UNDP Jobs - 44236- Consultant - Infrastructure Planning and Financing

Consultant - Infrastructure Planning and Financing Specialist

Location :

UNDP Country Office, MALAYSIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

04-Apr-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 month

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 month

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Green Technology Application for the development of Low Carbon Cities (GTALCC) project is to support Malaysia’s aspiration of promoting low carbon development in the cities (hence low carbon cities), reduce carbon emissions in the city envelop and eventually contribute towards the national commitment as pledge by the Prime Minister during the COP15 where Malaysia is committed to reducing up to 40% of GHGs in terms of emission intensity by GDP by the year 2020 (compared to 2005 levels) conditional upon financing and transfer of technology by the developed countries. GTALCC aspires to achieve the following outcomes by the end of the 5-year project period:

Major cities implemented and adopted integrated low carbon urban development plans and /or programs;
Expedient appraisal, approval and implementation of strategic urban development plans/program and projects related to the wide spread development of low carbon cities;
Major cities are aware of, and are planning and implementing low carbon technology applications for integrated urban development;
Increased investment in low carbon technology applications in cities;
More low carbon urban infrastructure projects implemented in Malaysian cities;

The proposed project is in line with the GEF 5 Strategic Objective CCM 4 on the promotion of energy efficient low carbon transport and urban systems. It consists of interventions across cities in Malaysia to facilitate the implementation of low carbon initiatives and showcase a clear and integrated approach of successful low carbon city development. In general, cities are a key contributor of GHG emissions with an estimated 70% of the world’s energy related emissions. In Malaysia, more than half of total emissions are related to urban spaces—specifically, electricity (up to 26% of the emissions), transportation (16%) and solid waste (12%). Recognizing that cities are natural partners to chart a low carbon growth path the Government of Malaysia has recently launched the Low Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment (LCCF). The objective is to achieve sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions of the cities and contribute towards the national commitment of reducing up to 40% of GHGs in terms of emission intensity by GDP by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels. Currently, several low carbon city initiatives which explicitly target low carbon development are at various stages of development at the national and subnational levels. However, the initiatives are developing in a rather fragmented manner without a common shared vision, integrated approach to low carbon development, agreed definitions or well accepted methodologies and standards.

As such, a full scale project is proposed in the PIF, which focuses on the removal of barriers pertaining to policy and regulatory; financing issues; awareness, technical and institutional capacity through the three (3) components:

Component 1: Policy support for the promotion of integrated low carbon urban development.
Component 2: Awareness and institutional capacity development.
Component 3: Low carbon technology investments in cities.

The GTALCC PIF document, Review Sheet and STAP review document can be downloaded from the following weblink: http://www.thegef.org/gef/project_detail?projID=5329

Information on the UNDP and GEF Monitoring and Evaluation process and experience from other countries can be referred to the Evaluation Resource Center at the following weblink http://erc.undp.org

Duties and Responsibilities

There is a need to strengthen financial and technical support to cities in Malaysia if a low carbon development pathway is to be achieved. Compared to the national and state governments, city governments have relatively low financing capacities to meet the investments needed for a low carbon transition. They also often lack appropriate pricing schemes and financial incentives to attract private sector investments in the construction and provision of low carbon urban infrastructure services.

The specialist will conduct a detailed market review in selected states/cities to gain an understanding of the financing needs and opportunities for low carbon development in the urban sector in Malaysia. The specialist will assess, identify and propose options for innovative financing scheme to support the sustainable scaling up of low carbon urban development. Market based mechanisms and economic incentive schemes may provide sustainable approaches to alternative financing paradigms that focus explicitly in facilitating low-carbon cities solutions. Therefore, early lessons from international best practices shall be closely investigated. Furthermore, Malaysia’s experience in financing energy projects and carbon finance may provide a basis to design and operate future approaches to finance urban development projects. A detailed investigation shall be conducted to identify and design the most feasible financing mechanism that is tailored to the local context.

The study will identify and assess the key sovereign and non-sovereign players in the market, including the available products and services; and analyse the competitive environment and the barriers investments to achieve low carbon development. In addition, the study will identify and recommend (i) potential project participants (both financial and non-financial) and (ii) high creditworthy and engaged proponents and low carbon projects that could potentially be developed on a pilot basis; and (iii) propose feasible detailed design options for financial mechanisms.

Tasks to be performed:

The overall objective of the assignment is to assist the team leader and local consultant in the preparation of the GTALCC Project Document. The consultant will carry out the following tasks:

Review the current legal and institutional framework for financing of low carbon infrastructure projects by non-sovereign entities/utilities or state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and by state and city governments in the selected states/cities;
Rate the states/ cities in terms of providing the most enabling environment for seeking credit and other means to finance low carbon development;
Identify local governments, regional authorities, urban infrastructure entities/utilities or SOEs that have sound credit and are seeking bankable project financing or program financing for low carbon urban infrastructure development;
Prepare a list of the low carbon projects to be developed by the cities, utilities/SOEs identified in (iv) above. Undertake an assessment of the financing and capacity gaps in these utilities/SOEs to meet their investment goals;
Identify and assess the important actors (financial and non financial) in low carbon urban infrastructure development in Malaysia, particularly in the selected regions and cities. Assess their products and services, scale of operations and significance in the sector;
Undertake a SWOT analysis of each of these players from the perspective of champion or protagonist of a low carbon city approach;
Based on the assessment in (vi), recommend a strategy for the project to engage these potential state and non-state partners who may be interested in (a) investing in low carbon city development; (b) investigating and performing due diligence in identifying bankable low carbon projects; and (c) supporting the expansion of low carbon development in Malaysia’s cities;
Investigate, identify and propose feasible design options for innovative financing scheme complimented with gap and needs assessment on capacity building, institutional arrangements and setting up of an operational entity for the proposed financing scheme. Identify existing and/or planned financing strategies targeted towards low carbon development interventions in Malaysia and internationally;
Based on the analysis of the various actors in the sector and a review of available national and international financing instruments suited for low carbon development, identify areas where the project can provide a significant impact;
Other related tasks as suggested by the PPG team.

Methodology:

The specialist will report to the Lead consultant of the GTALCC Preparation under the guidance of UNDP Malaysia. The methodology includes data collection, desk research, simulation, interviews and meetings with relevant stakeholders, third party verifications, consultants and discussions with other relevant stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to propose their methodology during the time of submitting their applications.

Expected Outputs:

Key deliverables will be:

An initial inception report within one week of commences of the assignment. The inception report will provide a summary of the meetings with concerned national, state and city government ministries/agencies, an assessment of data availability, a methodology for the market study, and a draft outline of the final report;
A draft final report will be submitted by 20 April 2014 or any date to be agreed upon by the Lead Consultant and UNDP for comment;
A final report will be submitted within 2 weeks of receiving comments.

Duration:

The consultancy is expected to take place from 1 April to 30 April 2014 (1 month).

Deliverables and Timeline:

The consultant will be responsible for the delivery, content, technical quality and accuracy of the report. It is expected that all deliverables to be finalized by the Lead Consultant GTALCC preparation phase before final submission to UNDP Malaysia for verification and approval.

Terms of Payment:

The fee is payable upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the deliverables as in Annex 1. Please download the Financial Proposal Template at http://www.undp.org.my/files/editor_files/files/MyIC_2014_009%20Financial%20Proposal%20Template.docx

Documents to be included when submitting the Proposals:

Interested individuals must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Proposal on how your qualifications and experience can lead towards the successful deliverable of this assignment within the required timeframe, and provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the assignment;
Financial Proposal as provided.
Personal CV including areas of expertise and past experience in similar projects and at least three (3) references in the format of UN Personal History Form (P11 form). The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at:
http://www.undp.org.my/uploads/p11%20personal%20history%20form.doc.

Important Note:

Please scan all the documents mentioned above and save into 1 (one) Pdf format and uploaded it when you are asked to upload your CV/resume on the application website. UNDP Malaysia reserves the right to disqualify any incomplete submission. Please kindly make sure that you have provided all the requested materials.

Any request for clarification must be send in writing to procurement.my@undp.org.

Please write the Project reference - MyIC/2014/009 in your e-mail heading.

The deadline for submitting requests for clarification/questions is 28 February 2014.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Excellent knowledge of infrastructure planning and financing at the city level;
Demonstrates strong analytical skills;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to apply peer reviewer guideline production procedures;
Ability to analyze technical requirements in energy efficiency and energy management applications;
Strong analytical skills.

Management and Leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Supports teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters or equivalent advanced degree in economics, finance, public sector or related fields;
Bachelor’s degree with more than 8 years of experience can be considered in lieu of the Master’s degree.

Professional Experience:

At least 5 years experience in municipal/structural finance, infrastructure financing, including policy and legal analysis required;
Experience working with public and private investment agencies or urban systems developers, in Malaysia is a must;
Experience of climate change mitigation, low carbon development approaches is an added upside.

Language Requirement:

Proficient in English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia will be an added advantage.