Local Energy Consultant - Kiribati
Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)
INTRODUCTION TO GGGI
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Kiribati is a founding member of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Together, the Government of Kiribati and GGGI have been working to address targeted needs in green growth, climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainability, low-carbon, and development. GGGI seeks to complement the Government objective of the Kiribati National Vision 2016-2036 and works across a number of sectors in Kiribati including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, green-preneurship and green business development, climate finance access and absorption. In partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, GGGI has been embedded in the Climate Finance Division (CFD) through the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) program to support green and climate finance mobilization and pipelines development through a demand driven process from a wide range of stakeholders in line with green growth and climate change priorities and targets of the Government of Kiribati.
Kiribati is a remote Pacific island nation of 33 atolls and reef islands spread across ~3.5 million km² of ocean. The current population ~120,000 (Population Census, 2020) and with ~60–70% living on Tarawa; the remainder live in the outer-islands (rural atolls and islets). Outer islands are small, low-lying, dispersed, and often accessible only by infrequent boat or small aircraft services, making logistics and supply chains costly and uncertain. For South Tarawa, households and public facilities have grid or quasi-grid connections; supply is dominated by diesel generation with increasing deployment of utility scale solar. Whereas on the Outer islands many communities have limited or no grid supply. Energy access is a challenge. This project therefore looks to enhance access to energy sources for remote communities through rural electrification interventions.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The assignment aims to conduct overall technical and financial assessment of 5 islets (Oneeke – Kuria; Takaeang -Aranuka; Kiebu -Makin; Bikati – Butaritari; Abaokoro – Nonouti) which have been prioritized for rural electrification by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) and in close coordination with the Kiribati Green Energy Solutions (KGES). The 5 islets surveyed will provide for investment-ready Concept Notes to support access to funding for Rural Electrification. This is also based on the existing best practices demonstrated through the DFAT Renew project for Tabuarorae and Riibono and a previous project led by MISE and KGES for Tebikerai and Nuotaea islets.
The assignment aims to conduct overall technical and financial assessment on 5 sites to understand the financial viability and feasibility of installing Solar PV Mini-grid systems on each of the 5 islets identified. The assignment also aims to understand the system design and technical specifications for this installation.
The main objective of this consultancy work will be to work closely with KGES in collecting the relevant data and information based on the 5 sites selected for this consultancy work and to assess pre-feasibility in accordance with the deliverables required. The consultant will lead the technical site survey report which includes the key technical elements (listed in the deliverables below).
SCOPE OF WORK
To deliver site-specific technical designs and financial assessments for solar PV hybrid systems on five islets, including field site surveys, data collection, cost benefit and financial viability analyses, and clear system specifications ready for procurement. Kiribati seeks to develop resilient, cost-effective solar PV hybrid power systems on five islets to improve energy access, reduce fuel imports, and enhance climate resilience. The client requires a consultant to undertake technical, economic and financial assessments to inform design, procurement and investment decisions.
Reporting directly to the Climate Finance Access Network Advisor, GGGI Kiribati, the consultant will:
- Prepare an inception note and methodology.
- Conduct desk review of existing energy, demand and environmental data.
- Undertake field visits and site surveys on the five islets to collect technical, environmental and socio‑economic data.
- Assess current and projected electricity demand and load profiles for each islet.
- Evaluate resource availability (solar radiation, wind if hybridized), site constraints, and grid/mini-grid/infrastructure context.
- Propose optimum system configurations (solar PV, battery storage, diesel genset integration and controls) for each islet.
- Develop detailed technical designs and specifications suitable for procurement.
- Prepare capital and operating cost estimates, undertake cost-benefit analysis and financial viability assessment (including cashflow, IRR, NPV, payback, sensitivity and risk analysis).
- Recommend procurement and implementation sequencing, operation & maintenance (O&M) arrangements and capacity building needs.
- Deliver final reports, GIS/mapping outputs, CAD/engineering drawings, bill of quantities, and data packages.
DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deliverable 1 — Inception report (week 1)
- Workplan, methodology, data requirements, team composition, schedule, risk management, stakeholder engagement plan.
- Powerpoint presentation to client and Inception meeting
Deliverable 2 — Desk review and preliminary designs (week 2–3)
- Summary of existing data, baseline energy demand assumptions, initial system options per islet.
- Preliminary cost estimates and assumptions.
Deliverable 3 — Field survey report and raw data package (within field mobilization period, week 3–6)
- Site survey results: GPS coordinates, topography, site photos, shading assessment, soil and foundation conditions, mounting options, security, access, existing infrastructure (distribution network, meters, buildings), freshwater supply and environmental constraints.
- Load surveys: measured or proxied hourly/daily load profiles per site and user categories.
- Community consultations summary: stakeholder meetings, willingness to pay, O&M capacity and community governance structure/management.
- Meteorological and solar resource measurements/construction (data sources, validation).
- Annexes: Excel datasets (load, resource), GIS shapefiles/KML, annotated site photos.
Deliverable 4 — Detailed technical designs, specifications and BOQ (week 6–9)
- System sizing and single line diagrams for each islet (PV array sizing, battery capacity & chemistry, inverter/charger specs, genset capacity and integration controls, protection, earthing, lightning protection).
- Structural/mounting details, civil works scope (foundations, fencing, access), wiring schematics and layout drawings (PDF + CAD/DWG).
- Performance expectations (losses, availability), O&M plan, spare parts list, training requirements.
- Annexes: Bill of quantities and technical specifications for procurement
Deliverable 5 — Economic & financial analysis and procurement recommendation (week 8–10)
- Capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) detailed estimates per islet.
- Cost-benefit analysis comparing alternatives for the appropriate system design (e.g., diesel only, PV + battery + genset, PV + battery with load management).
- Financial model and outputs: NPV, IRR, payback period, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), sensitivity scenarios (fuel price, demand growth, discount rates), grant/financing assumptions.
- Recommendation on preferred technical option and procurement modality (e.g., EPC, O&M contract, PPP, community ‑management capacity).
Deliverable 6 — Draft final report and presentation (week 11)
- Consolidated draft report including all above analyses, recommendations, implementation roadmap, estimated timeline and budget, risk mitigation, social and environmental safeguards.
- PowerPoint summary for stakeholders.
Deliverable 7 — Final report and data deliverables (week 12)
- Final report incorporating feedback.
- All supporting electronic deliverables: CAD/DWG, GIS files, Excel financial and technical models, highresolution site photos, signed community consultation summaries.
- Executive summary and procurementready technical specifications.
Deliverables will be in accordance with the Project Work plan timeline:
|
Deliverables |
Timetable |
Payments for fees subject to acceptance of deliverable by GGGI |
|
Deliverable 1 |
Week 1 |
5% |
|
Deliverable 2 |
Week 2 |
5% |
|
Deliverable 3 |
Week 3 |
20% |
|
Deliverable 4,5 |
Week 6 |
20% |
|
Deliverable 6 |
Week 11 |
20% |
|
Deliverable 7 |
Week 12 |
30% |
- All deliverables, reports,data and information, and other documents prepared or received from the stakeholders from the start to the end of the assignment shall be saved in MS Teams Platform created by GGGI.
- The PUBs Energy Consultant shall submit each deliverable report in electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
- All outputs must be in English.
EXPERTISE REQUIRED:
The National Energy Consultant must:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and experience, with specialty in energy, economics, climate change or relevant subjects. At least 5+ years of relevant work experience
- Proven track record in international development project management including participatory planning, report writing and project/financial management.
- Proven track in renewable energy design for Solar PV grid systems and BESS
- Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and consultation.
- Knowledge of the Local Renewable Energy or Rural Electrification context and Batter Energy Storage Systems, Solar PV Grid connect systems and technical designing
- Knowledge of the Local Energy Companies and governance structures
- Strong verbal and written skills in English and knowledge of the local culture and language
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and prioritization skills.
- Experience working in Kiribati and working with multi-cultural teams are highly desired.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION:
The Local Energy Consultant will ensure:
- Availability during the project period.
- Ensure a workplan is developed in meeting the deliverables required
- No conflict of interest arises while taking this assignment.
Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Duty Station: Kiribati
Contract Duration: Up to June 30, 2026
Consultant Level: Level 4
Total Fees: USD 24,000
Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.