renewable energy and/or climate mitigation activities in developing countries;
Proven and extensive international experience in renewable energy projects, wind in particular;
Proven past experience in UNDP/GEF project formulation/design, including drafting of GEF-compliant project documents and endorsement requests;
Regional and national knowledge is highly desirable;
Experience working with international organizations, including UNDP, is preferred but not required.

Language:

Excellent English drafting and communication skills.