Background

BACKGROUND

UNDP in Sri Lanka is reorganizing internally and moving to an integrated collaborative business model. Internally, an energetic and innovative team will converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders will require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

UNDP’s Country Development Programme (2018-2022) has identified the following key development challenges as strategic priorities for Sri Lanka to be covered broadly under both its Governance and Environmental Portfolios:

  • Strengthening, Innovative Public Institutions and Engagement towards lasting peace;
  • Enhancing human security and socioeconomic resilience;
  • Underscoring resilience to climate change and disaster, and strengthening environmental management;
  • Improving data, knowledge management and evidence-based policy making.

Accordingly, UNDP Sri Lanka will be undertaking key project initiatives in support of the four strategic priority areas identified above, in close partnership with relevant national and sub-national partners.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The energy efficiency and renewable energy portfolio of UNDP is prepared to build and develop a strong portfolio of programmatic action and technical advisory support that enables the country to meet these national targets. In this context, UNDP will seek avenues to strengthen its portfolio further to include interventions that potentially explore decentralised management of energy resources and efficient use, new and non-conventional energy from natural resources and waste (municipal waste to energy).

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Consultant’s responsibilities are to:

  • Provide overall technical guidance to Biomass Phase 2, NAMA and TSSC Project Management Units; 
  • Provide high quality technical advisory assistance to the Project Management Units (PMUs) to implement and manage technical inputs, formulate policies, regulations and guidelines required for the project at national, provincial, and local levels;  
  • Undertake necessary coordination between the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), project partners, and UNDP;
  • Assist in drafting recommendations on the most suitable set up, mandate and membership of ICRE (Inter-ministerial Committee for Renewable Energy) with the consultant team and Sustainable Energy Authority;
  • Guide and supervise (including timeliness, quality and appropriateness of the technical support) local and international technical experts hired for different outcomes, to ensure maximum synergy between consultants working for different components;
  • Support developing sustainability plans including innovative financing solutions for energy services related projects;
  • Support UNDP’s pipeline development within the energy portfolio by identifying crucial areas identified by the Government for specific financial or technical assistance;
  • Develop strategic partnerships with thematic working groups, donor partners, UN and non-UN system organizations and NGOs in the renewable energy sector.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES

  • At least 3 concept notes and project proposals developed to mobilise new resources for the energy/ climate change mitigation portfolio;
  • Bi-weekly technical meetings conducted with Biomass, NAMA and TSSC PMUs;
  • At least 3 key private sector partnerships developed with banks, corporates or  chambers;
  • At least 8 presentations on the technical results and impacts of the projects developed and presented;
  • Bi-monthly technical reports on Biomass, TSSC and NAMA projects;
  • NAMA terminal evaluation supported and mitigation impacts evaluated.

TIMEFRAME

The timeframe of the Consultancy is 10/days a month for 24 months starting January 2019.  

Competencies

THE CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective Consultant should, as a minimum, have the following functional and technical competencies:

Competencies

Technical

  • Technical expertise and experience in energy sector/ energy engineering;
  • At least 8 years of technical experience in renewable energy/ energy efficiency and partnerships for energy services delivery;
  • Expertise in climate mitigation analysis and mitigation potential/impact calculation;
  • Experience in developing and negotiating proposals on energy related mitigation options for Sri Lanka.

General

  • An ability to think of creative solutions to complex problems ;
  • Timely and quality completion of tasks;
  • Strong analytical skills, and an ability to distill key messages;
  • Demonstrated integrity;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Partnerships

  • Strong reputation of technical capacity amongst key stakeholders;
  • Good networks across Sri Lanka to be able to undertake required consultations;
  • Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships;
  • Provides constructive and helpful inputs and feedback to the overall process;
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with government and non-government actors at the highest levels.

Results

  • Proven delivery of high quality results, in a timely manner;
  • Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Applied Science, Environmental Engineering or related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum 10 years post-masters work experience in the energy sector, executing responsibilities of Senior Manager/ Director level and Advocacy for developing national plans/programmes with state sector and non-state sector stakeholder engagement;
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills and related ability for adaptive management;   
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, to effectively manage it and to motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s objective and expected outcomes;
  • Good communication skills and competence in handling the project’s external relations at all levels;
  • Familiarity and prior experience with the specific UNDP policies and guidelines are advantageous.

Languages:

  • Excellent written English language skills;
  • Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil (Tri-lingual would be a great asset).

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

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 to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 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 a brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for UNDP;
  • Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR

Amount in words:

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 Daily Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, 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. 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 perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 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 travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT OF SERVICES

Payments will be based on the submission of written reports specifying the tasks accomplished and corresponding number of work days put in towards achieving the deliverables outlined above.