Cooking energy in Sierra Leone is heavily reliant on wood consumption, particularly at the household level. With increase in urbanization, demand for wood and wood products particularly charcoal which is the fuel of choice in many urban areas, is also on the increase. This has contributed to deforestation in many parts of the country. Accordingly, the search for the supply of a substitute for fuel wood for domestic use has emerged as a policy priority for the Government of Sierra Leone.

Consequently, in recent years gas stoves have been introduced in the local market to help reduce this dependency and has gained some level of traction especially with middle income families. However largely due to poverty, uptake has been low for lower-income families as the initial investment is relatively high along with its refilling cost. It is estimated that a 6kg gas cylinder costs up to SLe 150 and a 12kg gas cylinder costs up to SLe 300 for which refilling depends on the level of usage. Whilst on the other hand, a bag of coal (costs SLe 45) or wood is cheaper, lasts much longer and there are smaller portions that can be purchased based on the availability of funds at that point in time for the families.

As a result of some of these dynamics influencing this reliance coupled with an in-depth understanding of the local context, traditional cooking beliefs and the environmental implication of deforestation, UNDP through its Natural Resource Management (NRM) portfolio intends to complement government and private sector efforts in adopting and promoting innovative approaches to cooking differently using cheap, tried, and tested clean cooking energy source dubbed briquette affordable for low and middle income families. In collaboration with stakeholders both influencers and affected alike, design and build a production, supply and distribution network that can be an ideal, eco-friendly substitute to coal, available in the market in various sizes.

Through UNDP’s grassroot solutions mapping exercises, it is evident that some breakthroughs have been made by local emerging entrepreneurs/innovators in clean biomass energy. Through a call for an expression of interest and a subsequent thorough screening process, the Country Office has selected a few successful emerging local entrepreneurs/ start-ups across the country who are currently involved in briquette production. These applicants will be given the opportunity to form part of the clean cook campaign team.

Considering the above, the UNDP is looking for an expert in briquette making to share knowledge with the selected local briquette team to ensure that the product meets the required standard, and to also teach the team how to use the machines.

Objective of the consultancy

The objective of the consultancy is to share knowledge with the local briquette team to ensure that the product meets the required standard also teach the team how to use the machines.  It is hoped that these start-ups will be supported to move from small scale to medium /large scale production to meet market demands as awareness raising continues. This first batch will serve as regional manufacturers of briquettes.

Scope of work

Liaising with the UNDP’s Accelerator Lab and the SLED Programme Specialist, the National consultant will be expected to provide technical support through hands-on training and mentorship to enhance briquette product and production standards. Specifically, the consultant shall:

1. Conduct Assessment on product and production processes (methods, tools & equipment)
2. Deliver independent and tailored on-site start-up briquette training including train start-ups on equipment usage and maintenance (5 regional start-up sites identified).
3. Explore, enhance, and document in-country sample testing and product certification processes.
4. Coordinate with all participants to ensure that all improved samples are properly packaged, labeled and submitted for integrity test and certification.

Timeframe:

The entire assignment will be completed within 21 working days starting from the 15th August 2022 and is expected to be completed by 14th September 2022.

Institutional arrangement

The consultant shall be directly supervised by UNDP SLED Cluster Lead, in collaboration with the SLED Cluster Programme Specialist/Project Manager for NRM. Submission of the reports shall be through UNDP Resident Representative. Upon confirmation of acceptable reports, authorization for disbursement of payments and evaluation of performance shall also be undertaken by the SLED Cluster Lead.

Expected Outcomes

Based on the scope of work outlined above, the consultantsShall be expected to deliver the following outputs by the completion date as outlined in section V (deliverables).

Deliverables                                                        Estimated Completion Date          Related payments             Review and Approval Required by

Report 1: An Inception report developed              19th August 2022                                 20%                                                UNDP

and approved by UNDP detailing work

plan, methodology of the implementation

modality and in-country product certification.   

Report 2:  Needs Assessment Report                  28th August 2022                                    40%                                                 UNDP

produced and approved by UNDP

Report 3: Training report produced and             14th September 2022                                40%                                                  UNDP

approved by UNDP including trainer

assessment feedback from participants

submitted.

Competencies

• Highly motivated, with drive and commitment. 
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and learning.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Builds strong relationships with partners, focus on impact and results for the partner and responds positively to feedback.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. 
• Ability to work with recipient counterparts in building individual and institutional capacity.

Language Requirements

Fluent in English

Educational

The national consultant must meet the minimum requirement of diploma in environmental science, recycling, waste management or any related academic qualification.

Practical Experience

• Must have at least 3-5 years of technical experience in briquette production with in-depth knowledge of the current local briquette ecosystem.
• Practical familiarity with various types of briquettes making machines with the ability to link start-up with briquette production input suppliers. 
• Must have a least 3-5 years experience in knowledge sharing through trainings and other innovative practical sessions. 

Application Procedure

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Academic qualification relevant to tasks – 10% 
2. Demonstrate knowledge, professional competence, and mastery of subject matter – 35% 
3. Experience in handling similar assignments including evidence of proof (certification/recommendation from previous employers/partners) – 25%
4. Financial Proposal – 30%

Application Modalities:

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. Technical proposals – Explaining among other things methodology and approach to the assignment suitable to the requirement of the ToRs. The tentative work plan relating to the scope of the ToRs should be included as per of the technical proposal.
2. In addition, and as part of technical proposals, prospective consultants are expected to submit CV and a Personal History Form (P11 form). The P11 Form can be obtained from the link below: http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc

Financial proposal (using the template provided by UNDP).