UNDP Jobs - 51862- International Expert in PU Foam for Technical Assi

International Expert in PU Foam for Technical Assistance to Mexican System Houses Reconversion out of HCFC-141b

Location :

Home-based, with Missions to Mexico

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

04-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

Spanish

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 (one) year with possible 2 (two) extensions for the period of 1 (one) year each.

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

Mexico is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and is committed to phase-out its ODS consumption, including the total phase-out of the HCFCs by the year 2040. Furthermore, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed under the Decision XIX/6 on the “Adjustment to the Montreal Protocol with regard to Annex C, Group I substances (HCFCs)” to “accelerate the phase-out of production and consumption of the hydrochlorofluorcarbons (HCFCs)”, and the Article 5 (A5) countries have been requested by the ExCom to adopt a staged approach to the implementation of their HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMP).

Therefore, Mexico has prepared its Hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) with funding from the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The country decided on a staged approach to phase out HCFCs and this is included in the HPMP. Subsequent to preparation of the HPMP, it was submitted to the Executive Committee of the MLF and approved at its 64th meeting in 2011.

Funding was received for implementation of Stage 1 activities for the period from 2011 to 2015 to meet the 10% reduction in HCFC consumption and such activities include the industrial reconversion of polyurethane (PU) foam industries to adoption of non-ODS / low-GWP alternatives to the HCFC-141b that is current used as blowing agent

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the 4 Implementing Agencies (IA) designated by the Multilateral Fund (MLF) to implement the Montreal Protocol´s Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS) phase-out projects, as has been chosen by the Government of Mexico as cooperating agency to support the country in phase-out HCFC-141b consumption at the PU Foam sector.

In this sense, the HPMP implementation involves:

Implementation of investment projects in the Polyurethane (PU) Foams sector for technological and industrial reconversion of HCFC consumers (end-users);
Verification of compliance met by the investment projects and finalization of activities (Project Closure Reports).

This post identifies and specifies the scope of services required for the fulfillment of the above components related to the PU Foam sector to Mexico, and, therefore, an Individual Contract will be established for the accomplishment of the duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Expert will work with UNDP, under the direct coordination of the Senior International Expert of UNDP, and in collaboration with the Montreal Protocol Unit (MPU/BPPS) Programme Coordinator, and with the National Ozone Units (NOU) of Mexico.

Maintain technical discussions with companies and equipment suppliers in order the enable the environment for conversion;
Provide assistance to the beneficiary companies (multinational System Houses) in projects, associated to the technology conversion;
Periodic follow up the project implementation for each assisted company, providing evaluations, progress reports and recommendations to assure the achievement of the objectives described in the Project Documents (ProDocs);
Undertake revision of the works associated to each production line;
Provide assistance to the beneficiary companies on the general issues associated with implementation and technology phase-in;
Verify that the commercial production free of ODS has taken place prior to the IOC transfers;
Support the project completion process, including the confirmation of HCFC equipment destruction/retrofit, endorsement of payments, preparation and signature of handover protocols and certificates of completion when applicable.
Draft Project Completion Reports.

Duration:

The contract will enter into effect upon signature by both parties, for an initial 1 (one) year with possible 2 (two) extensions for the period of 1 (one) year each.

Duty Station:

Home-based, with missions to Mexico.

Fees & Payments:

The consultant will receive payments based upon the certification and completion of each deliverable identified below.

The candidate shall quote his/her fees on a Deliverable basis, and this quotation shall include all foreseeable expenses including travel costs needed to the attendance of the tentative missions listed below. Missions not foreseen shall be paid to the consultant as per IC Rules and Principles

A Best value for Money approach will be used in the evaluation of the applicants, and will lead to a combined score for technical capabilities and the financial offer.

The short listed candidates, based on their technical capabilities, will receive the standard format that they must fill out to submit their financial offer.

Expected Deliverables and missions for the duration of the Contract / LTA:

Deliverable 1 (15%):

HCFC replacement technology assessed and System House level; Polyurethane (PU) System Houses conversion to a non-HCFC alternative initial activities supported;
Mission 1: Mexico City / January, 2015 (3 days length);
Mission 2: Queretaro and Toluca / February, 2015 (5 days length).

Deliverable 2 (15%):

Technology reconversion at System House level completed. PU end-users reconversion to adopt HCFC-free pre blended systems, equipment retrofit and conduction of trails;
Mission 3: Mexico City / March, 2015 (5 days length);
Mission 4: Queretaro and Toluca / April, 2015 (5 days length);
Deliverable 3 (20%): Downstream users lists verified and reconversion strategy established in accordance with SH, GOV and UNDP.

Mission 5: Mexico City, Queretaro and Toluca / June, 2015 (5 days length).

Mission 6: Guadalajara, Monterrey / August, 2015 (5 days length)

Deliverable 4 (30%): 50% of downstream users’ satisfactorily reconverted. Clients sampled and verified. Payments to end/users endorsed.

Mission 7: Guadalajara, Monterrey / November, 2015 (5 days length)

Deliverable 5 (20%): 100% downstream users’ satisfactorily reconverted. Verification on sampled clients undertaken and PCR emitted.

Mission 5: Mexico City / December, 2015 (5 days length)

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional competencies:

Ability to analyses policy documents and make constructive policy suggestions;
Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
Capacity building skills and flexibility depending on the public;
Demonstration of commitment to the Project’s mission, vision and values;
Good writing and reporting skills;
Good presentation skills;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

First-level university degree in engineering, chemistry or related field.

Experience:

Working experience of at least 5 years in technical assistance for PU Foams industry;
Knowledge on foaming equipment use and field application is desirable;
Knowledge on use of PU foam blowing agents is desirable;
Knowledge of Montreal Protocol related policy/issues is highly desirable;
Working experience in the PU sector developing countries, preferably Mexico, is highly desirable;
Working experience with UN Agencies at field level is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in Spanish;
Fluency in English is highly desirable.

Evaluation Criteria

Technical Capabilities (70%): the candidate will be evaluated and scored against the following criterion:

First-level university degree in engineering, chemistry or related field = 10 points;
Working experience of at least 5 years in T.A. for PU Foams industry = 10 points;
Knowledge on foaming equipment use and field application is desirable = 5 points;
Knowledge on use of PU foam blowing agents is desirable = 5 points;
Knowledge of Montreal Protocol related policy/issues is highly desirable = 20 points;
Working experience in PU sector in developing countries is highly desirable= 15 points;
Working experience with UN Agencies at field level is desirable = 10 points;
Fluency in Spanish = 10 points;
Fluency in English is highly desirable. = 15 points.

PS: Candidates that score 70 points or less will be disqualified.

Financial Proposal (30%): The short listed candidates, based on their technical capabilities, will receive the standard format that they must fill out to submit their financial offer.