Background

In 2009, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) 2010 – 2018 was adopted in Albania with an energy savings target of 9% of the average energy consumption between 2004 and 2008 by 2018 (during this period, the total energy consumption is expected to increase by some 50%). Highest burden of energy savings should be in the transport sector (33%), industry (25%) and residential (22%) sectors. The Action plan also includes introduction of renewable energy sources (solar, heat pumps) in the buildings. The key to the implementation of the NEEAP is to set up a financial mechanism that will provide an incentive to invest in energy efficient technologies in residential, commercial and public buildings. It is proposed that this is done in form of a revolving energy efficiency or eco-fund that could blend grant and loan funding form domestic and international sources.

Maximal utilization of renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency are therefore top priorities for Albania.
In order to ensure environmental sustainability, efforts will need to continue to integrate the principles of sustainable development into national policies and programmes for a more effective and efficient use of natural resources.
The concept of Low-Emission Development under UNFCCC provides a framework for countries to formulate their approaches to sustaining long-term national growth in the context of mitigation of further increases in greenhouse gas emissions. A special support mechanism for Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) is established under UNFCCC.

NAMAs are mitigation actions, programmes or policies voluntarily undertaken by developing countries in the context of sustainable development, supported and enabled wholly or in part by technology, financing and capacity building from developed countries.

With UNDP support to Albania the necessary documents for NAMAs can be developed enabling, the country to benefit from the international support provided for their implementation. Albania could use UNDP's experience in energy efficiency in buildings to develop more comprehensive measures in this area under the NAMAs mechanism. This will help to ensure complementarity of the GEF and NAMA funding.

Albania’s aspirations to EU and its CC policy are leading towards implementing EE measures through the following steps (i) Full transposition and implementation of EU directives into Albanian legislation (adoption of the legal framework for Energy Efficiency); (ii) Strictly future implementation of the legal framework on Energy Efficiency, EE Action Plan and Building Codes; (iii) Incentives and financial supports for investments in EE; (iv) ESCO penetration in the domestic market;(v) Programs in EE; (vi) Awareness campaigns, etc. 

Through efforts to incorporate CC and NAMAs in the national environment plan, UNDP previously supported a concept for a NAMA for “Implementation of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) in the residential and commercial sector in Albania”, accepted by the government as a priority area. Therefore, the International Consultant has to undertake the full development of this NAMA based on the relevant best world practices, UNFCCC guidance and format, to be further submitted by the government of Albania to the UNFCCC NAMA Registry. Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Albania Climate Change Programme Team Leader and guidance of UNDP RSC Climate Change Policy Advisor, and in close collaboration with the national consultants the International Consultant will render his/her services at ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities

The international consultant will perform the following tasks:
  • Explore with the national consultants and CCP Team Leader the availability of data and provide guidance to them on the information needed to fully develop the concept available into a NAMA for registration under UNFCCC;
  • Based on data acquired to draft a NAMA proposal;
  • The international consultant has to assure that the NAMA is in line with the governmental strategic policies in the field;
  • Develop full-scale draft NAMA project document in accordance with UNFCCC requirements;
  • Finalize the NAMA based on the feedback received by the UNDP Country office from relevant stakeholders;
  • Advice the government during the submission of the NAMA to the UNFCCC NAMA registry following to the UNFCC guidance. 
Deliverables

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultancy contract. Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each phase can be adjusted by the CCP Team Leader based on reasonable justification by the Consultant.

The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of reference of the Consultant based on a written agreement. All deliverables should be submitted to the project by the Consultant in English.
  • Discussions with the Climate Change Programme Team Leader on the work plan for the NAMA development and organization of the work. Providing clear requests to the national consultant/s on the needed information;Necessary data/ information gathering and compilation supported by the national consultant/s and project manager (15 September 2014);
  • Based on data/information acquired, formulate a draft NAMA proposal to be presented to the government for comments (30 September 2014);
  • Develop full-scale draft NAMA project document in accordance with UNFCCC requirements and assuring that the NAMA is in line with the governmental strategic policies in the field. Present the NAMA to the government and collect comments (15 October 2014);
  • Finalize the NAMA based on the feedback received by the UNDP Country office from relevant stakeholders and advice the government during the submission of the NAMA to the UNFCCC NAMA registry following to the UNFCCC guidance (30 October 2014);
  • Two missions of up to 4 days each, in Tirana to attend meetings and get agreement on the proposed outline of the NAMA-s.
Timeframe

The expected duration of the assignment is maximum 20 days between September – October 2014.

Competencies

Core competencies and values
  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Display cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional competencies
  • Analytical thinking and strategic planning skills, ability to facilitate, consult and negotiate with a broad range of government and non-government partners;
  • Willing and capable to work and collaborate with other donor-funded advisors;
  • Strong inter-personal and communication (oral and written) skills, efficiency in a multi-tasking and multi-cultural environment;
  • Ability to work and adapt to a dynamic working environment, judgment, results-orientation, and ability to perform under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education/Academic qualifications:
  • Advanced university degree in energy, economics, architecture, development or related area.
Work experience:
  • At least 5 years of working experience with development programmes and plans, LED strategy and NAMAs development;
  • Demonstrated solid knowledge of climate change mitigation and development;
  • Technical knowledge of the implications of climate change on development, finance, environment and other relevant fields is critical;
  • Good knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency in energy and building sectors and corresponding environment issues, low carbon and sustainable development issues in EU, Albania and/or Western Balkans;
  • Experience in the policy development process associated with environment, climate change and sustainable development is an asset;
  • Experience in working and collaborating with governments is an asset;
Language requirements:
  • Full working knowledge of English, including excellent report writing and presentation skills in English.
Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultant will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
  • Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
  • Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
  • Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max points: 70;
  • Criteria A: Professional Experience including research skills – max points: 35;
  • Criteria B: Educational Background– max points: 15;
  • Criteria C: Writing and presentation skills in English – max points: 20;
  • Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max points: 30.
Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:
  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application;
  • Completed P11 form for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs) - blank form Download here
    (please upload the P11 instead of your CV);
  • Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials
*Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. 

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy, mission costs, and other relevant costs, if any, required producing the above deliverables. Payment will be released in 2 (two) installments, upon timely submission of respective deliverables and their acceptance by the CC Programme Team Leader and UNDP RSC Climate Change Policy Advisor. Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.
 
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.
 
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.