Background

Green Technology Application for the development of Low Carbon Cities (GTALCC) project is to support Malaysia’s aspiration of promoting low carbon development in the cities (hence low carbon cities), reduce carbon emissions in the city envelop and eventually contribute towards the national commitment as pledge by the Prime Minister during the COP15 where Malaysia is committed to reducing up to 40% of GHGs in terms of emission intensity by GDP by the year 2020 (compared to 2005 levels) conditional upon financing and transfer of technology by the developed countries.  GTALCC aspires to achieve the following outcomes by the end of the 5-year project period:
  • Major cities implemented and adopted integrated low carbon urban development plans and /or programs;  
  • Expedient appraisal, approval and implementation of strategic urban development plans/program and projects related to the wide spread development of low carbon cities;
  • Major cities are aware of, and are planning and implementing low carbon technology applications for integrated urban development;
  • Increased investment in low carbon technology applications in cities;
  • More low carbon urban infrastructure projects implemented in Malaysian cities.
The proposed project is in line with the GEF 5 Strategic Objective CCM 4 on the promotion of energy efficient low carbon transport and urban systems. It consists of interventions across cities in Malaysia to facilitate the implementation of low carbon initiatives and showcase a clear and integrated approach of successful low carbon city development.  In general, cities are a key contributor of GHG emissions with an estimated 70% of the world’s energy related emissions. In Malaysia, more than half of total emissions are related to urban spaces—specifically, electricity (up to 26% of the emissions), transportation (16%) and solid waste (12%). Recognizing that cities are natural partners to chart a low carbon growth path the Government of Malaysia has recently launched the Low Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment (LCCF). The objective is to achieve sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions of the cities and contribute towards the national commitment of reducing up to 40% of GHGs in terms of emission intensity by GDP by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels.  Currently, several low carbon city initiatives which explicitly target low carbon development are at various stages of development at the national and subnational levels. However, the initiatives are developing in a rather fragmented manner without a common shared vision, integrated approach to low carbon development, agreed definitions or well accepted methodologies and standards.

As such, a full scale project is proposed in the PIF, which focuses on the removal of barriers pertaining to policy and regulatory; financing issues; awareness, technical and institutional capacity through the three (3) components:
  • Component 1: Policy support for the promotion of integrated low carbon urban development;
  • Component 2: Awareness and institutional capacity development;
  • Component 3: Low carbon technology investments in cities.
The GTALCC PIF document, Review Sheet and STAP review document can be downloaded from the following weblink:  http://www.thegef.org/gef/project_detail?projID=5329.

Information on the UNDP and GEF Monitoring and Evaluation process and experience from other countries can be referred to the Evaluation Resource Center at the following weblink http://erc.undp.org. 

Duties and Responsibilities

scope of work:

The specialist will provide: (i) up-to-date and “cutting edge” ideas on integrated low carbon urban development drawing upon experience in Malaysia and neighbouring countries; (ii) examples of good practice; (iii) an assessment of the applicability of latest thinking and good practice in improving the management of target cities in Malaysia; (iv) a review of experience of public private partnerships within relevant sectors, and integrated urban development planning; (v) guidance to the PPG team regarding their work on each sector, including approaches, data requirements and project identification; and (vi) assisting the PPG team by providing specialist input into the selection of target cities and projects and preparation of final documents and knowledge products as required.

The specialist will be expected to describe the measures needed to put in place investment in low carbon public goods, create an enabling framework for enterprise and support innovation. Further advice and guidance on how UNDP and GEF can help in supporting the transition of cities in Malaysia to a low carbon development pathway will also be provided.

The overall objective of the assignment is to assist the team leader and local consultant in the preparation of the Project Document. The urban development specialist will assist the PPG team as follows:
  • Propose appropriate ways of developing an enabling context and infrastructure for green low carbon local economic development in cities in Malaysia;
  • Identify programmes and projects ongoing and/or planned related to integrated low carbon urban development/sustainable cities/low carbon cities;
  • Analyse experience of low carbon local economic development (LED) approaches and their implementing arrangements, management units and an assessment of their operations and successes. This will cover, among others, applicable integrated LED strategies, urban regeneration companies, local development corporations, and regional development incentives;
  • Outline the key components, macro and micro, of low carbon LED to include policies and strategies for improving productivity, labour markets, business development and infrastructure, property development, affordable housing and direct links between financing and development;
  • Define processes required in order to put in place inclusive policies and procedure to achieve external benefits of investment in low carbon public goods, create an enabling framework for enterprise and support innovation;
  • Identify specific opportunities where and how city governments can act as catalysts for low carbon development;
  • Describe approaches to low carbon city development that include appropriate polices and programs which target vulnerable groups, including microfinance, training and property assets within cities and their extension into the rural hinterland;
  • Outline how to create low emission development opportunities or use redistribution measures to ensure better access of marginalised groups to public goods (assets) and green job opportunities;
  • Other related tasks as suggested by the PPG team.
Methodology:

The specialist will report to the Lead consultant of the GTALCC Preparation under the guidance of UNDP Malaysia.  The methodology includes data collection, desk research, simulation, interviews and meetings with relevant stakeholders, third party verifications, consultants and discussions with other relevant stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to propose their methodology at the time of submission of the proposal.

Expected Outputs:


Key deliverables will be:
  • A draft paper that summarizes the work to be undertaken and some preliminary findings, for presentation at workshop, to be completed on or before 20 April 2014 or any other date to be agreed upon between the Lead Consultant and UNDP.
  • A draft report that covers all tasks noted in the above terms of reference for review and comment by the PPG Team and UNDP on or before 20 April 2014 or any other date to be agreed upon between the Lead Consultant and UNDP. A final report that takes into account the comments of the PPG Team on or before 30 April 2014 or any other date to be agreed upon between the Lead Consultant and UNDP.
  • Relevant inputs to the preparation of the PPG project deliverables.
Duration:

The consultancy is expected to take place from 1 April to 30 April 2014 (1 month). 

Deliverables and Timeline:

The consultant will be responsible for the delivery, content, technical quality and accuracy of the report. It is expected that all deliverables to be finalized by the Lead Consultant GTALCC preparation phase before final submission to UNDP Malaysia for verification and approval.

Terms of payment:

The fee is payable upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the deliverables as  in Annex 1.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individuals must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
  • Proposal on how your qualifications and experience can lead towards the successful deliverable of this assignment within the required timeframe, and provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the assignment;
  • Financial Proposal as provided.
  • Personal CV including areas of expertise and past experience in similar projects and at least three (3) references in the format of UN Personal History Form (P11 form). The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at: http://www.undp.org.my/uploads/p11%20personal%20history%20form.doc.
Important Note:

Please scan all the documents mentioned above and save into 1 (ONE) Pdf format and uploaded it when you are asked to upload your CV/resume on the application website. UNDP Malaysia reserves the right to disqualify any incomplete submission. Please kindly make sure that you have provided all the requested materials.

Any request for clarification must be send in writing to procurement.my@undp.org.

Please write the Project reference - MyIC/2014/010  in your e-mail heading.

The deadline for submitting requests for clarification/questions is 28 February 2014.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:
  • Excellent knowledge of low carbon development, climate change mitigation, clean energy, issues specific at the subnational levels;
  • Demonstrates strong analytical skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability to apply peer reviewer guideline production procedures,
  • Ability to analyze technical requirements in energy efficiency and energy management applications,
  • Strong analytical skills.
Management and Leadership
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback,
  • Supports teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Master’s or equivalent degree in urban and regional economics, planning human geography or other related to the expertise areas.

Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years professional experience in urban and regional economic development with specialised skills in local economic development and environment; 
  • Experience working with national and sub-national government institutions as well as civil society/private organizations in Malaysia is a must.

Language Requirement:

  • Proficient in English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia will be an added advantage.