UNDP Jobs - 74210- International consultant to develop a Project Docu

International consultant to develop a Project Document on innovative hybrid power generation systems in South Sudan

Location :

Juba and Field Locations, SOUTH SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Sep-2017

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

30 Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

21 Day

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

South Sudan is a young country which is well endowed with rich natural resources, virgin agricultural and fertile land, a huge population of globally important and endangered wildlife species and has 6 legally created national parks and 13 game reserves covering 11.1% of the total land area, abundant forestry (covering 29% of total land area with annual deforestation rate of 1.5% -2%) and water resources (including permanent Sudd wetlands which make up to 5% of the total land area of the country) and potential presence of precious minerals of high value.

Universal access to predictable, affordable and efficient sources of electricity is vital as a public good and for unlocking the productive potential of South Sudan and to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. As a newly independent country, South Sudan enjoys a late comer’s advantage and has a historic opportunity to pursue sustainable development pathways powered by renewable energy sources.

However, despite the immense potential for renewable energy generation in the country, there are practically no significant initiatives which can demonstrate practical and cost effective applications of renewable energy solutions for the diverse, multifaceted socio-economic needs for electricity generation in the country. Earlier estimates suggest that only about 1% of the population has access to grid electricity and are concentrated in the cities of Juba, Wau and Malakal. There is a need to have an updated assessment of electricity being generated from the three major power plants and supplied through the grid in the towns of Juba, Wau and Malakal given that the outbreak of conflict in mid-December 2013 coupled with the sharp decline in oil production and oil revenues have adversely impacted supplies from the South Sudan Electricity Corperation. Consequently, most of the households, businesses and government institutions depend on captive diesel and heavy oil generators, which generate emissions and harmfully affect the environment, in addition to being expensive and unsustainable.

A Rapid Situation Assessment and Gap Analysis Report in 2013 had identified the three isolated distribution systems located in three urban centres of Juba, Wau and Malakal as totalling about 15 km of 11 kV lines plus some electrified commercial centres. Prior to the outbreak of the conflict, the installed capacity in South Sudan was about 30 MW of which about 22 MW was then operational. The total number of customers connected to the network was about 22,000 customers. Per capita electricity consumption in South Sudan was about 1 - 3 kWh, the lowest compared to the rates in its neighbouring countries. The average per capita electricity consumption in the Sub – Saharan Africa is about 80 kWh. The demand for electricity was earlier estimated at 300MW and expected to rise to over 1400MW by 2030.

Amongst the renewable energy generation resources in South Sudan, solar energy has good prospects. The country has robust potential for stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) units and large-scale solar thermal generation as well. Across the country, solar radiation ranges from 5.5 – 6.0 kWh/m2/day and proximity to the equator results in long daylight hours throughout the year. In particular, it has been estimated that the north-eastern part of the country experiences approximately 12 hours of sunshine per day year round.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct desk review and a rapid assessment on the existing power supply situation in Juba, Aweil, and Yambio and the gaps and take stock of relevant ongoing projects and initiatives in the power sector; this will include a preliminary survey of the private sector players involved in production and consumption in identified tentative project locations supported by a national consultant and UNDP;
Lead the process of multi-stakeholder consultations including with relevant government entities including local bodies and the private sector players on the both production and consumption side;
Identify viable, sustainable and scalable project idea(s) and propose possible project location(s) drawing on regional good practices of functioning projects of similar design and scale.
Prepare the outline of an initial hybrid power project approach including ideas and prospects for project feasibility and sustainability, cost recovery mechanisms, potential private sector investment partners and tentative project budget.
Organize a stakeholder workshop in Juba or other relevant sites as needed to present the proposal and invited quick feedback;
Finalization of hybrid power concept note after due process of review and feedback from key partners including government focal points and UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Demonstrated knowledge of relevant environmental and sustainable development issues;
Strong analytical skills, particularly applied to environment profiling.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to identify needs and interventions for capacity enhancement of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
Ability to take responsibility for achieving agreed outputs within set deadlines;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Master’s degree (preferably PhD) in the field of climate change, sustainable developmental studies, engineering or related fields.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience including setting up of innovative and sustainable hybrid power generation systems led by the private sector;

Demonstrated understanding of issues related to energy generation, crowding in private sector sources of finance on provision of sustainable energy solutions, and environmental management issues in South Sudan
Excellent skills and experience in writing high quality bankable project proposals
Experience working in East Africa, and in post conflict environment and ability to deliver in tight timelines

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English required.

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are hereby requested to apply. The application must contain the following:

Brief letter of application;
Personal CV indicating relevant professional experience;
Brief description (max. 2 pages) of the proposed methodology of delivering on the the assignment;
Financial proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs (including professional fees, communications, utilities, consumables, insurance, etc. that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant and other specified other costs if applicable).

Criteria for selecting the best offer:

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. In this regard, the respective weight of the proposals is:

Technical Criteria weight is 70%
Financial Criteria 30%

Technical Competence (based on CV and Proposal) - 70%

Level of education. A Master’s degree (preferably PhD) in the field of climate change, sustainable developmental studies, engineering or related fields. - 20;
Demonstrated understanding of issues related to energy generation, crowding in private secftor sources of finance on provision of sustainable energy solutions, and environmental management issues in South Sudan - 30
Experience working in East Africa, and in post conflict environment and ability to deliver in tight timelines - 10
Professional experience in project proposals writing – 30
Language and excellent communication skills 10.