Antecedentes

Background and Context:

Development of a National Biomass Energy Strategy for Uganda

Uganda’s energy sector is dominated by biomass which contributes over 90% of the total consumable energy, with firewood and charcoal supplying about 84% and 6% of the country’s energy balance respectively. In the recent past, the demand for charcoal has been increasing rapidly at an estimated 6% per annum and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Besides the main use of biomass energy for cooking and heating either as firewood or charcoal majorly by the household sector, there is a sizeable demand from commercial activities, such as the production of bricks. In many areas, biomass continues to be the energy source of choice due to unavailability or unaffordable prices of alternatives. The high demand for biomass can be partly attributed to the inefficient technologies used for conversion of raw wood into charcoal and final use.

Despite the high demand for biomass, the country’s diversity of biomass resources is not exploited to its full potential. Crop and forest residues, animal dung and other forms of biomass wastes are rarely used for energy purposes but have potential to significantly improve energy access of low-income populations, constitute a source of income, and reduce deforestation.

In fulfillment of the objectives of the Energy policy and the Renewable energy policy in particular, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has been implementing a number of interventions in the biomass sub-sector. Emphasis has been on promotion of efficient use of biomass through promotion and dissemination of improved biomass energy technologies and initiatives to promote sustainable production of charcoal and utilization of animal waste. However, the scope of implementation of these activities has been limited.

In 2001, a draft for a National Biomass Energy Demand Strategy was prepared by MEMD, but was never adopted due to lack of stakeholder participation, neglect of the supply side and lack of dedicated resources. The implementation of projects and other interventions in the biomass energy sub-sector has, therefore, been on ad hoc basis and haphazard, with no proper strategy and plan in place. In spite of its enormous contribution to the country’s energy balance, the sub-sector continues to be one of the least funded and least understood by top policy and decision-makers.

It is against this background that Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) with financial and technical assistance from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) intends to develop a comprehensive biomass energy strategy for Uganda.  The strategy will establish a framework for sustainable management and utilization of biomass resources in meeting the country energy needs.   To facilitate biomass energy strategy development, MEMD is now seeking the services of a team of national consultants whose main task will be to develop a national biomass energy strategy.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Objectives of the consultancy:

The overall objective of this assignment is to develop a long term national strategy and short term Action Plan for the sustainable biomass energy production and use in Uganda and provide guidance to key stakeholders on their implementation. Other critical issues such as poverty, gender, health, environment and climate change that potentially bear on the strategy will also be incorporated.

Specific Objectives under this assignment include:

• Assess and set the baseline situation on the status of biomass energy production and use, demand, technologies and practices, demand, consumption and marketing of biomass fuels at local/regional and national level;
• Assess the contributions and needs, and challenges encountered by the key actors (Individuals, Institutions, NGOs, private companies and communities) in the biomass energy sector as well as in the biomass energy value chain;
• Evaluate the factors constraining the sustainable supply and utilization of biomass energy in Uganda;
• Identify and propose strategic measures/interventions to improve the access to sustainable biomass energy sources and improve the adoption of efficient technologies for biomass energy production and utility.

Scope of the consultancy:

Approach and Methodology

To develop a comprehensive strategy that is widely accepted and duly owned by all the relevant stakeholders, a highly participatory approach involving the different actors will be encouraged during the process of executing the assignment. The process will also rely on the existing institutional capacities and experiences of different stakeholders with the aim of harnessing the synergies among the critical players in the biomass energy sub-sector. 

Phase 1: Inception period

During the inception period, under the supervision and in close consultation with MEMD and NRSE in particular, the consultant will be required to:

• Carry out a review of all the relevant literature and background material on Uganda’s biomass energy sub-sector, and define the scope of data and information requirements for the developing the strategy;
• Conduct a stakeholder mapping and analysis (including development partners) to identify relevance, mandates, roles, resources and capacities related to the biomass energy sub-sector; and set the approach and methodology for stakeholder consultations and public involvement in the development of the strategy;
• Assess the legal, policy and institutional framework by reviewing the relevant policies and legislation. In order to ensure that the Strategy is consistent with the wider legal and policy environment, the consultant should present an overview of the following:

1.  Policy framework: analyze relevant policies at national and local level, their effectiveness and challenges in  implementation;
   
2. Institutional framework: institutional responsibilities, mandate, capacities, as well as inter-institutional coherence, collaboration and communication;
3. Regulatory framework: existing regulations and identify regulatory gaps.

• Conduct an Inception Workshop and present:

1. Overview of the results of the inception phase;
2. Analytical gaps and comprehensive approach and methodology for carrying the assignment in the subsequent phases;
3. A plan and time schedule for carrying out activities in the subsequent phases of the project

Phase II: Comprehensive analysis of the supply and demand of biomass energy:

Based on the outcomes of the discussions during the inception phase and outcomes of the discussions at the inception workshop, the consultant is expected to contribute to improving the knowledge base on biomass energy in the country by:

• Carrying out a comprehensive study of the biomass energy market covering both the demand and supply side, using as much as possible existing data.  This study should, include the following elements:
   - Quantitative estimates of the demand trends by sector, fuel, and regional distribution (user groups, technologies, applications, fuel types, consumer preferences);
   - Quantitative estimates of the supply trends by sector, fuel, and regional distribution (prices, cost drivers, biomass producers, technologies, sources of feedstock, access, ownership);
  - Socio-economic information related to biomass energy use and production trends (population, demographic factors, urbanization, land tenure, household income, share of income spent on energy, employment in the production and sale of biomass fuels); and
  - Analysis of the market for biomass energy technologies (types of technologies, manufacturers, efficiencies, research and development organizations, distribution channels, promotion mechanisms);
  - Determine the potential impact of cross-cutting issues (poverty, governance, climate change, gender and HIV/AIDS) on the Strategy and propose approaches to mainstreaming them into the Renewable Energy Policy and other relevant policies, and into the strategy itself;
  - Estimate the potential savings of biomass resources through adoption of more efficient technologies, fuel substitution and promotion of alternative fuels.
•  Stakeholder Consultations: Conduct consultations of all key stakeholders and seek their views and opinions on the strategy, and where practicable, incorporate them in the strategy.
• Development of scenarios for biomass energy supply and demand.

             - Develop the ‘Business as Usual’ scenario (‘Do Nothing’), and compare this with the more desirable scenario that would ensure sustainable biomass energy supply and demand;
            - Using simulation models for biomass energy planning or other means, develop alternative scenarios (e.g by varying fuel prices, population growth, urbanization rates, economic growth). The alternative scenarios will be chose in consultation with the BEST steering committee;
            -  The results analysis will be presented in a standalone report. In consultation with MEMD and the steering committee, the consultant shall present the report to a wider stakeholders workshop.

Phase III: Development of a Biomass Energy Strategy and Action Plan:

Using the experiences and results of the analysis above as well as the views and opinions of the stakeholders, the consultant will be expected to develop the Biomass Energy Strategy and present a short-term Action Plan covering the first two years of the implementation of the Strategy:
The consultant shall:

• Develop a vision for the biomass energy strategy, in close collaboration with the relevant ministries;
• Set realistic intervention options for the biomass energy strategy based on the analysis in Phase 1 and Phase 2. The selected options should be as specific and as practical as possible and propose interventions that can realistically address priority issues in the biomass energy sub-sector. The interventions should be designed in the full context of the financial situation, the socio-economy of the respective target groups and the institutional capacities of the stakeholders. 
• Seek agreement of the Steering Committee on priority issues and preferred interventions.
• Develop a comprehensive two year Action Plan consisting of a list of priority actions with regard to the responsible actors, timeframes, targets and resources required. The Action Plan should contain a funding strategy for the individual actions, including international mechanisms (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), REDD+ activities, or  CDM). 
• Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation system for the implementation of the Action Plan and the Strategy.
• Communicate the results of the strategy development process. Specific approaches for communicating the work and results of the strategy and creating awareness about biomass issues should be developed as part of the strategy.
• Present the Strategy in a validation workshop of stakeholders
• Develop a communication strategy for the BEST

In performing the above tasks, the consultant shall ensure that there will be consultations and participation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development  Management and staff.  This will be achieved through various mechanisms including presentations, workshops and weekly briefings to the Commissioner Energy Resources Department.

MEMD will constitute a biomass energy strategy steering committee to provide overall direction and approval of the design and testing of biomass assessment tools and selection of the stakeholders for implementation of the assignment.

MEMD will assign to the consultant two members of staff as full-time counterpart staff for the assignment to learn how the process is done and to retain institutional capacity after the assignment.   The consultant is also expected to use formal regular debriefings and updates supported with outline documentation, detailing the methods used and preliminary outcomes to inform designated staff about procedures, processes and techniques used by the consultant in carrying out the assignment.

Biomass energy data collection and collaborating entities:  

In order to obtain the necessary data and information and conduct the assignment successfully, the consultant should consult and collaborate closely with the following institutions:

• Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD);
• Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE);
• Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF);
• National Forestry Authority (NFA);
• National Environment Management Authority (NEMA);
• Promotion for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (GIZ PREEEP);
• Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS);
• Sawlog Production Grant Scheme (SPGS)
• Development Partners (UNDP, GIZ, SNV WWF)

It is expected that the consultant shall engage a wide range of stakeholders including biomass users and producers, research institutions, civil society, government and the private sector as necessary.

Key reference documents for the development of the Strategy include:

• National Development Plan (2011)
• Draft for a National Biomass Energy Demand Strategy (2001)
• Plan for development of Uganda’s Biomass Energy Strategy (2001)
• Energy Policy (2002)
• Renewable Energy Policy (2007)
• Biomass Chapter of the Energy and Mineral Sector Performance Report 2008/09 - 2010/11 (2011)
• National Biomass Study Technical Report of 1996-2002 (2002)
• A study on Charcoal Supply in Kampala (2004)
• Charcoal production and licensing in selected districts (2006)
• Uganda National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) (2007)
• The potential for Biofuel in Uganda (2010)
• REDD Readiness Preparation Proposal for Uganda (2011)
• Balancing Biofuels and Food Security (2011)
• Northern Uganda Energy Study (2011)

Deliverables: 

• Inception Report presented during the Inception Workshop; +4 weeks after contract signing;
• Stakeholder consultation reports;
• Biomass supply and demand assessment reports;
• Draft and final National Biomass Energy Strategy and Action Plan, including a draft budget estimate for implementation of the Action Plan, communications strategy and monitoring framework;
• Consultancy process report.

Coordination: 

To ensure effective stakeholder participation, MEMD/NRSE will establish a BEST Steering Committee composed of senior representatives from the relevant institutions. The Committee will provide overall guidance and oversee the implementation of the Project, and address key implementation challenges and assist in inter-agency coordination and cooperation.

A working level BEST Task Force comprising of one expert from MEMD, MWE, UBOS, NFA and NEMA will be constituted to assist the consultant and also serve as direct counterparts to the consultant in the process of executing the assignment

Duties:

The Team Leader and Strategy Specialist:

The Team Leader is responsible for the overall delivery of the Biomass energy strategy including reporting requirements.  Specifically, She/he shall;

• Carry out a review of all the relevant literature and background material on Uganda’s biomass energy sub-sector, and define the scope of data and information requirements for the developing the strategy;
• Conduct a stakeholder mapping and analysis (including development partners) to identify relevance, mandates, roles, resources and capacities related to the biomass energy sub-sector; and set the approach and methodology for stakeholder consultations and public involvement in the development of the strategy;
• Assess the legal, policy and institutional framework by reviewing the relevant policies and legislation. In order to ensure that the Strategy is consistent with the wider legal and policy environment;
• Carrying out a comprehensive study of the biomass energy market covering both the demand and supply side, using as much as possible existing data;
  
• Lead stakeholder consultations including facilitating workshops;
• Development of a Biomass Energy Strategy and Action Plan.

Simulation and Modeling Specialist:

The overall responsibility of the expert is to take lead on development of scenarios for biomass energy supply and demand in Uganda.  Specifically, the Specialist shall:

• Develop the ‘Business as Usual’ scenario (‘Do Nothing’), and compare this with the more desirable scenario that would ensure sustainable biomass energy supply and demand;
• Using simulation models for biomass energy planning or other means, develop alternative scenarios (e.g by varying fuel prices, population growth, urbanization rates, economic growth). The alternative scenarios will be chose in consultation with the BEST steering committee;
• The results analysis will be presented in a standalone report. In consultation with MEMD and the steering committee, the consultant shall present the report to a wider stakeholders workshop

Communications Specialist:

• The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development of a communication strategy for BEST. Specific approaches for communicating the work and results of the strategy and creating awareness about biomass issues should be developed as part of the strategy;
• Organise stakeholder consultations;
• Prepare briefings for the different stakeholders on progress of the project;
• Communicate the results of the strategy development process. 

Reporting:

The Consultant will report to the UNDP Resident Representative on all contractual obligations and Commissioner, Energy Resources Department (ERD) represented by the Asst/commissioner, NRSE on all technical aspects and day-to-day progress of the project. Ministry of Energy shall certify all deliverables before UNDP effects payments.
All reports shall be addressed to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development with copy to Resident Reprehensive UNDP Uganda Country Office.

All findings, reports and the final documents are to be provided in English both in hard copy and digital copy (branded CD ROM in MS Word). The exact dates for the provision of the respective documents and other deliverables will be determined during the inception period for the assignment

Payment Modalities:

Payment to the consultant will be made in three installments upon satisfactory completion of the following deliverables:

• 20% of the contract amount upon submission of acceptable inception report, four weeks after siging of the contract.
• 40% of contract amount upon submission of biomass supply and demand assessment reports and satisfactory presentation of Stakeholder consultation report and the policy brief.
• 40% of contract amount upon submission of  draft and final National Biomass Energy Strategy and Action Plan, including a draft budget estimate for implementation of the Action Plan, communications strategy, monitoring framework and a consultancy process report.
  

Competencias

Competencies of the consultancy team:

The consultancy team shall comprise of specialists in biomass energy, simulation and modeling, and statistical analysis with good experience in East African countries and proven track record in handling similar and comparable assignments.

The Team Leader and Strategy Specialist:

• Knowledge about the dynamics of the new and renewable energy subsector, including biomass, and about its stakeholders;   
• Knowledge and understanding of internationally recognized best practice in environmental governance and management;
• Knowledge of the diverse economic and socio-cultural issues related to biomass energy around the world and their implications for environmental problems;
• The ability to develop environmental management strategies by analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing information from a range of sources in a rigorous and efficient fashion;
• The ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to current and future environmental problems;
• Skills in the use of empirical, negotiated and collaborative approaches to the development of environmental policy and the planning and implementation of environmental management projects;
  vii. Skills in the written and oral presentation of ideas and information relevant to environmental governance and management;
• Proficiency in the use of contemporary information collection, compilation and analysis techniques relevant to environmental governance and management;
• Proficiency in community consultation;
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior in environmental governance and management.

Simulation and Modeling Specialist:

• The Specialist shall have relevant experience in the biomass energy sector;
• Knowledge about the dynamics of the new and renewable energy subsector, including biomass, and about its stakeholders;   
• Knowledge about statistics and econometrics; and
• Ability to interact with stakeholders in the biomass energy value chain and to systematize information.
• Knowledge and understanding of internationally recognized best practice in environmental governance and management;
• The ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to current and future environmental problems;
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior in environmental governance and management;
• An awareness of the diverse economic and socio-cultural issues related to biomass energy around the world and their implications for environmental problems;
• Skills in the written and oral presentation of ideas and information relevant to environmental governance and management;
• Knowledge of the local environment will be an added advantage.

Communications Specialist:

• Knowledge about the dynamics of the new and renewable energy subsector, including biomass, and about its stakeholders;   
• Ability to interact with stakeholders in the biomass energy value chain and to systematize information;
• Knowledge and understanding of internationally recognized best practice in environmental governance and management;
• The ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to current and future environmental problems;
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior in environmental governance and management;
• An awareness of the diverse economic and socio-cultural issues related to biomass energy around the world and their implications for environmental problems;
• Demostrated work in energy sector is an added advantage;
• Skills in the written and oral presentation of ideas and information relevant to environmental governance and management.
  

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

The Team Leader and Strategy Specialist

• At least a Master’s degree, 8 years of progressive experience in the energy sector, policy-formulation, strategy development and in the generation of other related tools.

Simulation and Modeling Specialist:

• At least a Bachelors degree in statistics, economics with experience in renewable energy planning, simulations and modeling.
  

Communications Specialist:

• At least a bachelors degree in communications, journalism with experience in natural resources management. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency and excellent command of written and spoken English is a necessity.

Application Procedure:

Applicants (Ugandan Nationals only) are required to submit an application and proposals, which include the following:

• A detailed CV;
• A technical Proposal detailing description of the planned schedule of activity;
• Applicants should clearly indicate the position they are applying for.

Financial proposal:

• A detailed work plan and estimated timeline for completion of the assignment;
• Please note that the system will only allow you to upload one document, therefore all the technical and financial proposals are to be attached to the CVs and uploaded together at once(in a single WORD Document).