National Consultant GEF (Global Environment Facility) - UNDP - Baghdad, Iraq with travel to Amman, Jordan

Location: Baghdad, Iraq with travel to Amman, Jordan

Application Deadline: 23-Jan-13

Type of Contract: Individual Contract

Post Level: National Consultant

Languages Required: Arabic   English 

Starting Date: (Date when the selected candidate is expected to start)  03-Feb-2013

Duration of Initial Contract: 40 Working Days Over a period of 6 Month.

Background

Important Notes: All necessary information including Complete Terms of Reference, Selection Criteria, and Annexes are found on the following link under Procurement Notice Number IC-003/13: http://www.iq.undp.org/ProcurementNotices_Overview.aspx Proposals should be submitted to the following e-mail address no later than COB 23rd of January 2013 (Amman Time +3GMT): SSA.undp.iraq@undp.org Applicants should download the application documents (presented in compressed file) from the previously mentioned link for UNDP Iraq – Procurement notice web site, complete and sign them, and send the scanned copies to the email account above by or before the deadline of this post. Applications with NO financial offer or MISSING P11 form or the required documents for the technical evaluation will NOT be considered for evaluation. Applications WITHOUT Annex 3 for submitting a financial offer instead of other format will not be considered due to the need of Annex 3 for the ease of comparison of the received offers. All the necessary information for this post (TOR, Deliverables, Target dates, etc. are presented in the procurement notice documents) therefore, applicant MUST download it to apply for this post. DO NOT send only CV to the Email account mentioned above WITHOUT Annex 1, 2, 3, 4, Cover Letter and Methodology (If Requested) as it will considered as incomplete application. The documents are available in PDF (the Procurement Notice, Annex 3, 4 and 5) and Word 2010 (Annex 1 and 2) format; this is the only format available and it will not be provided in other formats. Applicants need to use Adobe reader, Word 2010, zipping software (WinRAR) to be able to use and view the documents for this procurement notice. Each email should be less than 8 MB; emails over this size will not be received to the above mentioned account. Background: Iraq has set a clear direction for the energy sector, which accommodates the development of renewable energy technologies, mainly to address the gap between demand and supply and recognizing the huge potential for solar power to do so. This is recognized as ultimately making a significant contribution to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions currently associated with the Iraqi energy sector. This renewable energy direction is further reinforced in the recent (May 2011) Joint Declaration signed by Iraq and the European Union, in which sustainable energy in Iraq is explicitly mentioned, including generation from low and zero-carbon emission sources. The reliability and capacity of Iraq’s electricity supply have fallen since 2002. At that time, electricity supply capacity was 9,300 MW, with peak loads of 5,100 MW. The current electricity supply in operation is about 4,500 MW, with demand of almost 10,000 MW, which creates a huge challenge: about 6 GW of new power is required in the near-term. Approximately 80% of Iraqis are on-grid, with over 80% of grid-supplied electricity coming from hydrocarbon-fueled power plants. A small amount, less than 20%, comes from hydropower. Iraqis have increased their demand for electricity (through population growth and increased electricity requirements in homes and offices), but the reliability of supply is inadequate and load-shedding is a common daily experience (for example, in Baghdad, electricity is supplied for only about 14 hours per day, rolling on-and-off). Many households and businesses therefore rely on diesel-powered generators to fill the demand-supply gap, which increases the cost of electricity significantly. The Ministry of Electricity Master Plan for 2010-2030 indicates that 10,000 MW of fossil-fuelled plants need to be in place by 2013 to meet expected demand and to overcome the current shortfall in supply. Other units to be considered after 2013 will be based on the projected increase in demand, and a combination of Government and private-sector finance will be required. Residual Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) is expected to be the primary fuel for the initial 10,000 MW, whereas natural gas, distillates and renewables – particularly solar power – will be brought on stream after 2013. The most compelling renewable energy source in Iraq (at this time) appears to be solar, mostly reflecting the pervasive nature of this energy source (in time and space) and the opportunity to develop distributed generation systems with minimal dependencies on existing infrastructure and institutional processes, but also with a significant potential to feed back into the electricity grid during peak load periods. In addition, there is significant opportunity for private sector deployment in the solar power sector, especially given the expected increasing consumer demand for solar-powered appliances (air conditioners in particular, and water heaters) and given the construction of “model” towns (for example, near Najaf, south of Baghdad), where the intention of developers is to remain non-reliant on the grid, ensure a reliable supply of clean electricity, and develop cost recovery mechanisms that will support the initial investments (including selling electricity back to the grid). Iraq has made some initial ventures into solar power use. A number of cities in Iraq have installed solar-powered street lights and solar water heaters, but these cases have not been well-documented and there is anecdotal information that some of the street lighting is ineffective. Extreme high temperatures and increasingly frequent dust storms present some additional challenges for solar PV panels. Careful comparative research into options and some innovation in creating cooling flows to panels and self-cleaning functions are required. In addition, provision of air conditioning at night is still a key requirement, and some element of grid connectivity or hybridization of traditional compressor technology and absorption cooling, in combination with PV panel support to such a unit, may be required. Some comparative work on various solar power air conditioner technologies has already been done by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). MoST has devoted considerable efforts to exploring a range of hybrid rooftop units that utilize PV and also solar thermal energy; the PV-generated electricity can be used for household consumption and/or to provide electrical supply to run (where applicable) a unit’s fans and/or pumps and/or cooling loop-vent to reduce the surface temperature of the PV panels themselves (thereby increasing their efficiency in very hot conditions). While various technology comparisons and assessments have been undertaken, there is as yet no strategic approach which focuses on the highest critical electricity consumption appliances (air conditioners) and the need for reliable distributed electricity supply in new residential development areas. The recently-approved UNDP-GEF project will advance on the work done to date in Iraq with regard to solar power technologies. It will clarify the most practical and affordable combination of solar power air conditioning/water heating options that can meet the operational conditions in Iraq (solar thermal systems, PV systems and/or hybrid systems), addressing the most critical electricity demands in houses, offices and small businesses throughout Iraq. The project will organize the comparative technology assessments completed to date, and catalyze the actual procurement and assembly of parts (or complete units), install them in a manner that allows further monitoring for effectiveness, and at the same time bring benefits to the users, which will help with the eventual replication of installations and spur Iraqi industrial development in this area. The same philosophy is expected with the design and construction / operation of a 5MW solar PV power plant (there are no such plants in Iraq at the moment, although the Ministry of Electricity would like to build 16 larger-scale solar power plants over the next five years). Policy-level work will focus on the development of approved and enforced policies and regulations, and new financial incentives, to encourage solar power industry development (private sector) and consumer uptake, including removal of import tariffs on components; introduction of subsidies and tax credits to promote investment in, and installation of, solar units; increased taxes on non-solar AC units; development of a renewable energy database containing site-specific data on RE potential to facilitate investment decisions; and clarification of IPP policies, with inducements to accelerate solar PV power plant development throughout Iraq. Examination of inter-connections between distributed power producers and the grid (including feed-in tariffs and net metering options) and support to the Government to implement feed-in tariff and/or net-metering schemes. One selected measure will be framed as a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), with corresponding baseline, MRV and institutional systems developed. The UNDP-GEF project will advance solar energy uptake in Iraq in three ways: By designing, piloting and monitoring selected solar technologies for distributed generation applications, including the installation of 1,000 rooftop-based solar AC/water heater units. By stimulating investments in solar power technology and increasing consumer uptake through new policies, tools and financial incentives. By facilitating private sector capacity for solar technology development and servicing, through awareness-raising, training, support to the Independent Power Producer (IPP) concept, and exploratory work on feed-in tariffs and net metering. These three prongs are expected to work in synergy so as to promote global environmental benefits (enhanced climate change mitigation) and making the transition to coherent and targeted piloting, which in turn will encourage uptake and replication that will ultimately anchor solar power as a fundamental part of the national energy strategy in Iraq. The project has been granted a 9-month Project Preparation phase, commencing in November 2012, culminating in the submission of a completed CEO Endorsement Request and UNDP Project Document to the GEF Secretariat by July 2013. Specific project preparation (PPG) activities will focus on: conducting a more detailed assessment of the market for decentralised solar units and utility-scale solar electricity generation; greenhouse gas (GHG) baseline/reduction potential in Iraq; a study/dialogue on advancing the IPP concept and the technical aspects of grid inter-connection; mapping and coordinating stakeholders; and completing project documentation. Conduct of Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) workshop and stakeholder consultations, including conclusion of discussions on project implementation and management arrangements – bringing disparate (and hitherto uncoordinated) Government entities, civil society actors, private sector and academia together to discuss project roles and strategic objectives; finalisation of project planning matrix (defined project goal, objective, outcomes, outputs and activities, including success indicators); concluded project implementation modalities. Stakeholder and project mapping exercise, and detailed design of the activities associated with each project component: Component 1 (Investment in solar power technologies for off-grid office and residential application); Component 2 (Encouragement of investments in solar power technology in Iraq and consumer uptake of solar appliances through policy reform and financial incentives); and Component 3 (Facilitation of private sector capacity for technology development, innovation and servicing in the solar power industry) – detailed mapping of stakeholder and policy/regulatory/institutional context (which is evolving rapidly); identification of ongoing and planned projects that have synergies with the GEF project; identification and finalisation of co-financing arrangements, notably formalisation of the roles of the Ministry of Electricity, the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Anbar University RE Centre and the Najaf Model Town developers; detailed gap analysis of existing/planned project activities vis-à-vis the GEF project and development of new and/or accompanying GEF project activities. Conducting a more detailed market analysis for small solar system applications (notably for air conditioning) and utility-scale PV plants – detailed comparative technology assessment (including cost-benefit analysis) of R&D work undertaken to date (notably by MoST) on solar-powered rooftop units configured for Iraqi conditions; market context and capabilities for AC and solar water heating (demand-side potential and building/consumer issues, supply-side assembly, construction and retail potential and barriers); economic analysis of market conditions; technological and regulatory options for utility-scale solar electricity generation; GHG reduction analysis. Conducting a study and structured stakeholder dialogue on advancing the IPP concept, feed-in tariffs and the technical aspects of grid inter-connection – detailed assessment of the technical, policy, regulatory and economic requirements for successful implementation of the IPP modality (including relevant provisions required for inter-connection in the Grid Code), combined with an assessment of the barrier removal and policy actions required to achieve these requirements in the Iraqi context.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives: The UNDP Iraq Country Office (based in Amman, Jordan) wishes to prepare a GEF CEO Endorsement Request and a UNDP Project Document for the recently-approved GEF project, ‘Catalysing the use of solar photovoltaic energy’. The National Consultant, working with an International Consultant, will take the lead in preparing these documents. Scope and expected outputs: Under the overall guidance of UNDP Country Office Focal Point for Environment & Energy, and in coordination with the International Consultant, and as informed by guidance from the UNDP/GEF Regional Technical Advisor, the National Consultant (acting in his/her individual capacity) will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities: Component 1: Investment in solar power technologies for distributed electricity generation for office, small business, residential and small town application. Expected Outcome: concrete evidence of the utility, practicality and competitive advantage of rooftop solar AC/water heater systems for office, small business and residential application and the viability of distributed, small-scale (5 MW) solar PV power plants for small town services, leading to replication of the solar technology applications that were demonstrated and increased investments in such technologies. Conduct an assessment of the type and scope of solar applications that should be undertaken (linked to the technological cost-benefit analysis under Component 2 below) and the most suitable geographical locations for relevant demonstration projects, in collaboration with the International Consultant and local experts. Undertake an analysis of technology transfer opportunities and opportunities for commercializing/taking to market R&D work already undertaken in Iraq. Assess whether, and how, particular demonstration / investment projects and/or policy work supported by the GEF project can be framed as a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action, and the data and MRV requirements of such NAMA framing. Work with the International Consultant to complete a baseline study of greenhouse gas emissions. The study will identify and justify the selection of business-as-usual conditions and scenarios for estimating project-related GHG emission reductions associated with solar applications. Finalize the scoping of demonstration projects (site selection and pre-feasibility analysis) to be implemented within the GEF project. Component 2: Encouragement of investments in solar power technology in Iraq and consumer uptake of solar appliances through policy reform, tools and financial incentives. Expected Outcome: Enhanced private investment in, and consumer uptake of, solar technologies (rooftop appliances and distributed solar PV power plants). Analyse current energy policy, legislation, regulation and market conditions for solar power development (and, where relevant, renewable energy more generally), and assist the International Consultant in drafting the situation analysis. Work with the International Consultant to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of different solar technologies (e.g. solar, PV, hybrid systems) and their suitability to Iraqi regulatory, market and climatic conditions, and thereby develop a coherent set of project focus areas and priorities. Work with the International Consultant to estimate costs and benefits of a feed-in tariff scheme and a net-metering scheme for grid-connected solar applications, including Grid Code-relevant issues (e.g. grid stability). Review and analyse barriers to the effective uptake and promotion of solar systems in Iraq (from household up to utility-scale), including barriers specifically related to grid-connected applications. Work with the International Consultant to synthesise, write-up and understand the implications of these barriers to project design and implementation. Development of a strategy and a set of measures to remove the identified barriers based on the project log-frame presented in the Project Identification Form (PIF). Component 3: Facilitation of private sector capacity for technology development, innovation and servicing in the solar power industry, through technical capacity building and domestic market analysis. Expected Outcome: Widespread awareness and increased private sector capacity for the supply and servicing of solar air conditioners and water heaters; and increased Government and private sector capacity for the design, construction and operation of small-scale, distributed solar power plants leading to: (1) increased installed capacity of operational distributed solar power plants that are locally designed, engineered, constructed and operated; and (2) increased volume of locally-manufactured solar AC/water heater units. Undertake a stakeholder mapping exercise to understand the market, regulatory, producer and consumer requirements associated with scaled-up solar power usage (at household and utility scale). Develop awareness raising and capacity development programmes based on market, regulatory, producer and consumer requirements, with specific reference to engagement of the private sector (e.g. feed-in tariffs, IPP models, financial incentive mechanisms). Project Design: Working with the International Consultant, define the project scope and logical framework based on the results of the above analysis, the approved Project Identification Form (PIF), comments from the GEF Secretariat, comments from the GEF Scientific & Advisory Panel (STAP), feedback from the UNDP Country Office and Regional Technical Advisor, and other stakeholders: A set of viable outcomes, outputs and activities that constitute the most effective response to the identified barriers to the up-take of solar energy in Iraq. Justified and confirmed choice of project sites and types of demonstration projects. Social, gender, economic and financial sustainability of the proposed project activities. Cost-effectiveness analysis to identify the most effective project approaches. Detailed incremental cost analysis to justify GEF support to project components. A set of indicators (tonnes CO2e avoided, adoption of policy frameworks, equitable access of renewable generators to the grid, kW generated by solar sources, etc.) to track the project’s progress and effectiveness: baseline and target values on the indicators required. Financing plan for the project – costing of expected project outcomes and outputs, co-financing sources and co-financing commitments in compliance with the GEF incrementality principle. Description of local, national and global environmental benefits, including greenhouse gas mitigation benefits measured against a robust baseline using the GEF GHG methodology. Project Monitoring & Evaluation plan. Learning and replication strategy. Finalise and submit the CEO Endorsement Request and UNDP Project Document. Deliverables and outputs: While UNDP will be responsible for the logistic costs of the participants. The Consultant Under the direct supervision of the requesting unit is requested to produce for the following deliverables: Desk review, data collection, stakeholder mapping and consultations, analytical work, identification of potential demonstration projects and co-finance, etc. Draft Request for CEO Approval and UNDP/GEF Project Document. Final Request for CEO Approval and UNDP/GEF Project Document.

Competencies

Key Performance Indicators during implementation of Services: Excellent communication and writing skills; Knowledge sharing and mentoring capacity; Provision of comprehensive reports and strong reporting skills; Timely and successful coordination with relevant parties. Competencies: Corporate Values: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree (Bachelor) in energy, engineering, environmental science, economics or similar, ideally with a renewable energy component. Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the renewable energy sector (ideally, including solar energy) and a good understanding of the engineering, economic and mitigation aspects of deploying building-scale and large-scale renewable energy units. Prior experience in developing project documents for GEF projects is highly desirable. Climate finance (e.g. CDM, NAMA) knowledge and experience is desirable. Experience in developing emissions baselines, calculating grid emission factors, calculating emissions reductions, developing MRV systems, and integrating project-oriented emission reduction interventions into broader strategic, political and economic contexts is highly desirable. Prior experience of working in Arab regions is highly desirable. Language Requirements: Fluency in both of English and Arabic, written and oral (advanced Level). Computer Skills: Familiarity with the MS Office suite of applications, particularly MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The Consultant should provide documented examples from previous assignments related to deliverables in this Terms of Reference. Proposals: Documents to be included when submitting the Proposal: Technical Proposal: (Which will include the following): Signed Template Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal. (Please use Annex 1); A letter explaining why he/she considers himself/herself the most suitable candidate for the work; Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references. Please Use the attached (P11 Form Only) CV Form – Annex 2 attached. UNDP-Iraq reserves the right to disqualify any of CVs who are not compliant with the requested form. A language assessment will be conducted for the purpose of verifying influence in English and Arabic. A brief Methodology on how the candidate will approach and conduct the work. (The expert is asked in his/her offer submission in the methodologies section to describe the following: Desk review of relevant project documentation and background information prepared by the National Consultant and the local UNDP team in Iraq/Jordan. Data collection and stakeholder consultations in-country, synthesising findings and feeding them to the International Consultant. Attendance at a stakeholder consultation workshop in Amman, expected in Quarter 1 or Quarter 2 2013, to discuss project design and scope. Iterative document-writing process (for those documents expected from the National Consultant), acting on early-draft comments and feedback from the UNDP Country Office, the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor, and the International Consultant. Financial proposal: The financial proposal will specify a total lump sum amount and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. A breakdown of this lump sum amount is to be provided by the IC candidate. Total Fees: Please use Annex 3 – Financial proposal form. All necessary information including: Complete Terms of Reference, The Selection Criteria, and Annexes are found on the following link under Procurement Notice Number IC-003/12: http://www.iq.undp.org/ProcurementNotices_Overview.aspx Proposals should be submitted to the following e-mail address no later than COB 23rd of January 2013 (Amman Time +3GMT): SSA.undp.iraq@undp.org

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.

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