UNDP Jobs - 59721- Short International Consultancy

Short International Consultancy - Energy Efficient Lighting Specialist

Location :

MAHE, SEYCHELLES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

16-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

30 working days over 3 months

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

Seychelles is highly dependent on imported oil to meet its energy needs (90% of the primary energy supply comes from imported fuel, with imports of fuel for electricity generation alone accounting for 12% of the total government budget). This heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels places heavy pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, exacerbates state budget deficits, and poses major energy security concerns, both in terms of access to supplies and pricing. A market for energy efficient appliances is just beginning to develop in the Seychelles, based in large part on the rapidly rising cost of electricity for most consumers. However, this market is constrained in many ways, including: a lack of consumer awareness about energy efficient (EE) appliances, extremely limited purchase options for EE appliances (apart from energy saving lights), the inability of consumers to get bank loans or store financing for the purchase of high-value EE appliances (such as air conditioning units, refrigerators/freezers, and washing machines), and the absence of any standards or labelling schemes or requirements for energy related products in the country. A market for bioclimatic design and rehabilitation of residential buildings (at least for thermal insulation of roofs) also needs to be be promoted.

The GOS-UNDP-GEF project Promotion and up-scaling of climate-resilient, resource efficient technologies in a Tropical Island Context is supporting the Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) and other stakeholders in setting up and implementing of equipment and building standards, fiscal policies, efficiency targets and agreements, audits and assessments, information dissemination programmes, and research and development activities. The project will also provide critical catalytic support to several programs designed to provide concessionary financing for energy and water efficient appliances, including the Seychelles Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programme (SEEREP), a financing scheme for the residential sector to purchase EE appliances. This is a credit facility of the commercial banks and Seychelles Credit Union (SCU) to provide concessionary finance for the adoption of EE technologies in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, and Neptune Programme of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), which will provide concessionary financing for the purchase of water saving devices, including rainwater harvesting installations and other source substitution solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to carry out a series of activities that will determine the viability of a full-blown efficient lighting economy. So far, there has been very little effort placed on one single technology, but lighting touches all sectors, and the opportunity to create the market may be relatively simple in Seychelles.

The consultant will bring a knowledge of international best practice to the following tasks:

Conduct a field mission and hold meetings and consultations with relevant stakeholders, with a particular focus on:

Viability of a complete CFL phase-out;
Identification of an approach for a promotional campaign highlighting environmental and economic benefits from switching towards use of EE lighting;
Identification of a potential approach to a labelling scheme and minimum performance standards.

Prepare an assessment of the current situation.

Prepare proposals on the best applicable solutions for the country regarding:

A complete phase-out of inefficient lighting technologies (such as incandescent bulbs);
A promotional and motivation scheme for different types of consumers.

Provide advice on setting up a demonstration pilot project on EE lighting.

Competencies

Demonstrable ability to maintain effective communications with different stakeholders;
Fully computer literate;
Good presentation and reporting skills;
Have effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in complex, multi-stake-holder projects;
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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum of a Masters’ degree in Engineering, with a specialization in matters related to Energy and Energy efficiency;

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in energy efficiency projects, and specifically the analysis of energy efficient lighting;
Practical experience in similar assignments, preferably with experience in Small Island Developing States;
Demonstrated leadership ability and technical ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing;
Prior UNDP/GEF project experience and knowledge of UNDP and GEF procedures and guidelines is an advantage.

Language

English, knowledge of French will be an advantage.