Background

The Government of Eswatini is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and has requested UNDP to provide assistance in the implementation of the Hydrochloroflurocrabon Phase-out Management Programme (HPMP). Eswatini has implemented Stage I of the HPMP, which was aimed to phase out 6.19 ODP tonnes of HCFCs used in the foam manufacturing and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sectors. HCFC consumption in Eswatini has decreased significantly through the implementation of stage I. 

Stage II of the HPMP proposes to achieve total phase-out of HCFC consumption by 1 January 2030 in accordance with the Montreal Protocol phase-out schedule and will build upon the experience gained during the implementation of stage I. Stage II will focus on promoting the transition to energy-efficient, ozone- and climate-friendly alternative technologies in the RAC sector consistent with the provisions of the Kigali Amendment. To achieve and sustain the HCFC phase-out, strengthening monitoring and enforcing control measures at ports of entry; capacity-building of customs and enforcement officers; strengthening the training and certification of refrigeration technicians; providing tools to servicing workshops; and raising public awareness to enhance uptake of the alternative technologies, will be undertaken. Key stakeholders include the National Ozone Unit, refrigeration technicians, importers and end-users. The Stage II of the HPMP was submitted for the consideration of, and after the review, was approved at the 86th meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The Government of Eswatini is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and has requested UNDP to provide assistance in the implementation of the Hydrochloroflurocrabon Phase-out Management Programme (HPMP). Eswatini has implemented Stage I of the HPMP, which was aimed to phase out 6.19 ODP tonnes of HCFCs used in the foam manufacturing and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sectors. HCFC consumption in Eswatini has decreased significantly through the implementation of stage I.

Stage II of the HPMP proposes to achieve total phase-out of HCFC consumption by 1 January 2030 in accordance with the Montreal Protocol phase-out schedule and will build upon the experience gained during the implementation of stage I. Stage II will focus on promoting the transition to energy-efficient, ozone- and climate-friendly alternative technologies in the RAC sector consistent with the provisions of the Kigali Amendment. To achieve and sustain the HCFC phase-out, strengthening monitoring and enforcing control measures at ports of entry; capacity-building of customs and enforcement officers; strengthening the training and certification of refrigeration technicians; providing tools to servicing workshops; and raising public awareness to enhance uptake of the alternative technologies, will be undertaken. Key stakeholders include the National Ozone Unit, refrigeration technicians, importers and end-users. The Stage II of the HPMP was submitted for the consideration of, and after the review, was approved at the 86th meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. 

Scope of Work

The Government of Eswatini and UNDP need to develop a comprehensive project document including a solid procurement plan and a detailed schedule / work plan for the implementation of the investment components of the Stage II HPMP approved by the ExCom. Preparation of the project document for HPMP stage II will involve data analysis, alternative technology evaluation, policy and regulation framework review, stakeholder consultation, preparation of the draft project document based on the approved Stage II HPMP. Based on data collected and analyzed, as well as consultation with stakeholders, the project document will be prepared. The draft project document for HPMP Stage II will be circulated to stakeholders and presented to Local Project Appraisal Committee Meeting for comments. The project document for HPMP Stage II will be revised and finalized incorporating stakeholder comments collected. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities

The specialist will carry out the following services:

1. Review HPMP Stage-I plan and its implementation status of the different sectors consuming HCFCs i.e refrigeration servicing, manufacturing and air-conditioning sectors;
2. Review the data collected and analyzed on HCFC consumption, import and export, and the approved HCFC phase-out strategy of Stage–II for national and sector level HCFC phase-out;
3. Review relevant past and ongoing projects for lessons learnt, document them and incorporate them into stage II phase-out plan;
4. Review related policy and regulatory frameworks;
5. Conduct workshops to present the strategy and main components of the project;
6. Conduct comprehensive consultations with the National Ozone Unit to develop a shared understanding of problems and objectives based on a joint in-depth analysis of the existing situation;
7. Define the monitoring mechanism for monitoring implementation at project level and sectoral level to achieve HPMP Stage-II HCFC consumption targets;
8. Develop a detailed schedule and work plan for investment components of the approved stage II HPMP, which are to be implemented by UNDP;
9. Develop a solid procurement plan with technical specifications for the equipment to be procured under the investment components of stage II HPMP;
10. Prepare the detailed budget plan for the project document based on the  costs for the stage II HCFC phase-out and timelines for implementation;
11. Develop the draft project document in consultation with the National Ozone Unit and other relevant national stakeholders representing both the public and private sectors. The draft project document should meet all requirements of the Project Design and Appraisal Quality Criteria and contain all required elements;
12. Facilitate national stakeholder consultation workshop validation and Local Project Appraisal Comittee meeting of the final project document.

Expected Outputs  and Deliverables

Institutional Arrangement

The international consultant will report to the Resident Representative, UNDP Country Office, Eswatini for all contractual obligations. The consultant is expected to liaise with the National Ozone Unit under Eswatini Environment Authority for the technical aspects and day to day execution of the assignment.

Duty Station and Duration of Work

This is a homebased assignment with extensive stakeholder engagement.  The contract duration for the assignment is 30 working days over 2 months. The assignment is expected to be completed no later than 15 December 2021

Competencies

Required Competencies

• Excellent teamwork, people management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• General knowledge of the project subject matter

Desired Competencies

• Familiarity with remote collaboration tools such as Microsoft
• Teams, Zoom, or similar is essential.
• Demonstrate commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Minimum Masters Degree in Engineering, Chemistry or Physical Sciences

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in project design and/or in preparation of country programme.
• Experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors (including participation in related Montreal Protocol activities such as conversions, maintenance, training, etc) would be of advantage.
• Experience of development, implementing, and reporting on HCFC phase out management plans supported by MLF would be a clear advantage. 
• The ability to work as an independent consultant is essential.

Additional Information:

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP; OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP
2. Personal CV or P11, Link for the P11 form: https://un.org.sz/p11/P11.docx , indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.

Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.  If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.  

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

The proposal shall be evaluated in two stages: technical and financial. A successful consultant will be selected based on the Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Scope of Price and Payment Schedule

All proposals must be expressed in an all inclusive lump sum amount. The contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components. Payments will be made upon acceptance and approval by the project partners of planned deliverables as follows: