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 Formulation and Capacity Building national expert is required to assist in the preparation of 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 Empowerment
- 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. In conducting the consultancy, the national project formulation and capacity building expert is expected to:
- Work in a team spirit under the leadership of the Lead Consultant and Project Co-ordinator.
- Carry out an analysis of the training, public awareness raising and other capacity building needs to develop a capacity building or awareness raising strategy.
- Carry out an analysis of gaps in policy, legislation and regulation regarding PV development.
- Undertake regular meetings and coordinate his/her work and inputs of the other national consultants that are part of the project development team
- Meet with relevant stakeholders, which will include Government, private sector, multilateral development banks, UN organizations, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and others
- Organize and conduct workshops with all relevant stakeholders, to build partnerships and collaboration and raise awareness for the preparation of the FSP
- Assists in preparing the final draft of the FSP and Request for CEO Endorsement by October 2010
Deliverables
The consultant shall be responsible for the preparation of the following deliverables in draft and final versions:
- A training needs analysis report
- A report on public awareness and possible means of awareness raising methods.
- Analysis of the capacity building needs, possible methods of implementation and costs involved.
- Elaboration of the project concept mainly focusing on 1. Capacity Building and training, 2. Budget Requirements, 3. Logical framework in relation to all aspects of the project, 4. Development of the request for the CEO endorsement and the project document.
Time Frame
The whole assignment shall be performed during 70 person days spread over a period of 8 months.
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 and Experience
- Proven and extensive experience in project formulation and capacity building
- Minimum Masters degree in Engineering, Law, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or Management
- At least 5 years experience designing and/or implementing project interventions in developing countries
- Ability to conduct research and analysis and strong synthesis skills
- Proven experience conducting field assessments
- Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation, teamwork skills and a networking aptitude
- Excellent English drafting and communication skills