International consultant - Analyses of possible GHG emissions limitations

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - ANALYSES OF POSSIBLE GHG EMISSIONS LIMITATIONS

Location :Home based, two filed visits to Skopje, FYR MACEDONIAApplication Deadline :30-Mar-13Type of Contract :Individual ContractPost Level :International ConsultantLanguages Required :
English  Expected Duration of Assignment :estimated 28 consultants’ days over a period of up to 4 Months (April-July 2013)

Background

Project:   00075206 “Third National Report to UNFCCC”  

UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) are implementing the project “Third National Communication to UNFCCC”. The main aim of the project is to strengthen the information base, analytical and institutional capacity of the key national institutions to integrate climate change priorities into country development strategies and relevant sector programs by providing financial and technical support to prepare its Third National Communication (TNC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Enhancing an enabling framework for implementation of mitigation measures is part of project activities, including the design and delivery of a set of policies and mitigation measures aimed at integrating climate change into the country’s development strategy and sector programs. Focus of the mitigation scenarios within TNC will be to identify possible limitation of GHG emissions (that will occur if the country becomes Annex I country or member of EU), as well as carbon pricing (CO2 tax), accompanied by assessment on how emission reductions can be achieved i.e. which technologies can be used on both demand and supply side and by what cost.

National company will be contracted to perform the analytical work and develop the mitigation scenarios. Other consultants (both national and international) will be also contracted to support this activity and in close cooperation produce qualitative climate change mitigation analyses within the project. They will all comprise the mitigation team. Other Ministries closely related to energy and environment planning (such as Ministry of Environment and Physical planning, Ministry of Economy etc.) will also be included in the whole process of the preparation of the mitigation assessment.

The accession to the European Union is the core of the development goals of the country and the main driving force. Therefore it would be value added to take into consideration EU Energy and Climate Package and Emissions Trading System as the EU’s main instrument for fulfilling its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol into the analysis of the national mitigation potential. 
It is evident that assistance from international experienced consultants is needed in the development of mitigation scenarios, especially in terms of taking into consideration the economic implications of introduction of limitations on emissions and some economic instruments (CO2 tax or CER income tax for example) as well as assistance/guidance in strengthening of the country position in the international climate change negotiation process related to UNFCCC.

Therefore, UNDP would like to engage an experienced International Consultant to provide guidance in the assessment of the national mitigation potential taking into consideration possible limitation of GHG emissions and carbon pricing.

In addition, the consultant will improve governmental capacities  in building  national positions related to the international climate change negotiation process.

Scope of Work 
The main objective of the assignment is to contribute to the mitigation section of the Third National Communication on climate change by analyzing possible limitation of GHG emissions (that will occur if the country becomes Annex I country or member of EU)   and carbon pricing (CO2 tax) to assess how emission reductions can be achieved (which technologies can be used on both demand and supply side) and by what cost.

The consultant shall work in close cooperation with the Chief Technical Advisor for the mitigation assessment. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Get acquainted with the existing strategies, planning documents, studies, project reports (5-8 documents) related to climate change mitigation in the country. Analyze latest EU/UNFCCC climate change policy developments and available methodologies for national GHG target settings; 
• Prepare short report on possible future GHG targets/limitations in case the country becomes Annex I (UNFCCC requirements) or EU member (Kyoto requirements)
• In line with the identified possible future requirements propose best applicable methodology for setting national GHG targets
• Provide input for development of the mitigation scenario within TNC by setting possible limitation of GHG emissions (that will occur if the country becomes Annex I country or member of EU),   as well as carbon pricing (CO2 tax), accompanied by assessment on how emission reductions can be achieved i.e. which technologies can be used on both demand and supply side and by what cost. This assignment shall be performed in close cooperation with the national company contracted for the analytical work.
• Propose possible measures/policy actions for the scenario for reducing GHG emissions in order to comply with the possible future targets 
• Provide guidance and advice to the mitigation team in the process of assessment of the national climate change mitigation potential for the purpose of preparation of the Third National Communication on Climate Change, and perform a peer review of the final mitigation chapter; 
• Support the preparation of cost estimations of the mitigation scenarios and the economic implications of introduction of limitations on emissions 
• Deliver targeted workshop to relevant stakeholders on future possible requirements if the country becomes Annex 1 (pros and cons)
• Present findings and recommendations on the possible national GHG emission limitation on a workshop in Skopje 

Duration of Assignment:

• The assignment is estimate to be completed in max. 28 days in period of 4 Months (April-July 2013).

Two field missions (3 days each) to Skopje are expected.

• The first one – fact finding mission, should be after contract signing (April) 
• Second mission – targeted training and presentation of findings on workshop ( last week of June)

• Report on possible future GHG targets/limitations in case the country becomes Annex I (UNFCCC requirements) or EU member (Kyoto requirements) and proposed methodology for setting national GHG targets (April 2013)
• Draft report on measures/policy actions for the scenario for reducing GHG emissions in order to comply with the possible future targets (May  2013)
• Final report on measures/policy actions for the scenario for reducing GHG emissions in order to comply with the possible future targets (June 2013)
• Targeted workshop to relevant stakeholders on future possible requirements if the country becomes Annex 1 (pros and cons) and present findings and recommendations on the possible national GHG emission limitation on a workshop in Skopje (June  2013)
• Peer review of the assessment of the mitigation potential (July 2013)

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Displays cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent analytical, communications and facilitation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master degree in the thematic areas relevant to the assignment (e.g. technical or environmental sciences); PhD degree is a strong asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in the area relevant to climate change mitigation (particularly  energy planning, renewable energy systems, energy efficiency)
• Peer reviewed scientific publications is a strong asset
• At least 5 (five) similar assignments in nature and scope (research and/or studies taking into consideration climate change mitigation/energy and climate policy/energy planning or modeling);
• Proven knowledge of the UNFCCC and the EU energy and climate package (participation in projects, articles,  lectures, publications and similar relevant to the topic)
• Proven knowledge of the existing Emission Trading Scheme (participation in projects,  development of regulations, policy documents, national allocation plans and similar relevant to the topic)
• Proven knowledge  of the international climate change negotiation process including  assistance to  governments in building  national positions will be strong asset (participation in international climate change negotiation process)

Language Requirements: 

• All documents shall be prepared in the English language.

Payment Schedule:

• 20% upon submission and approval of the report on possible future GHG targets/limitations in case the country becomes Annex I (UNFCCC requirements) or EU member (Kyoto requirements) and proposed methodology (April 2013)
• 20% upon submission and approval of the draft report on proposed measures/policy actions for the scenario for reducing GHG emissions in order to comply with the possible future targets (June 2013)
• 40% upon submission and approval of the final report on proposed measures/policy actions for the scenario for reducing GHG emissions in order to comply with the possible future targets (June 2013)
• 20% after delivering the training and workshop (July  2013)

Qualified candidates are requested to submit their offer to UNDP Human Resources department. The application should contain:

• CV/P11 which can be found at www.undp.org.mk  
• Reference list of at least 5 (five) similar assignments in nature and scope (research and/or studies taking into consideration climate change mitigation/energy and climate policy/energy planning modeling with contact details for reference check
• Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for completion of the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial offer shall include a breakdown of the lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, consultancy fee, travel expenses to Skopje, per diems and any other possible costs).

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Education: Master degree in the thematic areas relevant to the assignment (e.g. technical or environmental sciences); PhD degree is a strong asset 10%
• Years of professional experience: Minimum 7years of professional experience in the area relevant to climate change mitigation; Peer reviewed scientific publications is a strong asset 15%
• Relevant project experience: minimum 5 (five) similar assignments in nature and scope (research and/or studies taking into consideration climate change mitigation/climate change policy/energy planning modeling)15%
• Proven knowledge of the UNFCCC and the EU energy and climate package (participation in projects, articles,  lectures, publications and similar relevant to the topic) 10%
• Proven knowledge of the existing Emission Trading Scheme (participation in projects,  development of regulations, policy documents, national allocation plans and similar relevant to the topic) 10%
• Proven knowledge  of the international climate change negotiation process including  assistance to  governments in building  national positions will be strong asset (participation in international climate change negotiation process) 10%