UNDP supports the Government of Armenia in implementation of 2014-2017 Action Plan for socio-economic development of Lori and Shirak Marzes (Prefectures) of the Republic of Armenia. UNDP implements three Integrated Border Management (IBM) related projects:

• “Modernization of Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan border crossing points of Armenia” (MBBG);
•  “Enhancement of border management capacities of Bavra-Ninotsminda BCPs between Armenia and Georgia” (NBIBM);
• Provision of Equipment and Infrastructure for the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo Border Crossing Point between Armenia and Georgia and enhancement of their capacities” (BSIBM).

The overall objective of these projects is the introduction of European standards of IBM at Bagratashen-Sadakhlo, Bavra-Ninotsminda and Gogavan-Guguti Border Crossing Points on the Armenia-Georgia border.
Specific Objectives of introducing IBM systems are to contribute to the facilitation of international trade & transit whilst keeping the borders secure, enhance inter-agency/cross-border cooperation and ensure maximum transparency in operations of border management agencies;
All three projects have components of installation of engineering networks (gas, electricity and fiber-optics’ cables) to the three Armenian border crossing points (BCPs).

Within the framework of MBBG and NBIBM project, detailed designs were developed and construction works were carried out for gasification of Bavra and Gogavan BCPs. The design of the main gas pipeline (output capacity) was developed in consideration of the gasification needs of 7 neighborhood communities (772 households) to above-mentioned BCPs; however MBBG and NBIBM projects didn’t envisage gasification of those 772 households, since this was not the primary objective of those projects.

The issue of community development is high in the agenda of Armenian authorities, especially in border neighborhood areas and the government of Armenia requested UNDP support for coordination and building upon the achieved results of IBM related infrastructure development projects. The Ministry of Territorial Administration specifically requested to implement a household survey in Bavra, Tavshut, Ghazanchi, Saragyugh, Mets Sepasar, Sizavet (Shirak Marz) and Dzoramut (Lori Marz) communities to find out whether the inhabitants of the communities are willing to join the gasification network of Armenia and share the costs associated with the installation of gas meters. 

UNDP completed this survey and it appeared that 552 households out of 556 expressed their readiness to join the gas network and majority of them was positive to share the cost of installation of gas meters.

However, to be able to calculate the cost for installation of intra-community gasification network, the in-depth feasibility study will be required in those 7 communities.

Objective
To this end, UNDP is looking for an expert, who could provide consultancy and recommendations on how to apply energy efficient solutions for gas utilization at homes and commercial buildings, including possibilities for establishment of efficient production of biological fertilizers, meat and dairy products aimed at communities’ development. The activity is funded by the Czech-UNDP Trust Fund and its aim is to transfer lessons learnt, know-how and good practices from Czech transition to democracy and market economy.

Location: Home-based with one mission to Armenia (Yerevan, Lori and Shirak Prefectures).

Duration: estimated 10 working days in total; 5 working days for field mission and 5 days for desk work.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of UNDP IBM Portfolio Manager and in close cooperation with MBBG and BSIBM project management, the consultant will provide the consultancy on evaluating the financial stability among selected communities, feasibility of installation of gas network, potential of its efficient use by the households for heating and establishment of businesses.
The expert will be hired for the field mission and desk work and upon completion of the mission, but not later than in 14 working days will deliver an analytical report (approx. 20-25 pages, including a summary) including the topics listed below on how to apply energy efficient solutions for gas utilization at homes and commercial buildings, including possibilities for establishment of efficient manufacturing of biological fertilizers, meat and dairy production with the ultimate goal of communities’ development.

Final Report Structure: 

• Summary;
• Overall assessment of the country situation in terms of gas supply and consumption, based on national statistics; 
• Assessment of the energy consumption of the potentially beneficiary communities, commitment of the households to join the gas network and their consumption capability;
• Evaluation of the potential for energy efficiency and energy savings;
• Recommendations of the energy efficiency measures proved to be sustainable according to the international practice in the heat sector including the application of the renewable sources;
• Proposition of the model(s) of the applicable energy efficiency measures for SME development;
• Proposition of the most cost effective and technically feasible options of energy saving and energy efficiency;
• Recommendations on the feasibility of installation of gas network in the selected communities and formulation of the vision on how the system should work in general (including financial sustainability).

Payment schedule - 100% of the lump sum upon approval of the Final Report. Estimated delivery date: 1 October 2015 (due date 31 October 2015).

Corporate competencies:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment .

Functional competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities.

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• University degree (minimum BA) in energy engineering, economics, business administration or related field.

Experience: 

• At least five years experience relevant to the energy or environment projects;
• Working experience from the Czech Republic and experience from an Eastern Partnership Country on  the energy efficiency or energy saving legislation and institutional framework is an asset;
• Experience in implementation of similar feasibility studies (at least three similar assignments),  while working with wide variety of stakeholders, e.g.from government, agencies, donors, non-governmental organizations, research institutions etc.; experience in conducting such studies with UN agencies is an asset;
• Experience in analytical and drafting work (at least two similar reports drafted or co-drafted by the applicant to be listed in her/his P11 form/or Cover letter ).

Language skills: 

• Advanced knowledge of English is required;
• Working knowledge of Armenian or Russian is required.

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. 

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 35 points:

• Criteria A (Education) – max points: 5;
• Criteria B (Working experience from the Czech Republic on energy efficiency/energy saving legislation and institutional framework) – max points: 10;
• Criteria C (Experience in conducting similar feasibility studies) – max points: 10;
• Criteria D (Analytical and drafting skills -  track record of written reports and policy papers) – max points: 5;
• Criteria E (Language skills) – max points: 5.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 15 points

Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV. 
• Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

*Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. 

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner. 

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org
General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.