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Situated 570km to the east of the main island of Mauritius and with a population estimate of approx. 37,000 inhabitants recorded in 2006, Rodrigues is spanning an area of 109km2 and surrounded by a barrier reef. Rodrigues is greatly dependent on energy imports and the cost of fossil fuel is a determining factor in its local economy. In 2006, 7500 m3 of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) were imported counting for 96.3% of the overall energy supply for the island. The same year, electricity production amounted for 30,751 MWh and electricity consumption reached 25,208 MWh for 11,144 customers domestic, commercial and industrial combined. In addition to economic instability due to fossil fuel dependency, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Rodrigues, are extremely vulnerable to climate change, and it is a matter of survival to have effective adaptation and mitigation strategies in place. In order to address the issues of energy dependency and climate change, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) is currently promoting a strategy for energy security and self-sufficiency by 2010 and a 100% Renewable electricity production by 2020. The low electrical consumption per household (2.2 MWh) and the socio-economic and environmental context of Rodrigues has encouraged the RRA to promote the development of small scale renewable energy.
The RRA has therefore requested the support of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius and Seychelles Country Office to design and develop small scale renewable energy plan for Rodrigues.
All candidates are required to submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI) which template can be found along with the full Terms of Reference (TOR) under the JOB section of the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles website (http://un.intnet.mu/undp)
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius and Seychelles Country Office is seeking the services of an international consultant to design and develop a small scale renewable energy plan for Rodrigues. With the assistance of the UNDP and RRA, the consultant will research and analyse background information and available data to design a renewable energy plan that suits the socio-economic and environmental context of Rodrigues.
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
Undertake an assessment of existing infrastructure and climatic conditions, and identify the most suitable Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) for decentralised applications;
Design a Master Plan for the Development of Small Scale Renewable Energy in Rodrigues, including both off-grid (i.e stand alone) and grid interconnected RETs. The plan should include the institutional framework required to deploy and manage the decentralised RETs, as well as the economics of the proposed plan;
Design a pilot study (or pilot studies where more than one technology has been identified)which will be later implemented to assess the feasibility of the plan;
Provide a list of reliable and cost effective suppliers for the technology(ies) identified by the study, as well as possible funding mechanisms to develop small scale renewables in Rodrigues;
A Presentation to the various stakeholders on the findings of the mission;
The Master Plan for the Development of Small Scale Renewable Energy in Rodrigues will be finalised by the consultant following comments from the UNDP and the RRA. It is intended that the document will be used as funding proposal to local/international institutions.
Competencies
Demonstrated leadership ability and technical ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing;
Have effective interpersonal and negotiations skills and ability to coordinate complex, multi-stake-holder projects and be able to think in a strategic manner on complex and difficult assignment;
Practical experience in the preparation and/or execution of projects for international aid donors especially in SIDS.
Required Skills and Experience
Post graduate university degree in science, engineering, environment or acceptable qualification in relevant field.
At least 15 years of professional experience in the energy sector with extensive knowledge and experience with renewables, in particular small/medium scale solar and wind;
Fluency in English (preferably also in French), highly computer literate.
