Background
“Removal of Barriers to Solar PV Power Generation in Mauritius, Rodrigues and the Outer Islands” project - 00076772
International Consultancy Services to Undertake Feasibility Study for the Setting Up of a Testing Laboratory for solar PV modules and associated equipment at the Mauritius Standard Bureau
Through the assistance of the Global Environment Facility and the technical support of UNDP, the Government of Mauritius is implementing the “Removal of Barriers to Solar PV Power Generation in Mauritius, Rodrigues and the Outer Islands”. The objective of this project is to accelerate sustainable on-grid PV electricity generation in Mauritius through targeted technical interventions.
Setting Up of a Testing Laboratory for solar PV modules and associated equipment at the Mauritius Standards Bureau
The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) is a parastatal body operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection. The Mauritius Standards Bureau provides technical support to private and public organizations in improving product and service quality, upgrading public safety, enhancing occupational health and safety, ensuring food safety and mitigating environmental impacts. It also offers premium certification, inspection and testing services through a single window. The testing laboratories operate in the fields of Engineering and Chemical Technology.
Currently, the Electrical & Electronic Engineering Laboratory of the MSB is equipped to carry out tests on electrical materials and products for various clients including Ministries, importers, power utilities and manufacturers. The laboratory is constantly upgrading its test facilities with the acquisition of new equipment to increase its scope of activities. However, the MSB does not provide for any testing services for Solar PV modules and its associated accessories. In this context, this laboratory is looking for an international consultant to assess the existing facilities and provide recommendation of any existing gaps with regard to personnel and infrastructure to ascertain third party conformity assessment and testing of solar PV modules and its associated accessories.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objective
The main objectives of this assignment are to:
- Carry out a gap analysis of the personnel and laboratories of the Engineering unit of the MSB, particularly the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Laboratory, to identify the needs of the local markets with regard to conformity assessment and testing of solar PV modules and its associated accessories;
- Prepare a costed Implementation Plan for bridging the identified gaps in skills and infrastructure for testing of solar PV modules and its associated accessories at the MSB; and
- Prepare a Road Map for accreditation of the relevant proposed tests.
Scope of Work
The assignment would comprise the following activities: -
- Assessment of the needs of the local market with regard to conformity assessment and testing of renewable energy technologies (with focus on solar PV and wind generation) and document international best practices;
- Identification of tests and test methods as per the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), European Standards (EN) or other relevant standards which could be carried out at the MSB facility in line with the legislation on renewable energy technologies;
- Provide advice and specify new equipment required for the testing of RE technologies as per IEC, EN or other relevant standards for tests identified as stipulated in the proposed RE Standards;
- Assess the capacity of the MSB to conduct the required tests from an infrastructure perspective and develop floor layout for prescribed tests;
- Identify human resources necessary and training needs for the staff of the laboratory in the field of testing of renewable energy technologies products (with focus on solar PV and wind generation). In case additional specialised workforce is required to undertake the testing process, the consultant is expected to develop the job descriptions for the additional human resource required;
- Prepare a costed Implementation and Testing Plan for bridging the identified gaps in skills and infrastructure identified above for testing of Renewable Energy Technologies at the MSB;
- Prepare a Road Map for accreditation of the relevant proposed tests of the MSB.
Duty Station - Home base and Mauritius
During the field-based part of the assignment, the consultant will be based at the Mauritius Standards Bureau, Villa Road, Moka.
Duration of the Work
The International Consultant shall be required for 35 working days (2 field missions - 12-person days and 23 -person days home-based) over a period of 3 months as from 1 October 2019 until 31 December 2019.
Applications should be sent through email : procurement.mu@undp.org on or before 30 August 2019, Friday- Midnight, New York time (GMT+4 Mauritius time) or apply online
Annexes
Annex A - Letter of confirmation of interest and availability and Submission of financial proposal
Annex B - Model Contact IC
Annex C - UNDP GCC IC
Annex D - P11
Terms of Reference
Note: Please upload documents as one single document if applying online. Only single document can be uploaded on this site.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Ability to work effectively with counterpart staff at all levels and with all groups involved in the project; and
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Functional Competencies:
- Shares knowledge and experience; and
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability in undertaking feasibility studies for governmental related bodies;
- Ability to report analytical outputs in a clear, concise manner to a non-technical audience;
- Ability to maintain appropriate records / uphold quality assurance integrity;
- Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills, excellent written communication skills;
- Ability to administer budgets; and
- IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point and internet.
Leadership and Self-Management
- Focuses on result for the client and responses positively to feedback; and
- A good personality with strong leadership skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Postgraduate degree (Masters) in Power/Electrical Engineering, or other related fields in combination with an appropriate first degree. PhD is an advantage.
Experience:
- More than 10 years’ experience in the Renewable Energy sector (on grid or off-grid and with a focus of solar PV technology) including review of relevant standards associated with RE and related goods;
- At least 5 years of experience in undertaking the testing of RE technologies or managing organizations involved in testing of RE technologies;
- Experience in carrying out or having been directly involved in at least one assignment of a nature and complexity close to the present assignment would be an advantage;
- Experience in dealing with government owned or private utility companies;
- Experience in dealing with utilities (public or private) and in engaging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds;
- Be knowledgeable about conformity assessment activities as per IEC, EN or other relevant standards in the RE sector; and
- Experience in undertaking capacity needs assessment in institutions of similar nature to MSB or involved in the testing of RETs.
Language:
- Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is a must. Knowledge of French is an asset.