UNDP Jobs - 72041- National Consultant - Preliminary Study to support

National Consultant - Preliminary Study to support the development of Fuelwood Standards for Industry (Part Time)

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-May-2017

Application Deadline :

05-May-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15th May 2017 to 31 August 2017

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

03 Months

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

Background

“Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies” is a project jointly implemented with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). The goal of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuel for thermal energy generation in the industrial sector of Sri Lanka. The goal will be reached by means of removing barriers to the realization of sustainable biomass plantation, increase of market share of biomass energy generation mix and adoption of biomass-based energy technologies in Sri Lanka.

The project is expected to generate global benefits in directly avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of almost 252 kilotons of CO2 due to switching from fossil fuels to wood-based technologies (over the lifetime of 10 years) and almost 756-1,432 ktCO2 as indirect emission reduction impact.

Scope and Objectives

Purpose of this consultancy is to carry out a preliminary study to support the development of standards for solid biofuel used for industrial thermal requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Assistant Country Director-ESDR, UNDP in Sri Lanka and the close consultation with the Project Manager at the Project Management Unit, the responsibilities of the consultant are as follows;

To determine the efficiencies of the stock of biomass thermal generators used in the industrial zones in Biyagama and Avissawella;
To assess the movement and quality of biomass types in the industrial zones used to feed the thermal generators;
Study the effect of quality improvement of biomass types on the efficiency of the existing stock of thermal generators in the zones;
Prepare necessary background information for the development of standards for the biomass fuels used in the industrial zones;
Propose efficient technologies for thermal generators suitable for the major applications in the zones that is compatible with improved quality biomass;

Expected Outputs

Report on the existing stock of thermal generators operating on biomass and the movement of biomass in the aforementioned zones;
Report on the efficiency improvement of the thermal generators and biomass movement after quality improvement;
Report on the information needed for the development of standards for the biomass feed stock used in the zones;
Report on recommended efficient technologies for the thermal generators used for major applications in the zones.

Timeframe

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is starting from 15th May 2017 and ending in 31th August, 2017.

Competencies

The Consultant Profile

The prospective consultant should have a thorough understanding of the energy policy in Sri Lanka, energy supply in the industry and economics thereof, role of biomass as a fuel in energy industry, technologies used in conversion to thermal energy and associated efficiency improvements, biomass supply mechanisms, end user and industry requirements and technological interventions and financing modes in biomass supply chains.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

Strong understanding on the energy industry and energy policy framework in Sri Lanka and background knowledge in operations of bioenergy technologies, growing, sourcing and supply of fuel wood, supply chains, their financial and economic impacts;
Familiarity with worldwide practices in the biomass supply and conversion;
Demonstrated strategic technical and intellectual skills in the substantive area;
Computer proficiency, especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office).

Partnerships

Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of government and private sector institutions;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of quality analysis for the development of the report;
Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with personnel with different age groups, educational levels, backgrounds – especially for this case, the players in the biomass industry;
Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with multi-dimension partners.

Results

Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

Education

Master’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Energy Technology, Energy Economics or related field;

Minimum of 15 years of demonstrable experience in the energy industry, policy development related to renewable energy options (especially related to biomass energy), institutional analysis and process improvements for better results;
Excellent English language skills, working knowledge in Sinhala/ Tamil.

How to Apply

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;
Updated CV including qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 2 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
Applicants should submit their CV along with all other required documents on or before 05th May, 2017. This should not include the financial proposal;
Applicants should duly fill the below financial proposal and send as a separate email to procurement.lk@undp.org. The Position/Title - Financial Proposal should be entered as the Subject Line.

Financial Proposal

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words:(Rs.)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee/Daily Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, return travel from home to office, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diems and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. However, this is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

Payment for Services

Payments will be based on milestones as detailed below;

Submission of Report on the existing stock of thermal generators ( No 1 under Expected Outputs) by June 15 , 2017(20%);
Submission of Report on the efficiency improvement and biomass movement after quality improvement (No 2 under Expected Outputs) by June 30, 2017 (30%);
Submission of Report on the necessary information for development of standards ( No 3 Under Expected Outputs) by July 30, 2017 (25%);
Submission of Report on modern efficient technologies for major applications in the zones (No 4 under expected Outputs ) by August 30, 2017(25%).