Background

The UNDP/GEF’s project of “Technology transfer and market development for SHP in Tajikistan” is a four-year project implemented directly by UNDP’s Energy and Environment Programme. The responsible national partner for the execution of the project is the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan. The project has a GEF budget of USD 2,000,000 and UNDP’s co-financing commitments of USD 1,330,000, and the potential co-financing commitments from the Government, private sector and other UNDP projects (including in-kind contribution) is USD 5,120,000. The Project Document was signed between the Ministry of Energy and Industry (current Ministry of Energy and Water Resources) of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNDP Country Office on 19 March 2012.

The aim of the project is to initiate UNDP Tajikistan’s strategy – the scaling up of pilot activities for the acceleration of progress towards the achievement of MDGs with a particular focus on improving access to renewable energy in rural regions for the purpose of poverty reduction and triggering economic development. Its conceptualization falls within the frame of the Poverty Reduction Strategy III and National Development Strategy, which have been recognized to have no focus on promoting use of abundant renewable potential for poverty reduction, development and building environmental resilience.

The project is expected to significantly accelerate the development of small-scale hydropower (SHP) generation in Tajikistan by removing barriers through enabling legal and regulatory framework, capacity building and developing sustainable delivery models, thus substantially avoiding the use of conventional biomass and fossil fuels for power and other energy needs. The project aims to do this by introducing a regulatory framework to supply the grid with electricity generated SHP through sustainable delivery models and financing mechanisms and assist the Government in attracting funding for SHP investments.

In accordance with UNDP and GEF M&E policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP support GEF financed projects are required to undergo a terminal evaluation upon completion of implementation. These terms of reference (TOR) sets out the expectations for a Terminal Evaluation (TE) of the “Technology transfer and market development for SHP (small-scale hydropower) in Tajikistan” project (PIMS #4324.)

Duties and Responsibilities

Goals and objectives:

The project was designed to: significantly accelerate the development of SHP by removing barriers through enabling legal and regulatory framework, capacity building and developing sustainable delivery models, thus substantially avoiding the use of conventional biomass and fossil fuels for power and other energy needs. The project aims to do this by introducing a regulatory framework to supply the grid with electricity generated SHP through sustainable delivery models and financing mechanisms and assist the Government in attracting funding for SHP investments.

The aim of the project is to initiate UNDP Tajikistan’s strategy – the scaling up of pilot activities for the acceleration of progress towards the achievement of MDGs with a particular focus on improving access to renewable energy in rural regions for the purpose of poverty reduction and triggering economic development. Its conceptualization falls within the frame of the Poverty Reduction Strategy III and National Development Strategy, which have been recognized to have no focus on promoting use of abundant renewable potential for poverty reduction, development and building environmental resilience.

The Terminal Evaluation will be conducted according to the guidance, rules and procedures established by UNDP and GEF as reflected in the UNDP Evaluation Guidance for GEF Financed Projects.  

The objectives of the evaluation are to assess the achievement of project results, and to draw lessons that can both improve the sustainability of benefits from this project, and aid in the overall enhancement of UNDP programming.

Duties and responsibilities:

The International Consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:

  • Desk review of documents, development of draft methodology, detailed work plan and Terminal Evaluation outline (approx. 2-day);
  • Debriefing with UNDP CO, agreement on the methodology, scope and outline of the Terminal Evaluation report (approx.1 day);
  • Interviews with project implementing partner (executing agency), relevant Government, NGO and donor representatives and UNDP/GEF Regional Technical Advisor (approx.3 days);
  • Field visit to the pilot project site and interviews (approx.2 days);
  • Debriefing with UNDP (approx.1 day);
  • Development and submission of the first Terminal Evaluation report draft (approx. 9 days). The draft will be shared with the UNDP CO, UNDP/GEF (UNDP/GEF RCU Istanbul) and key project stakeholders for review and commenting;
  • Finalization and submission of the final Terminal Evaluation Report through incorporating suggestions received on the draft report (approx. 2 days);
  • Supervision of the work of the national consultant (during entire evaluation period).

For detailed information, please refer to annex 1- Terms of Reference of the below link.

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;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment. 

Functional Competencies:

  • Knowledge and practical experience of the political, social and environmental factors and issues related to disaster risk management, climate change mitigation in Central Asia, preferably in Tajikistan;
  • An independent, reliable, responsible self-motivator able to work under pressure;
  • Excellent communication, team-building and diplomatic skills to develop partnerships;
  • Good knowledge of UNDP programming policies, templates and requirements.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced post-graduate university degree ( Masters and/or PhD) in Renewable Energy Sources Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Economics, Physics or other related areas.  

Experience:

  • At least 10 years of professional experience in providing management or consultancy services to the renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, preferably with components on small hydropower plants development;
  • Experience in monitoring and / or evaluating of GEF-financed projects for UN or other international development agencies (at least in one project); 
  • Experience in the renewable energy and energy efficiency and understanding of climate change issues;
  • Familiarity with renewable energy and energy efficiency in CIS is an asset.

Language:

  • Fluency in English, knowledge of Russian will be considered as an asset.

Application Procedure:

Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice:http://www.undp.tj/va/upload/va/ICPN%20International%20Consultant_Team%20Leader%20to%20carry%20out%20Terminal%20Evaluation%20of%20the%20UNDP%20GEF%20project.docx    

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.