UNDP Jobs - 53961- Renewable Energy Technologies Expert

Renewable Energy Technologies Expert - (Open to Thai Nationals Only)

Location :

Home- based with travel to Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

09-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

16th March 2015 - 15th August 2015

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

50 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

Origin of the Project

Despite the government’s commitment to Renewable Energy, there have been constraints to the wider and more sustained application of Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Thailand, the UNDP/GEF-supported Project on Promoting Renewable Energy in Mae Hong Son aims to overcome barriers that currently prevent widespread and sustainable utilization of the RETs for the provision of energy services in rural areas of Thailand.

The project works in Mae Hong Son province, which the Ministry of Energy has identified as its target to be the first energy self-sufficient province in Thailand, in conformity with the King’s sufficiency economy concept. The project facilitates an integrated RE planning process at provincial and local levels, in order to translate targets set at national level to local level and into real action. Various new approaches, concept and policies will be developed and applied, e.g. new ownership models for RE systems and loan management to be endorsed by the government and applied elsewhere in Thailand. Furthermore information on existing incentives/policies for RE promotion which are available but sometimes seldom used will be disseminated and promoted. The project will also contribute to the broader Goal of reducing GHG emissions in Thailand. The 4 project components deal with (a) institutional capacity development for planning and implementing RE programmes; (b) access to financing; (c) technical training and education and (d) policies for up-scaling and replication.

This 5-year project has started the implementation in 2011. The project is currently half-way and as suggested by a mid-term review team the project has been reformulated to better respond to the changing circumstances in the legal and regulatory environment in the province.

This TOR is for a renewable energy technologies expert to conduct surveys, prepare technical groundworks, and recommend potential locations as well as practical technical and non-technical support mechanisms for the installation and operation of two types of RE technologies: solar farm and biodigester systems in Mae Hong Son.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective:

To conduct surveys, identify potential locations, and prepare the initial ground works for the installation and operation of the solar farm and biodigester systems as well as define practical technical and non-technical support mechanisms for the installation and operation of those RE technologies, focusing but not limit to, three project target areas which are: Pha Bong of Muang district, Mae Ki of Khun Yuam district and Wieng Nua of Pai district, Mae Hong Son province.

Scope of work:

The scope of work relates to providing technical support on the realization of two specified RE technologies. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the National Project Manager and UNDP Programme Specialist.

The scope of work of the consultant is as follows:

Initial technical preparation for a solar farm system:

Develop criteria and/or checklist for location selection of the installation of a solar farm system in MHS;
Identify one potential location, preferably but not limit to, 3 project target areas (Pha Bong/Muang, Mae Ki/Khun Yuam, and Wieng Nua/Pai);
Identify technical and non-technical support mechanisms/models for public or private agency in MHS which want to set-up a solar farm system (e.g. in accessing incentive schemes, obtaining legal approvals, technology/supplier selection, construction and commissioning); and
Develop an example of a Project Development Document, based on the information gathered above, for the project to later pursue the partnership and application for the legal procedures for the installation of the solar farm.
If possible, provide technical support in obtaining legal approval for the installation of the solar farm from the responsible agencies. (Point I.d is optional since it depends on policy of the central government.)

Initial technical preparation for biodigesters at SMEs/farms/households:

Develop selection criteria and/or checklist for the installation of biodigester for SMEs/farms/households in MHS;
Identify one to three (1-3) potential sites for the installation of biodigesters at SMEs/ farms/households in, preferably but not limit to, 3 project target areas (Pha Bong/Muang, Mae Ki/Khun Yuam, and Wieng Nua/Pai); and
Identify technical and non-technical support mechanisms/models to SMEs/farms/ households in MHS which want to install biodigester system.

Final Product:

Renewable Energy Technologies Expert is expected to deliver following outputs:

Deliverable 1 : the detailed workplan and approach by 16 March 2015;
Deliverable 2 : the first draft report, including the site identification and operational plans by 15 June 2015;
Deliverable 3 : the final study report by 3 August 2015.

Competencies

Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Familiarised with government institutions and coordination mechanism;
Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Renewable Energy Technologies Expert shall have the following qualifications:

Education:

Advanced degree in energy technology, engineering or environmental sciences or other related fileds;

Professional background:

At least 5 years of research and development experiences in the field of renewable energy, rural technology, energy efficiency, development and/or environment;
Proven knowledge in research design and the transfer of renewable energy technology to rural/remote areas;
Experiences working with projects with multi-stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, CSOs, local communities and international organizations;
Familiarity with renewable energy activities and development complexities in Mae Hong Son is a strong advantage;
Familiarity with working procedures of an international organization is an advantage;
Experience with UNDP/GEF projects is an advantage.

Language:

Excellent skills in written and spoken English.

Institutional arrangement:

The Consultant will report to the National Project Manager and the Programme Specialist of the Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainable Development Unit, UNDP Thailand.

Duration of Contract:

16 March 2015 until 15 August 2015 with total of 50 working days.

Duty Station and Expected Places of Travel:

The consultant will work in Bangkok with travels to Mae Hong Son and other nearby provinces for 4 trips (5 days per trip).

Financial proposal and schedule of payments:

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount for the consulting fee, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.

Payments will be done upon the completion of the deliverables/ouputs and as per below percentage:

Deliverable 1: 20% of the total contract amount upon submission and approval of the detailed workplan and approach by 16 March 2015;
Deliverable 2: 40% of the total contract amount upon the submission and approval of the first draft report, including the site identification and operational plans by 15 June 2015;
Deliverable 3: 40% of the total contract amount upon submission and approval of the final study report by 3 August 2015.

Evaluation method and criteria:

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 (70%) and financial criteria (30%) specific to the solicitation.

Techincal criteria for evaluation (70% : maximum 500 points):

Criteria 1 : Experience related to services/ 40% maximum 200 points;
Criteria 2 : Qualifications, Expertise & Availability/ 60% maximum 300 points.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 350 technical points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Documentation required:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:

Financial proposal :The financial proposal must indicate lump sum professional fee in THB, including exact number of trips to Mae Hong Son and local travels must be clarified in the financial proposal. To submit Financial Proposal, please use Template of Submission of Financial Proposal provided in Annex I.
Personal CV and/ or P11 ( http://webapp3-docs.undp.org/procurement_notices/notice_doc_20676_55111248.doc ) including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 reference

Annex:

Annex 1- Template for Submission of Financial Proposal : http://webapp3-docs.undp.org/procurement_notices/notice_doc_20676_794045025.docx

Annex 2- Individual Consultant General Terms and Conditions : http://webapp3-docs.undp.org/procurement_notices/notice_doc_20676_650110129.docx

Annex 3- Detailed Terms of Reference : http://webapp3-docs.undp.org/procurement_notices/notice_doc_20676_743110530.docx.