Background

A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been approved by the GEF Secretariat to prepare a Full-Size Project Document (FSP) for submission under the GEF-4 RAF. In this context an International Lead Consultant is required to prepare the FSP, focusing on all components proposed in the PIF, and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the approved Project Identification Form (PIF). The Key Stakeholder groups include Government–Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities, the Central Electricity Board, and the people living in the poor areas of the island of Mauritius and in Rodrigues. The resources being requested for this project will be targeted towards establishing a functional market environment that will promote investments in renewable energy projects. Where possible, expertise will be tapped into e.g. from Reunion, thus fostering South-South cooperation for the transfer of technologies. The project will have local ownership through Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities which has the overall responsibility for implementing the vision of the Government of Mauritius as enshrined in the Outline Energy Policy (April 2007) and the Long Term Strategy (October 2009) which have defined the framework that would drive the country towards better self-sufficiency in energy supply and improving affordability to all citizens. The full TOR can be downloaded at http://un.intnet.mu.
Objective
 
The objective of the UNDP/GEF project on “Removal of Barriers to Renewable Energy in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Outer Islands” is to significantly accelerate the development of on- grid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems by removing institutional barriers, including through technology transfer and developing sustainable delivery models and financing mechanisms. The project will be developed within the context of the Maurice Ile Durable initiative, the national Renewable Energy Master plan and other relevant national policy documents. In order to increase the adaptive capacity of the energy sector to a volatile energy situation, the project proposes the following approach:
  • Institutional, policy planning and legal framework and decision-making
  • Building public awareness of solar PV technology
  • Assessment of the solar energy resource endowment and identification of specific sites
  • Capacity building in public and private sectors and NGOs
  • Strengthening the technology support and delivery system through technology transfer
  • Capacity building in the financial sector
  • Removing technical barriers
  • Demonstration projects
Steering Committee
 
The Steering Committee (SC) will be composed of high level representatives of the key ministries related to Renewable Energy and the private sector. It will provide high-level policy guidance and orientation to the project. The representative of the Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities will chair the SC. Representatives from the following organizations/entities will form part of the Steering Committee:  
  • Ministry of Finance and Economic Development;
  • Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities
  • Ministry of Environment and National Development Unit
  • Mauritius Research Council
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • Central Electricity Board
  • Energy Services Division
  • Mauritius Meteorological Services
  • Private sector
 The principal tasks of the SC are the following:
  • Provide high level orientation and guidance for the project.
  • Ensure that the project develops in accordance with national development objectives, goals and polices.
  • Pay special attention to the assumptions and risks identified in the logframe, and seek measures to minimize these threats to project success;
  • Ensure collaboration between institutions and free access on the part of project actors to key documents, land information systems, remote sensing imagery, etc.
  • Pay special attention to the post-project sustainability of activities developed by the project.
  • Ensure the integration and coordination of project activities with other related government and donor-funded initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of services
 
The overall purpose of the consultancy is the preparation of a UNDP/GEF compliant FSP, which will involve a detailed analysis and assessment of renewable energy initiatives and mechanisms by which the uptake of PV technology can be increased. This will be done by performing the following principal tasks:
  • Technical definition and capacity needs assessment
  • Institutional arrangements, monitoring and evaluation
  • Selection of project sites and elaboration of demonstration activities
  • Coordination of information gathering and cooperation with all stakeholders
  • Elaboration of the Full Size Project Document and GEF CEO endorsement document
In conducting the consultancy, the International Lead Consultant is expected to:
  • Provide expertise on the design of the full project (FP) taking into account international best practices and lessons learnt from technology transfer projects elsewhere.
  • Review relevant literature, including technical reports, feasibility studies, project reviews, etc.
  • Review reports prepared by other consultants in the project development team
  • Meet with relevant stakeholders, which will include Government, private sector, multilateral development banks (AFD, EU, ADB, WB), UN organizations, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and others
  • Guide the inputs of other local and international experts working for the projects and finalizing the project design and presentation as elaborated under the PPG.
  • Coordinate the project development team (consisting of national and international consultants)
  • Conduct workshops with all relevant stakeholders, to build partnerships and collaboration and raise awareness, as needed
  • Participate in field visits, as needed.
  • Prepare all detailed budgets in line with GEF requirements and take into account: co financing, international best practices and lessons learnt from technology transfer projects elsewhere.
  • Lead the workshops for the logical framework analysis and preparation of project’s M&E plan.
  • Establish clear project outputs and activities and schedules and work plan
  • Be responsible for the timely preparation and submission of the FSP by October 2010  

Deliverables 

The consultant shall be responsible for:
 
  • Baseline data and a barrier analysis report.
  • Detailed budget document in line with GEF requirements including incremental cost analysis
  • Logical Framework and monitoring and evaluation plan of the project
  • Drafting the Full Size Project document by end of July 2010
  • Providing the final Full Size Project document by the beginning of August 2010 including the GEF and CEO Endorsement Requests.
  • Be Available for any final modifications prior to and following submission to GEF
 
Time Frame
 
The Project Document shall be ready for submission by October 2010.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism
 
Functional Competencies:
 
Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability apply conceptual models in support of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
  • Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
  • Strong IT skills
  • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
Management and Leadership
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

 Qualifications and Experience 

  • Proven and extensive international experience in renewable energy projects, PV in particular.
  • Proven extensive experience in UNDP/GEF project formulation/design
  • Knowledge of other donors’ including EU and JICA funding mechanisms would be an advantage
  • Minimum postgraduate degree in Engineering, Sciences, Renewable Energy, and related subjects
  • At least 10 years experience designing and/or implementing project in developing countries
  • Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis skills
  • Builds strong relationships with national consultants, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; consensus-oriented
  • Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, networking aptitude.
    Regional and national knowledge is highly desirable
    Excellent English drafting and communication skills