UNDP Jobs - 52681- International Advisor on Establishing a Functional

International Advisor on Establishing a Functional Loan Guarantee Fund in Moldova

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

January 2015 – January 2016 (with a total of 20 working days)

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 ESCO Moldova project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has an implementation timeframe of 4 years with a budget of 1.3 million US$ allocated by the GEF and 7.615 million US$ allocated as co-financing by project partners. The project objective is to create a functioning, sustainable and effective market of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in Moldova by converting existing energy service provider companies into ESCOs, as the basis for scaling up energy efficiency improvements and ultimately climate change mitigation efforts. The main barriers that the project is trying to address are related to energy efficiency project financing; the eagerness of existing Energy Service Providers to embark on the ESCO business model; institutional barriers at the local level; and EE awareness in the municipal sector.

The ESCO Moldova Project intends to eliminate/address these impediments through the following project components:

1. Green Urban Development Plan is adopted and emission reduction projects are financed and implemented in Chisinau
2. ESCOs are successfully investing in energy projects in the building sector using Energy Performance Contracting modality
3. A Financial Mechanism in form of a Loan Guarantee Fund, is set up and functional, providing financing to ESCOs
4. ESCO(s) are designing, financing and successfully implementing energy efficiency projects using EPC modality in at least one other city in Moldova outside of Chisinau The main targets to be achieved by the end of the project are: a functional ESCO market with a functional Loan Guarantee Fund (LGF) in place; ESCO companies created and consolidated; creation of new investments in EE measures that will lead to long term energy consumption savings and 20 EE projects implemented; better conditions in public and residential buildings and overall Chisinau will advance in its sustainable green development. The Project will contract an International Consultant (IC) who will be involved during the first year of project implementation in setting up a functional LGF, envisaged under the Component 3.

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of this assignment is to provide assistance to the Project Management Unit in establishing a functional Loan Guarantee Fund, set up to provide financing to ESCOs. These will allow implementing EE projects in selected buildings in the municipal sector, both residential multi-store and public buildings.The objective of this assignment is to provide assistance to the Project Management Unit in establishing a functional Loan Guarantee Fund, set up to provide financing to ESCOs. These will allow implementing EE projects in selected buildings in the municipal sector, both residential multi-store and public buildings.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The project Component 3 is achieved through a series of activities that will be mainly carried out by the PMU with the aim of developing the financial mechanism (Loan Guarantee Fund) and making available EE projects financing (grant) through the Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) and the selected financial institution (bank). To this end, the IC will be required to deal with supporting the PMU and main stakeholders in setting up a functional Loan Guarantee mechanism, having the following tasks:

Set up the Loan Guarantee Fund:

Draft the LGF Regulation and Operational Guidelines, and upon consultations and endorsement by relevant stakeholders (UNDP CO, the City of Chisinau, the selected Bank and other relevant players);
Provide guidance and inputs to the Loan Guarantee Fund Information Booklet to be further presented in a workshop to announce the establishment of the Loan Guarantee Fund, explain procedures and conditions;
Provide methodological support and guidance in setting up the LGF Management and Accountability Arrangements. Set up of the LGF Management Committee (LGFMC) with the aim of recommending to Financial Institutions Energy Efficiency projects that are subject to securing (i) a financing guarantee, (ii) an Energy Efficiency Loan and Energy Efficiency Fund grant. For each ESCO’s project, the recommendation will be based on the technical quality of the Energy Efficiency project and its compliance to the EPC modality and conditions;
Provide guidance and templates to the financial institution and the PMU in regard to the LGF Operation Monitoring and Reporting.

Financial partnerships and working agreements with institutions

Provide guidance and templates to the PMU for drafting and formalizing the Financial Partnership and Working Agreement with the Energy Efficiency Fund, City of Chisinau and UNDP.

Training package and delivery:

Significantly contribute to designing the training package and in collaboration with International Technical Advisor deliver the training programs to target groups (specifically the consultant will elaborate the training module on Financial Analysis and EPC modality, ESCO Project Financial Analysis and Project Financing, EPC modality, etc.);
In close collaboration with the International Technical Advisor contribute to drafting 2 models of Energy Performance Contracts (for institutional/public buildings and for the residential sector) and provide inputs to presentations at workshops related to EPC.

Additionally, during the assignment period the IC will continuously support the International Technical Advisor in Providing intensive technical assistance to the PMU and ESCOs from the stage of project financing up to EPC signature: Financial Arrangement Related to Loan Guarantees, Grants and Project Financing: EPCs Ready for Implementation, EE Projects Implementation-Commissioning and Completion, Monitoring and Verification reports and EPC Billing to Chisinau.

Expected Deliverables

LGF Regulation and Operational Guidelines, inputs to Loan Guarantee Fund Information Booklet, inputs and templates for the Financial Partnership and Working Agreement with the Energy Efficiency Fund, City of Chisinau and UNDP; inputs to Energy Performance Contracts for public and residential buildings; LGF Management and Accountability Arrangements; LGF Operation Monitoring and Reporting mechanism; training module on Financial Analysis and EPC modality, ESCO Project Financial Analysis and Project Financing, EPC modality, etc.

Effort estimate Component 3: 20 working days, including 2 trips (10 working days) to Moldova. The IC must also take advantage of trips and site presences included under Outcomes 3.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional Competencies:

Excellent proven skills in analysis, leadership and overall diplomatic skills;
Good organizational, time management and facilitation skills;
Excellent proven skills in analysis, leadership and overall diplomatic skills;
Good organizational, time management and facilitation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters’ Degree in Economics, Finances, Banking and/or Engineering.

Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant working experience in the field of energy efficiency, ESCO development, EPC modality and EE project financing;
Proven experience on preparation of written reports in an accurate and concise manner, and public presentation skills;
Professional experience in Eastern Europe is an asset.

Language:

Have a good command of English;
Knowledge of Romanian or Russian languages would constitute an advantage.

Important notice

The applicant who has the statute of Government Official / Public Servant, prior to appointment will be asked to submit the following documentation:

A no-objection letter in respect of the applicant received from the government; and
The applicant is certified in writing by the government to be on official leave without pay for the duration of the Individual Contract.

A retired government official is not considered in this case a government official, and as such, may be contracted.

The detailed Terms of Reference and procurement Notice can be found at http://www.undp.md/jobs/current_jobs