National expert for conducting a needs assessment on the potential of hydrogen fuel in Tajikistan and the existing opportunities for the development of green hydrogen

Background:

In 2023, the project has been approached by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MEWR) with a request to conduct a needs assessment on the potential of hydrogen fuel in Tajikistan and the existing opportunities for the development of green hydrogen. 

The hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind and can be used as a fuel source or as an energy carrier in applications such as transportation, heating, and electricity generation. In the past few years, the project implemented a similar needs assessment mostly focused on alternative solar solutions.

The hydropower sector of Tajikistan is one of the main pillars of the "green transition" and the main source of green hydrogen production. Recently, the Republic of Tajikistan, having adopted the "Green Economy Strategy", that laid the foundations for the transition to a green economy and intends to double the production of electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

In this context, the project is about to hire one national expert for three months (tentatively April – June 2024) to conduct a needs assessment and identify the potential opportunities for hydrogen fuel for Tajikistan. In his report the consultant will have to:

  - Provide context on the global transition to sustainable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen as a clean fuel option;
   - Highlight Tajikistan's interest in exploring the potential of hydrogen fuel and its commitment to sustainable development.

Objective of Assignment: 

The objective of this consultancy is conducting a needs assessment to evaluate Tajikistan's potential for hydrogen fuel adoption and to identify existing opportunities and challenges related to the development of green hydrogen within the country. 

Duration of Assignment:

Three months

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Economic and Environmental Department, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Reviewing existing literature, reports, and studies on hydrogen fuel technology, its applications, and global best practices;
2. Exploring on what is "green" hydrogen and related subsequent processes, consider possible environmental impact arising from the production and utilization of green hydrogen and its derivatives and suggest adaptation measures to accompany this;
3. Exploring on what is “grey hydrogen”, potential opportunities of its production and appliance, consider possible environmental impact arising from the production and utilization of grey hydrogen and its derivatives and suggest adaptation measures to accompany this;
4. Assessing Tajikistan's energy landscape, including current energy sources, consumption patterns, and future energy demand projections;
5. Evaluating the availability of renewable energy resources (e.g., solar, wind, hydropower) suitable for green hydrogen production;
6. Defining what are the advantages and disadvantages of “green" hydrogen taking into consideration that the green hydrogen is produced from water and has been shown to require this in large volumes for large scale production, the water-land-energy nexus should be given strong consideration to avoid use conflict;
7.  Analyzing existing policies, regulations, and incentives related to renewable energy and hydrogen development;
8.  Disclosing potential problems and difficulties to introduce green hydrogen in Tajikistan;
9. Identifying potential stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, research institutions, and international partners, involved in hydrogen-related initiatives;
10.  Conducting interviews, surveys, and workshops with relevant stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives on hydrogen fuel prospects in Tajikistan.
11.  Assessing the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of producing, storing, and utilizing green hydrogen in Tajikistan.

Deliverables:

1.  Comprehensive needs assessment report outlining the findings, conclusions, and recommendations;
2. Presentation of key findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, OSCE and industry representatives;
3. Provision of short monthly reports (0.5 pager) of activities performed to the POiD.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: http://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-dushanbe 

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree (in energy, environmental sciences, economics, science, law or any related field;
• Minimum three years of demonstrated experience in renewable energy technologies or any other relevant areas;
• Technical skills in data acquisition and analysis will be an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience in renewable energy, policy-making, and legal and regulatory aspects; 
• An excellent understanding of the national and regional energy economics, business and political landscape and the unique developmental challenges facing Tajikistan in general;
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in Tajik and Russian. 
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.