UNDP Jobs - 51268- Consultancy Services for the Tokelau Energy Sector

Consultancy Services for the Tokelau Energy Sector Support (TESS) Project

Location :

UNDP MCO, SAMOA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

26-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

28-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

55 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

It is expected that all deliverables in the TOR are completed no later than 8 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

Tokelau, covering three atolls with a population of around 1400 people, was until 2012 100% dependent on fossil fuel imports to generate power for electricity for the islands. Through support from the New Zealand government, a 1MW solar power system was installed on the three atolls in 2012, replacing almost all the fossil-fuel power generation with clean, solar power.

UNDP is currently supporting Tokelau on demands related to energy and environment through the Tokelau Energy Sector Support (TESS) Project. This project has three targets: 1) Review progress of the existing energy policy and action plan from 2004, and provide necessary updates; 2) train 12 local professionals in operation and maintenance of the solar grid to ensure stable power supply and enhance life time of the solar system, ensuring the participation of women wherever possible; and 3) develop a household energy efficiency programme focusing on providing incentives to encourage households to exchange appliances with more efficient ones to reduce overall power consumption.

We are now seeking one consultant to support target one and three:

The national energy policy update will reflect the current context for Tokelau after the major energy transformation Tokelau underwent in 2012, and set ambitious targets to ensure that Tokelau’s energy consumption is green, sustainable and affordable;
The energy efficiency component will increase awareness amongst Tokelauan households on the energy consumption of household appliances, and show how households can save money and the environment through investing in more energy efficient models.This will also have a positive effect on the solar grids on the island, as it will reduce the load and thus increase their lifetime.

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of work for the consultant will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following key activities:

Review and update of the National Energy Policy and Strategic Action Plan (NEPSAP)

Review of the implementation progress of NEPSAP since 2004, including assessment of how NEPSAP has been used in government planning and budgetary processes;
Assess how NEPSAP has been implemented outside of Government;
In coordination with existing national development strategies and sector policies, update and prioritize the eight focus areas in the revised policy based on the current context of Tokelau;
The 8 focus areas are 1) Energy Planning and Regulation; 2) Electrical Power; 3) Energy Efficiency in Electricity Use; 4) Energy Independence; 5) Transport Energy Efficiency; 6) Petroleum; 7) Energy and the Environment; and 8) Local Capacity Development for Energy;
Provide updated outcomes;
Assess gaps between existing energy policy and strategic action plan; and address these gaps in the updated document;
Analyse existing energy legislation and identify need for revisions;
Review energy supply, distribution and use.

Update the NEPSAP strategic action plan:

Define actions to meet the objectives of the revised energy policy;
Estimate cost, priority, timeline, performance indicators and responsible agencies of the activities. Where possible, specify potential sources of funding.

Develop a household energy efficiency program

The consultant should develop an effective household energy efficiency program for Tokelau, with budgets. The plan should focus on shifting from inefficient household appliances to more energy efficient models, and include a plan for incentives to trigger such a shift.

Specific tasks are:

Review experiences and lessons learned from similar household energy efficiency programs implemented in other PICs as a basis for the program in Tokelau, in particular the Cook Islands Fridge and Freezer Replacement Program (FFRP).

Work with the local energy office in preparation of an assessment of current household energy consumption that will provide information on:

Quantity, size, type, age and usage patterns of household electrical appliances and lights;
Qualitative assessment of households’ attitudes to a program where they can purchase more energy-efficient appliances at a rebate in exchange for their old ones;
Estimated number of households that are likely to take advantage of potential household energy efficiency initiatives and quantitative calculations of estimated energy savings if program goals are reached (in kWh);
Assess and recommend the best option for increases energy efficiency in households, including regulatory measures; incentives; voluntary agreements;
Recommend how i) Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy rating labels; ii) building codes for both new and existing buildings; and iii) mandatory audits when developing the program can be used to increase energy efficiency

Consider the following financial measures for Tokelau:

A replacement program for key electrical appliances and/or lights, based on the findings from research that considers the atoll environment with high ambient temperature, humidity and salt laden air);
The program shall also provide a costed solution for environmentally safe disposal of old appliances;
Develop an education and public outreach campaigns/awareness raising campaign;
Hold one workshop in each atoll to demonstrate power saving and energy efficient practices.
Information posters capturing the key messages for energy saving should be posted in strategic places in the local language;
A monitoring and evaluation plan for sustained energy efficient consumption in households is developed and approved by the Department of Energy.

The consultant is expected to work with relevant government parties, civil society and the private sector. The Consultant should also take into account other major related on-going or planned activities related to energy policy and planning.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to apply conceptual models in evaluation of projects;
Strong IT skills.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
Demonstrates ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Master’s degree in Environmental/energy sciences, energy/environmental engineering or closely related field.

Experience:

Previous experience with revision and development of energy policies is a requirement, preferably from the Pacific;
Minimum 7 years of experience in undertaking household energy assessments and designing and implementing similar household energy efficiency programs;
Experience with the Pacific Region is a requirement.

Language:

Fluent in English.

Please visit the procurement website to download copy of the TOR and relevant forms to assist with your proposal : http://procurement-notices.undp.org