International Technical Specialist for National Project Development: UNDP-GEF Timor-Leste Sustainable Bio-Energy Production from Biomass Project

The overall objective of the project is removal of barriers to sustainable production and utilization of biomass resources in Timor-Leste and application of biomass energy technologies to support local economic, environmental and social development that leads to GHG mitigation. 

The project is in line with the national priority stating that the provision of energy is a basic need and all communities should have access to energy. In addition, the Rural Energy Policy of Timor-Leste proposes an Integrated Rural Energy Development Programme that emphasizes the promotion and use of renewable and alternative energy throughout the country, especially in rural and remote areas as a high priority. Timor-Leste’s Rural Development Strategic Framework for 2010-2020, finalized in December 2009, recognizes the importance of maximizing the use of indigenous renewable resources in order to reduce the costs of generation and improving energy security for the people. It identifies constraints preventing the wider adoption of low carbon energy technologies due to a dearth of demonstration projects to foster widespread interest amongst the private sector and inadequate financial assistance.   

The Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 (SDP) of the Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL) underlines the importance of renewable energy resources. According to the SDP, renewable energy supplies have the potential to make a dramatic contribution to the economic growth and help to reduce poverty levels in remote rural areas. These supplies will also contribute to Timor Leste’s climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and help the country to meet its obligations under the international climate change conventions. The SDP sets a target that by 2020 at least half of Timor Leste’s energy needs will be provided by renewable energy sources.

The project will focus on overcoming/ removing barriers to the demonstration, deployment and commercialization of low-carbon biomass energy technologies to contribute to the enhancement of socio-economic growth. The project will specifically aim at removal of the barriers to the widespread adoption and application of low carbon biomass energy technologies, using local resources that will be sustainably sourced. The baseline activities will be expanded and/or supplemented in order to enhance the realization of potential global environmental benefits from them. The project will ensure that biomass energy use is sustainable and does not, in any way, contribute to deforestation, reduced soil fertility or increased GHG emissions beyond project boundaries.

  The consultancy tasks will address especially to design the project implementation plan:

• Design survey program of rural biomass energy technology for household use and income generation, electricity services and thermal applications by local enterprises;
• Investigation of biogas digester technologies and application experiences: identification and design of HH/ ommunity biogas plant demonstrations configurations and financing schemes;
• Investigation of EE cook-stove/furnace production, application, financing and distribution;
• Investigation of biomass conversion technologies and application experiences; identification and design of biomass gasification and applications demonstrations; and project financing.

• Ability to communicate and function effectively in an international, multicultural environment;
• Must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Excellent writing skills in English are necessary.
  Fluency in Portuguese is an asset;
• Timor Leste and/or regional experience are an asset.

• Masters in Energy System Planning and Development, Renewable Energy Planning and Development, Rural Development, Sociology, Social Work/Social Sciences, Business or Public Administration, Humanities, Environment or related subjects.

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in the field of Energy systems planning and development. Past experience in renewable energy planning and development, energy projects planning and design, coordination with partner organizations, dealing with national/regional organizations/institutions, would be an advantage;
• Experience working directly with energy systems planning and development supervisors on specialized promoting sustainable bio-energy production. Similar experience on the area of biomass is a strong asset.