Background

The Renewable Energy for Rural Livelihood (RERL) is a joint programme of the GoN/AEPC and UNDP/GEF. In continuation to UNDP’s support to the energy sector and UN’s commitment towards ensuring universal access to modern energy services. UNDP Nepal as well as the GON/AEPC has agreed to extend the partnership in this sector to scale up decentralized energy systems for better linkages with the enterprise development and livelihood enhancement. The RERL will operate within the broader framework of National Rural Renewable Energy Programme (NRREP) of AEPC and aims to provide support particularly in mini hydro, large solar PV, productive end-uses and renewable energy financing contribute to economic, environmental and social benefits of the rural people by removing barriers that have hindered the wider use of renewable energy resources in rural Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities

The LE will work under the direct supervision of the SNA and the overall guidance of the Component Manager/NPM. The LE shall be responsible for sustainable promotion of productive end use of electricity. The LE will support Productive Energy Uses Component of NRREP. Specifically the LE will:

• Work closely with the project team to promote productive end use in RE projects;
• Work in close coordination with the EFE to develop instruments to incentivize financial institutions to promote financial products to entrepreneurs and end users;
• Coordinate with potential partners and business development services providers for promotion of productive uses of energy in the aspects such as awareness creation, capacity building, financing and technology;
• Prepare guidelines for assessing existing businesses in the electrification area having potential for switching to electricity;
• Support the RE project developers in setting up an Enterprise Promotion Unit (EPU) within its management set up and preparing business plan for promoting productive use of electricity;
• Develop locally based Enterprise Development Facilitators (EDFs);
• Support existing entrepreneurs for switching to electric energy;
• Conduct exploration study for identifying potential and feasible enterprises in the project area;
• Conduct business promotion campaigns;
• Provide capacity building support to prospective entrepreneurs to create new enterprises;
• Provide capacity building support to existing entrepreneurs for smooth operation of the business, business expansion/growth and productivity improvement;
• Document and showcase successful enterprises for replication;
• Select electricity-based enterprises for possible technical as well as financial support; facilitate entrepreneurs to take advantage of subsidy provision;
• Ensure gender sensitization at every stage of business promotion process, from awareness creation to capacity building, business creation and operation.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Written and oral communication skills.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development and gender and social inclusion issues.

Required Skills and Experience

• Completion of Master’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics or a related field.
  

Experience: