UNDP Jobs - 89003- BBRSO84096:Energy Finance Expert

BBRSO84096:Energy Finance Expert

Location :

Dominica, BARBADOS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

30-Dec-2019

Application Deadline :

16-Dec-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 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

To apply, interested persons should upload the combined* Technical Proposal/Methodology (if applicable), CV and Offeror’s Letter to “UNDP Jobs” by navigating to the link below and clicking “APPLY NOW”, no later than the date indicated on the “UNDP Jobs” website. Applications submitted via email will not be accepted**: -

UNDP Job Site – https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=84096 (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work)

* PLEASE NOTE: The system allows the upload of one (1) document ONLY – if you are required to submit a Technical Proposal/Methodology, this document along with your CV/P11 and Offeror’s Letter, MUST be combined and uploaded as one.

NOTE: The Financial Proposal should not be uploaded to “UNDP Jobs”**.

**Please email the password-protected Financial Proposal to procurement.bb@undp.org. The subject line of your email must contain the following: “BBRSO84096 Financial Proposal – Your Name”

If the password for your Financial Proposal is required, it will be requested by the Procurement Unit.

Any request for clarification must be sent in writing to procurement.bb@undp.org within three (3) days of the publication of this notice, ensuring that the reference number above is included in the subject line. The UNDP Barbados & the OECS Procurement Unit will post the responses*** two (2) days later, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to: -

http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=84096 (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work)

A detailed Procurement Notice, TOR, and all annexes can be found by clicking the above link.

*** UNDP shall endeavour to provide such responses to clarifications in an expeditious manner, but any delay in such response shall not cause an obligation on the part of UNDP to extend the submission date of the Proposals, unless UNDP deems that such an extension is justified and necessary

The Commonwealth of Dominica has some of the world’s highest electricity costs due to its dependence on imported fossil fuels for power generation.
Under the country’s Low Carbon Climate Resilience Strategy (LCCRS) of 2012, the Draft National Sustainable Energy Plan (NSEP), the National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS) and the recent Sustainable and Renewable Energy Policy (S-REP), the Government of Dominica has outlined some of its plans to assure a more sustainable Energy Sector.
The Low Carbon Development Project (LCDP) complements these ongoing efforts, with the main objective being the removal of the policy, technical and financial barriers to energy-efficient applications and solar photovoltaic technologies in Dominica’s streets, outdoor areas and public buildings nationwide for further scale up.
The LCDP hopes to achieve this object through three (3) Main Components:
- Component 1: Institutional and technical knowledge, awareness and capacity for EE applications and renewable energy technologies (RETs)
- Component 2: Policy measures and enforcement of EE applications and RETs
- Component 3: Financing options and mechanisms for EE applications and RET diffusion
One of the expected outcomes is improved knowledge, awareness and institutional capacity on Energy Efficient (EE) application and Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs), and solar PV through demonstrations of their deployment in Dominica, including various options for financing, namely, EPC (Energy Performance Contracting) arrangements.
In this regard, the project seeks to engage a qualified Energy Finance Expert to develop a financial mechanism for roll-out of pilot RE and EE, installations.. These details are listed more clearly in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section of this document.
This individual will report directly to the National Project Coordinator (NPC), and may consult with the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Barbados, and/or National Project Director, in case of conflict or delicate issues. The individual is expected to work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), and the Low Carbon Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

This TOR is intended to address the barriers associated with the lack of technical knowledge and capacity within the public sector in Dominica to plan, design, implement, operate and maintain RE/EE projects. The expected outcome of this component is improved knowledge, awareness and institutional capacity on EE applications and solar PV through demonstrations of their deployment in Dominica. Related to this component, the Consultant will:

Following an initial meeting with key stakeholders[1] and desk review of relevant documents[2], develop an inception report and work plan to complete assigned tasks within the allotted time frame
Conduct a feasibility study of financial mechanisms[3] for scaling up RE investments and based on the findings, provide recommendations for EPC and/or other viable arrangements
- Develop a governance structure for the EPC concept (or other viable financial mechanism), with roles and responsibilities of relevant government departments and agencies to provide oversight and manage the financial mechanism. The mechanism also needs to be clear in terms of:
  - How RE and EE installations can be used for learning and providing on-the-job training for installation technicians
  - How an ESCO (energy service company) can be formally engaged
  - How an ESCO will complete detailed audits and assessments of public buildings where interventions are conducted
  - A system that will be used for measuring and monitoring energy saved, to be used as a basis for remuneration for ESCOs engaged, taking into account existing systems which may be adopted e.g. RETscreen as applicable
- Develop resources such as template agreements
- Provide indicators, plans and procedures for testing, monitoring and managing the performance and impact of the pilot financing mechanism with a view to its potential to scale up investments in the public sector
- Provide rationale to pursue an EPC for implementing EE applications and RE installations in public areas, without drawing from public operating or capital expenditure budgets
- Provide support to Government in negotiating the EPC Arrangements
- Submit completed report which includes methodology, key findings, analysis and recommendations
  3. Develop and deliver a training program to support EPC pilot participants[4] with the “onboarding” process. Curriculum topics should be included in the training program design. Consultant should:
  - Develop templates and content of the presentations and manuals to be delivered
  - Develop list, cost and specifications of tools to be used
  - Deliver full course and provide in-course feedback to participants
  - Analyse course based on post-evaluation and agreed intended outcomes and metrics
  - Make recommendations and alternations based on evaluation

4. Preparation of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) template for ESCOs using the findings from the feasibility study

[1] Key stakeholders may include Ministry of Finance, Minitry of Public Works, Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), and Energy Service Companies

[2] Such as, but not limited to regulations, procurement procedures, licensing framework

[3] The feasibility study should include an analysis of regional/global trends and a determination of their applicability to the local context.

[4] The Consultant is expected to work with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) on this project

Competencies

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and balance expectations, building and maintaining relationships
Ability to analyse and synthesise data from a wide variety of sources, and present the resulting information in a clear and concise format
Excellent report writing, editing, conceptual, analytical and communication skills.
Ability to work independently, and within a team and manage competing priorities
Excellent inter-personal, facilitation and negotiation skills to effectively liaise with key stakeholders
Strong oral and written communication skills with a proficiency in English

Demonstrated competencies in computer-based word processing and spreadsheet applications, workshop organisation, public speaking and sensitivity to cultural differences

Required Skills and Experience

Postgraduate degree in Finance, Energy Financing, Business Administration with relevant specialization; Applied Engineering, Energy Policy, Renewable Energy, or related field