National Consultant - Expertise on NAMA approach and Framework in the Energy Sector and Implementing of Pilot Projects

Background

BACKGROUND

Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) is one of the mechanisms for Green House Gas (GHG) reduction, which can be applied by the developing country parties established through UN Climate Change negotiation process in 2007, under the Bali Action Plan.  In this regard, developing country parties shall prepare their NAMAs in the context of sustainable development, supported and enabled by technology, financing and capacity building, in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner. In September 2016, Sri Lanka ratified the Paris Agreement and submitted its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in November 2016. Under the specified NDCs targets, the country intends to reduce 20% GHG emission reduction from energy sector, including 16% conditional and 4% unconditional targets. Further 10% GHG emission reduction target is set for transport, waste, industry and forestry sectors all together. This will be 3% unconditional and 7% conditional against BAU scenarios. However, BAU emission scenarios have to be estimated in detail and detailed emission reduction plans for these sectors are yet to be developed.  All parties of the Paris Agreement have the responsibility to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for achieving the targets of Paris Agreement with a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework.

In this context, Sri Lanka is implementing a project on “Appropriate Mitigation Actions in Energy Generation and End-user sectors in Sri Lanka’’ (Energy NAMA Project). The Project facilitates GHG emission reduction initiatives to achieve the voluntary GHG mitigation targets of Sri Lanka. The project aims to develop a robust, transparent and functional ‘NAMA framework’ along with clear inventory and MRV system with supporting governance and oversight (NAMA Secretariat, NAMA Coordinating Entity, NAMA Implementing Entity, MRV Committee, and NAMA Registry). This NAMA framework will systematically quantify GHG savings and benefits of the mitigation interventions using a bottom up approach to aggregate from the provincial and sub-sectoral levels to the national and sectoral level. Furthermore, such a transparent framework will open up opportunities to access regional and international climate funding. The Project’s main interventions will be to;

• Develop a robust provincial inventory system that can be updated periodically and aggregated at the national level using web-based EnerGIS database management system;
• Develop decision making/ analytical tools such as Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) tool for analysing and prioritizing a pipeline of bankable NAMAs that can be implemented;

Leverage public, private and CSOs resources through the NAMA Implementing Entity for the implementation of bankable Renewable Energy(RE) and Eenergy Efficiency (EE)  NAMAs based

• on viable and cost effective business models to incentivize value chain actors to reduce supply risks and create demand and;
• Develop a robust and transparent MRV system that is accurate, reliable and credible and avoid double accounting.

To test and verify the framework, this project will demonstrate how to overcome the regulatory, institutional, technical, financial and social barriers for the scaling-up of RE and EE NAMA, through pilot projects in three sectors: These are 1) tea factory energy efficiency 2) biogas as a solution for solid waste sector and 3) solar PV net metering systems with battery storage. These sector pilots will be led by the SLSEA core groups assigned to coordinate these sectors, supported by the Project Management Unit.

The project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and is operational from 2015 October to 2019 June. The project is being implemented by Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) under the purview of the Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy (MoPRE) and the Climate Change Secretariat (CCS) under the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment (MoMDE).

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES   

The national consultant will play a key role in providing overall technical expertise in validating the NAMA approach and framework in the energy sector, regularisation of GHG emission data reporting flow/structure and implementing of pilot projects to test out the application of the NAMA framework in energy sector. He/she is also expected to provide advisory support to the project on operationalization of the proposed data collection and MRVing frameworks, and institutionalization process of the NAMA governing arrangement. Further responsibilities under this consultancy assignment is detailed in Section C (Responsibilities) below of this TOR.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities

• Review the relevance of the existing project strategies and assess whether these provide the most effective route towards expected/intended results by  the End of Project (EOP) and provide necessary directions to expedite remaining activities to achieve EOP targets;
• Provide advisory support to the Project Management Unit in liaising with CCS and other government/non-governmental organizations for the introduction of policy and regulations to enforce energy sector data & GHG emission reporting in the country;
• Provide advisory service for pilot projects’ implementation in accordance with objectives, schedule and planned budget and based on the lessons learnt during the last 2 years. This includes involvement in project pilot awareness creation activities, detail technical evaluations, in preparation of technical TORs related to pilot projects;
• Advise on the on-going developments in web  portal /applications on energy data collection and MRVing, and NAMA proposal approval portal and process. The cohesion between the projects components-especially 1,2 and 4 and also with other climate change mitigation activities such as national inventory and communications to be taken inot account in this regard. He/She should also look at operationalization strategies for these establishments and systems and recommend these strategies to PMU/key stakeholders of the project;
• Assess project sustainability and provide necessary advise and directions to the Project Management Unit;
• Facilitating the project Terminal Evaluation and development of a project exit strategy based on the evaluation and key stakeholders’ requirements.

Other responsibilities

• Support the Project Coordinator/PMU to
  • Liaise closely with SLSEA and other government/non-government organizations in carrying out the 3 pilots alongside with their regular programmes in these sectors;
  • Liaise with the International and National Consultants and lead capacity development activities related to MACC, MRV and GHG Inventorying process;
  • Coordinate the project activities with relevant initiatives of the Government/national and sub-national level/private sector.
• Other project related duties entrusted by the PMU.

Expected Output/Deliverables

The following results are expected from the Consultancy.

1. Review national policies and regulations supporting the establishment of energy sector data collection within the project mandate and MRVing of mitigation actions, and provide necessary advise to the project team;
2. Review the lessons learnt during the operationalization of the established NAMA instuitional arrangement and provide directions for further strengthening the arrangement. This task should include identifying the necessary institutional, policy and regulatory intervention that will support NAMA activities beyond EOP;
3. Review project pilot implementation programmes (Domestic Solar PV with battery Storage, Small & Medium-Large Biogas Programme, VFDs in Tea Sector) and preparation of a progress update, key lessons learnt from pilot implementations and sustainability assessment of the programme;
4. Review Terminal Evaluation Report and assist PMU to prepare management response to Terminla Evaluation Review (TER), and developing a project exist strategy with the consultation of key project stakeholders.  

TIME FRAME

The envisaged time frame of the Consultancy is 10 months starting from 15th August 2018.

Note: The expected commitment from the Consultant is 75 days and this includes approximately 15 days of field travelling to five provinces (Uva, Central, North-western, Southern and Eastern).

Competencies

CONSULTANT PROFILE    

The prospective Consultant should have the following competencies and qualifications:

1. COMPETENCIES  

a  Technical competencies

• Demonstrated experience in the energy sector project/programme developments and/or GHG mitigation;
• Thorough understanding of climate change mitigation, renewable energy and energy efficiency in the country context;
• Candidate should have a minimum of 15 years (overall covering above aspects) of professional experience in energy and/or environment sector including demonstrated and hands-on experience in RE/EE project implementations;
• Experience in baseline assessments of energy sector technology-applications, and M&E of CCM/GHG mitigation programmes and projects;
• Skills demonstrated in mentoring project stakeholders towards a common objective.

b.  Partnerships

• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national and provincial institutions;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Excellent teaching, training and communication skills, with analytical capacity and ability to synthesize collected data and present findings to stakeholders;
• Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with colleagues – especially in this case the national level consultants and officials.

c.  Results

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and professional

• The prospective candidate for this post should have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Mechanical / Electrical / Chemical / Energy engineering, Applied science or Environmental science.
• The prospective candidate for this post should be a Chartered Engineer of Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka or equivalent.
• A post-graduate qualifications in the field of engineering, project management or related fields will be desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years work experience in the energy sector including experience in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency;
• Specific experience in the 3 pilot technologies mentioned above is an advantage;
• At least 5 years work experience in project management. Previous work in donor funded projects will be an added advantage;
• Working experience with international organizations or similar projects/programme design and implementations;
• Executing responsibilities of a senior level manager and advocacy for developing national plans / programmes with state sector and non-state sector stakeholder engagement;
• Demonstrated leadership, facilitation, coordination skills, ability to mentor technical teams;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, to effectively manage it and to motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s objective and expected outcomes; and
• Excellent communication (both oral and written), synthesis, analysis and trouble-shooting skills.

Languages/ Other

• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English;
• Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is an additional requirement;
• Computer proficiency, especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office).

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter (1 page) explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology (1 page) on how you will approach and conduct the work.
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR (max 3 pages).
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP;
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: procurement.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position  in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL   

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee (for 75 days): LKR

And

Amount in words:(LKR)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel ( including travel to PMU, Colombo and approximately 15 days of field visits to Central, Southern, North-western, Uva and Eastern province), honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant.

For an Individual Contractor who is 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA Contracts. 

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Project Management Unit.

Payment Milestones will be as follows:

The National Consultant shall receive payment in four instalments from UNDP as follows:

1. 25% Report providing direction for the required regulatory and policy framework supporting ‘NAMA framework’, and data collection of energy/GHG emission and MRVing of the project – 30th  September 2018; 
2. 25% Report covering pilot programme progress (Solar PV, Biogas and VFDs), lessons learnt from pilot implementations, and indicating directions for sustainability of these programmes beyond EOP – 30th January 2019;
3. 20% Progress report indicating functionality and operation of NAMA Institutional arrangement including recommendation for further strengthening of this organizational set-up – 30th March 2019;
4. 30%  Brief Report on project exist strategy– 30th May 2019.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all the requested material.