UNDP Jobs - 73889- International Consultant

International Consultant - Renewable Energy Expert

Location :

Lesotho, LESOTHO

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

04-Sep-2017

Application Deadline :

17-Aug-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

64 working Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

64 working days

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

The UNDP Country Office and the Government of Lesotho will, for the next five years

(2016 –2021) implement a UNDP/GEF-financed project “Development of Cornerstone Public Policies and Institutional Capacities to accelerate Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Progress”. With the total budget of $3,900,000, the project is implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Ministry Energy and Meteorology (MEM) while UNDP works closely with the Ministry to identify specialist support needs and contract the relevant experts. The objective of the project is to catalyse investments in renewable energy-based mini-grids and Energy Centres to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to the achievement of Lesotho’s Vision 2020 and SE4All goals. The project is expected to implement 10 mini-grids and 10 Energy Centres providing modern energy services to 1,000 rural households in the 5 districts of Mohale’s Hoek, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka, Qacha’s Nek and Quthing.This objective will be achieved through the participation of the private sector working hand in hand with village community organisations. Project outcomes are as follows:

Development of cornerstone SE4All Policies and Strategies to facilitate investment in renewable energy-based mini-grids;
Improved capacity of energy stakeholders and government officials for decentralized clean energy planning and decision-making on the basis of quality energy data;
Successful establishment of a village-based energy service delivery model for replication nationally (10 mini-23grids and 10 energy centres);
Outreach programme and dissemination of project experience/best practices/lessons learned for replication nationally and throughout the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Government of Lesotho and UNDP Country Office through the SE4ALL project require the services of an international consultant and a local firm to undertake pre-feasibility study for mini-grids in 20 village communities spanning 5 of Lesotho’s 10 districts. The objective of the pre-feasibility studies is to undertake a preliminary assessment, to ascertain whether the potential project makes basic economic sense. The pre-feasibility studies will provide all the information necessary to enable the project to determine which of the 10 village communities present the best options for the establishment of mini-grids, while the remaining 10 villages will have Energy Centres.

Specific tasks

Carry out pre-feasibility study for renewable energy mini grids in 20 potential villages in the 5 districts of Mohale’s Hoek, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka, Qacha’s Nek and Quthing. Prioritize the site based on, but not limited to, unavailability of the grid, high household cluster density, economic condition of the community.

Market density/opportunity

Number of households within a 1,2 & 3km [etc.] radius from village centre (or identified location of mini-grid generation site. This will be useful for comparative analysis
Number of businesses within a 1,2, & 3km [etc.] radius from the mini-grid generation site.
Number of public sector buildings/infrastructure 1, 2 & 3kms from the mini-grid generation site – these needs to be listed in terms of highest [potential] energy consumption
Identification of possible ‘anchor’ consumers within a 3km radius [or further]

Patterns of consumption

Household energy consumption (or equivalent spend on non-electrical/traditional fuels)
Current/potential business (SME) demand
Public sector demand
Potential anchor consumer

Determine the renewable energy resources available for development in a village, the need for any further evaluation of the RET potential, rate the commercial RE resources for comparison (availability, simplicity, cost, etc.)

Determine the location of sites for the mini-grid (and thermal services, where appropriate)
Design Renewable Energy Survey Tool to collect data from individual households and focus groups on, but not limited to, willingness and reliability of customers to make payments to cover service costs. Linked to #1 above.
Study the infrastructures and socio-economic factors in the village, and the magnitude of potential power consumers (load forecast).
Record GPS location of individual households, existing micro enterprise center, potential site for commercial activities, location of the nearest LEC grid and potential site for mini-grid/Energy Centre plant.
Compute distribution line layout over i) static image and ii) image from the Google Earth
Conduct preliminary technical and economic assessment from the data recorded in the Survey Form and generate graphical representation to observe, but not limited to, i) current energy situation, ii) a 10-year energy growth projection and ii) economic capacity of the community based on income level.
Record and elaborate technical constraints observed such as threat from increasing water level, and increased community migrating frequency.
Submit a standard Pre-Feasibility Study report for each district
Conduct presentation to energy stakeholders on the outcome of the study.

Competencies

Familiarity with UNDP and GEF rules, regulations and administrative procedures;
Excellent communication and reporting skills;
Ability to coordinate and lead a multi-disciplinary team of experts, and to engage in a multi-cultural setting.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics Engineering.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the renewable energy sector.
Experience in designing and conducting technical and economic assessment of renewable energy projects.

Language:

Fluent in English.

Application procedure:

Submit P11, Confirmation of Interest and Availability Form, and a Methodology.

P11 and Confirmation of Interest and Availability Templates and detailed ToRs can be accessed at: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=39815.

Submission email: ls.procurement@undp.org.