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 a Project Coordinator/National Technical Expert on Photovoltaic Technology 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 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.
 
The Project Coordinator (PC) will be responsible for the implementation of the project, including the mobilization of all project inputs, supervision over project staff, consultants and sub-contractors. The PM will manage the ‘Removal of Barriers of on the island of Mauritius’ Project Preparation Grant (PPG), will be fully accountable to the National Project Director to be nominated by the Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities and to the project Steering Committee (SC) for satisfactory execution of the entire project and will be responsible for meeting government obligations under the Project, under the national execution modality. The Project Coordinator will be the head of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU). The PM shall perform a liaison role with government, UNDP, and all stakeholders involved with the project. The PM shall work under the supervision of the SC and shall report to it for the fulfillment of its duties. 
 
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. 
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

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. Coordinating his/her inputs under the guidance of the lead expert, the project coordinator will be responsible for both the technical and management co-ordination. In relation to technical responsibilities, the PC and national PV expert will be expected to perform the following tasks.
  • Review reports prepared by other consultants in the project development team
  • Review relevant literature including technical reports, feasibility studies, project reviews, etc
  • Support Technical definition and capacity needs assessment
  • Collect baseline data and contribute to the Baseline data and Barrier analysis report
  • Institutional and legal analysis and capacity assessment;
  • Participate in detailing of FSB budget, log frame, and all technical matters as required·
  • Provide an assessment of the type and scope of PV projects that could be undertaken and of the most suitable geographic locations.
  • Prepare and ensure stakeholder analysis and engagement of stakeholders to ensure Co-financing resources for other Stakeholders for the Full Size Project.
  • Compile stakeholder analysis and engagement of stakeholders and prepare the report accordingly to be incorporated in the final document
  • Institutional arrangements, monitoring and evaluation  
While working under the leadership of the lead consultant, the PC and national PV expert will also be responsible for the following managerial duties enabling the preparation of the final draft of the FSP by October 2010:
  • Supervise and coordinate the delivery of project outputs as per the project document;
  • Prepare and revise project workplan and financial plan, as required by Government and UNDP;
  • Organize and realize field visits including to Rodrigues and Outer Islands, as required
  • Organise workshops and project events as required: Inception workshop in April 2010 and Final workshop in September 2010. ·
  • Meet with relevant stakeholders, which will include Government, private sector, multilateral development banks, UN organizations, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and others ·                 
  • Oversee delivery of contracts;·                 
  • Prepare and ensure timely submission of quarterly financial consolidated reports, quarterly consolidated progress reports, PPER, mid-term reports, and other reports as may be required by UNDP in accordance with UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules, procedures and instructions.·                 
  • Disseminate project reports to and respond to queries from concerned stakeholders;
  • Report progress of project to the Steering Committee.
  • Ensure submission of the project and its review by GEF and revise document according to comments of GEF Council;             
Undertaking any other activities that may be assigned by the Steering Committee.

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

Qualification & Experience
  • Experience in renewable energy projects, PV in particular.
  • Minimum Masters degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, related subjects
  • Proven extensive experience and technical ability to manage a large project and a good technical knowledge in the fields related to the area·
  • Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, networking aptitude,
  • Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills proven through successful interactions with all levels of project stakeholder groups, including senior government officials, business executives, private sector and communities;·
  • Ability to effectively coordinate a complex, multi-stakeholder project;
  • Ability to lead, manage and motivate teams of international and local consultants to achieve results; ·
  • Good capacities for strategic thinking and planning.·
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Knowledge of UNDP project implementation procedures, including procurement, disbursements, and reporting and monitoring would be an advantage;
  • Fluency in English and French and IT literate i.e. be able to use MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint as a minimum