UNDP Jobs - 70243- International Consultant/Expert on Alternative ODS

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

Location :

Home-based desk works with one mission to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Feb-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

February – December, 2017

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 is hiring 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 of 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 Consultant/Specialist and MPU/Chemicals (Istanbul). The International Consultant will work closely with the PM and other national/international consultants.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 (6 w/days home-based – February-April, 2017):

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 projects on application of natural refrigerants, preferably ammonia (R717a), carbon dioxide (CO2) and propane (C3H8) in refrigeration and air conditioning;
Discussing, by using existing means of distance communication, drafts of technical documentations with the PM and National Consultant to get feedback and finalize them;
Participates as an observer during procurement of technologies (equipment, spare parts, goods, services, etc.).

Consultancy support to the project team during implementation of demonstration projects and in commissioning upon completion of demonstration projects (8 w/days, including 4 w/days home-based desk review and 4-days mission to Uzbekistan – August-November, 2017):

Providing consultancy support to the project team during demonstration projects’ implementation, through using available means of communication if and when needed;
Visiting sites of the completed demonstration projects to monitor and record 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.

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:

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 SD Cluster of UNDP in Uzbekistan (6 w/days from the total 14 w/days). Deadline by April 20, 2017

Provide consultancy support during demonstration projects’ implementation. Specific recommendations provided during the at least 2 Skype call-discussions (or using other means of communication) with the project team conduected and during the site-visit for the monitoring the completed demonstration projects (6 w/days from the total 14 w/days). Deadline by November 15, 2017

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 SD Cluster of UNDP in Uzbekistan (2 w/days from the total 14 w/days). Deadline by November 30, 2017.

Payment conditions

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and international travel costs (in-country travel cost will be covered by the project), accommodation and meal (DSA or per diems in Tashkent) and visas costs required to produce the above deliverables. Payment will be released in 1 (one) installment upon timely submissions of the above mentioned respective deliverables and their acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP SD Cluster

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

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.

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 Asian 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.

Other:

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.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Proposal- provide brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (2 pages or less);
Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work (2 pages or less)
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 one installment 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.