UNDP Jobs - 55397- International Consultant/Expert on Alternative ODS

International Consultant/Expert on Alternative ODS-free Technologies and Safety Standards

Location :

Home-based desk works with two missions to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

21 working days, May, 2015 – March, 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Uzbekistan adopted obligations to implement the phase-out schedule use of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol, as stipulated in the Copenhagen Amendment, as well as subsequent supplement approved by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 19) held in September 2007. This requires further capacity building of all relevant organizations and agencies that can serve to improve the regulatory and legislative acts to assist in accelerating the reduction in the use of HCFCs in the medium and long term, as well as to increase the country's readiness for a full cessation of use and withdrawal from the use of HCFCs; and will allow develop and implement appropriate investment programs in support of reducing dependence on imports of ozone-depleting substances and to implement and use in refrigeration and air conditioning, modern ozone friendly and energy-efficient technologies and best practices. In this regard, UNDP and the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Nature Protection prepared and launched a project first execution of an accelerated reduction in the use of HCFCs in the region, countries with economies in transition (EIT) - Uzbekistan, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility. The main objective of this project is to assist in ensuring that the requirements of Uzbekistan accelerated withdrawal out of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol by stabilizing and progressive reductions in HCFC consumption.

For effective implementation of the project sub-component “Demonstration and Replacement Programme for the Refrigeration Sector” the project hires an international expert on Alternative ODS free Technologies and Safety Standards. The task of the International Consultant will be supporting the project team in implementation of the project sub-component “Demonstration and Replacement Programme for the Refrigeration Sector” and elaboration technical documentations for effective implementation of demonstration projects. In essence, the responsibility of the International Consultant is to ensure that the overall technical direction of this sub-component is maintained and flexibly adapted to meet the practical challenges faced during implementation.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM), he/she will work as a part of the project team, and liaise with the project National Technical Coordinator (NTC), National Consultant/Specialist and MPU/Chemicals (Istanbul). The International Consultant will work closely with the PM, NTC and local and other international consultants.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reviewing, selecting alternative and energy efficient technologies and refrigerants that do not deplete the Ozone Layer (home-based):

Reviewing international experience on application of alternative/natural refrigerants and identifying currently available natural alternative and at the same time energy efficient technologies that do not deplete the Ozone Layer and have minimal impact on climate change, in particular ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2) and propane (C3H8) are the primary targeted HCFC substitutes, that are feasible for demonstration in the existing high ambient temperature and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan;
Providing market cost estimates for proposed technologies, as well as for other alternatives for comparison and decision-making on the assembled and ready to install packages, or those components cost estimates for a possibility of import and local assembly that could build better national technical capacity in handling these new technologies;
In the view of the above, developing recommendations with clear justifications on selection of at least 3 alternatives (natural refrigeration technologies are preferred) for their further application in Uzbekistan and drafting a plan for demonstration projects implementations;
Discussing draft plan and recommendations with the PM, NTC and National Consultant/Specialist on ODS-free alternative technologies and natural refrigerants (by using available means of communication) to get feedback and finalize demo project’s plans.

Development of technical documentations for three demonstration projects on application of natural refrigerants, preferably ammonia, carbon dioxide and propane in refrigeration and air conditioning sector (4-day mission to Uzbekistan – June, 2015):

Participating in seminar/workshop on alternative/natural refrigerants and energy efficient technologies in Tashkent (within the planned missions); conducting presentation/lecture to local assembly companies, and national experts on application of alternative/natural refrigerants and identifying currently available natural alternative and at the same time energy efficient technologies that do not deplete the Ozone Layer;
Visiting three proposed sites of demonstration projects in Tashkent city for identifying and recording baseline energy-efficient data to compare then with new future technologies;
Developing technical documentations (including site-specific project proposal for technology substitution, list and technical specifications of equipment needed for replacement works, local co-finance requirements, tools and total works with cost estimates) in agreed project format for implementation of demonstration project on application of natural refrigerants, preferably ammonia (R717a), carbon dioxide (CO2) and propane (C3H8) in refrigeration and air conditioning;
Discussing draft of technical documentations with the PM, NTC and National Consultant/Specialist on ODS-free alternative technologies and natural refrigerants to get feedback and finalize them;

Development of a Manual and a set of safety standards on application of alternative and energy efficient technologies using ODS free and low GWP refrigerants (home-based):

Developing a Manual on application of new alternative and energy efficient technologies ODS free and low GWP refrigerants that shall include:

Social, economic and ecologic impacts of new technologies application in Uzbekistan;
Mandatory steps to be implemented and required conditions for effective application of proposed alternative and energy efficient technologies;
Recommendations for end-users on servicing and technical maintenance of new technologies.

Discussing draft Manual with PM and NTC (by using available means of communication) to get feedback and finalize the Manual.

Reviewing international safety standards on using natural refrigerants (NH3, CO2 and C3H8 etc.) and providing the project with the most appropriate set of safety standards for further use and/or updating and developing proposals for their adjustment to Uzbekistan’s environment.

Consultancy support to the project team during implementation, and development of final report upon completion of demonstration projects (home-based and 4-day mission to Uzbekistan – February-March, 2016):

Providing consultancy support to the project team during demonstration projects’ implementation. Participating in at least two Skype call-discussions (or using other means of communication) with the project team (PM, NTC and National Consultant);
Visiting sites of the completed demonstration projects to monitor and record the energy efficient data/indicators to compare with the initially established baselines;
Developing a final report, which includes inter alia practical recommendations on further improvements required for efficient replication and scaling-up of new alternatives that do not deplete the Ozone layer and have minimal impact on climate change in Uzbekistan;
Providing other consultative support to the project team in other issues related to implementation of demonstration projects, if required.

Deliverables / Timeframe

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultant. Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each phase can be corrected by Project Manager based on reasonable justification by the International Consultant. The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of reference of the International Consultant on a written agreement. The final schedule will be agreed in the beginning of consultancy assignment. All deliverables should be submitted to the project by the Consultant in English and/or Russian.

Deliverables will be a foundation for implementation of the project sub-component “Demonstration and Replacement Programme for the Refrigeration Sector” during 2015-2016.

Based on the developed recommendations and technical documentation, three demonstration projects will be implemented and monitored. Results of monitoring will be analyzed and served as a ground for Government to enforce introduction of such technologies to ensure compliance with the international standards and best practices.

Final draft of Manual on application of new alternative and energy efficient technologies using ODS-free and low GWP refrigerant will be used as a tool during implementation of demonstration projects, and will be updated when needed and finalized. Recommended a set of safety standards also will be piloted, tested and further submitted the Governments` consideration and further possible application.

Deliverables

Report on developed recommendations on selection of three (3) alternative and energy efficient technologies using of natural/alternative refrigerants that are not depleting the ozone layer with the low GWP (NH3, CO2 and C3H8) submitted and accepted by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (6 w/days from the total 21 w/days). May 20, 2015 – 30%;
Technical documentation including site-specific project proposal substitution, list and technical specification of equipment, tools and works with the cost estimates for implementation of three demonstration projects developed; submitted, agreed/ approved by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (4 w/days from the total 21 w/days). June 20, 2015;
Final draft of Manual on application of new alternative and energy efficient technologies using ODS-free and low GWP refrigerants submitted and approved by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (4 w/days from the total 21 w/days). October 25, 2015
Report on international standards on using natural refrigerants (NH3, CO2 and C3H8 etc.) provided to the project (2 w/days from the total 21 w/d). November 25, 2015;
Final report, which includes inter alia practical recommendations on further improvements required for efficient replication and scaling-up of application new alternatives do not deplete the Ozone layer and have minimal impact on climate change in Uzbekistan submitted, agreed/approved by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (5 w/days from the total 21 w/days). March 20, 2016 – 70%.

Competencies

Excellent analytical and presentation skills;
Strong organizational skills;
Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, focus on results;
Ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment;
Initiative, good analytical skills, ability to work under tight schedule while respecting deadlines achievement, ethics and honesty;
Good ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources.
Ability to interact productively in a team;
Timely delivery of good-quality products;
Excellent communication skills;
Result and client oriented;
Ability to perform under tight deadlines and timely produce required deliverables.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Postgraduate or other advanced university degree in the field of chemistry, thermal dynamics, refrigeration engineering and/or other relevant technical sciences and/or of environment protection.

Work experience:

At least 10 years of hands-on experience in the field of phasing out the ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), the ODSs-based and ODS-free alternative and energy efficiency technologies, knowledge of best practices using ozone-friendly substances is an asset;
Hands-on experience with HCFC replacement demonstration projects. Previous experience with development project in Central Asia countries is desirable;
Profound knowledge of Montreal Protocol related issues and its associated Policies and Agreements is desirable;
Deep knowledge of international legal and regulatory related to environment protection and ODSs phase-out, knowledge of relevant international policies/strategies in this area as well as safety standards on ODS-free and low GWP alternatives is an advantage;
Experience with product optimization and energy efficiency cross-cutting issues is desirable

Knowledge of languages:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of Russian is an advantage.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

P-11 form and Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability
Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and submit it to the online application
Above mentioned documents can be obtained at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs/

Application process:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) and Offeror’s Letter;
Merge your P11, Offeror’s Letter and Proposal into a single file;
Click on the Job Title;
Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”;
Upload your forms

You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a financial proposal.

Financial Proposal

Lump sum contracts:

This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days);
The payment will be made in four installments to be issued upon completion and submission of Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) on the works performed as indicated in the terms of reference.

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation

The individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis methodology.
The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
Having received the highest score out of the set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;
Technical Criteria weight – 70%;
Financial Criteria weight – 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.