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The building sector in Romania is dominated by residential buildings that are generally old and have poor thermal performance, with average annual heating requirements of 137-220 kWh/m2. Pilot projects in Romania have shown that it is possible to reduce cost-effectively heating needs by at least 40-50%. Nevertheless, the rehabilitation of these poorly energy-efficient buildings is taking place at a very slow pace. In addition, new construction in poorer households in rural areas is dominated by the use of energy inefficient materials with “Do-It-Yourself” projects resulting in inefficient, sub-standard dwellings which will not meet standards according to the European Performance in Buildings Directive.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Head of Programme Unit, and in coordination with the Project Task Leader, the National Policy Advisor on Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty and the project team and project’s consultants, the National Expert on Energy Efficiency Financing is expected to work together with the Inter-Organizational Working Group (IOW) on Energy Efficiency Policies, in order to identify financing mechanisms and suggest recommendations for enabling legislative framework and an easier access to funds for energy efficiency and social measures aimed at alleviating fuel poverty.
Within the framework of this consultancy, it is expected that the National Expert on Energy Efficiency Financing will perform the following tasks:
In coordination with the National Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Policy Advisor identifies energy efficiency funding opportunities and innovative funding instruments for energy efficiency;
In consultation with the National Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Policy Advisor, draft the financial impact study for the implementation of the fuel poverty measures (as highlighted in the fuel poverty report produced by the project experts in 2012) and fuel poverty action plan (which will be developed by the National Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Advisor in parallel with the financial impact study);
Draft and submit an assessment report on funding opportunities for energy efficiency and fuel poverty and suggest an Action Plan for the next programming period 2014 – 2020 for EU funds that have the potential to fund energy efficiency programmes;
Support the project’s advocacy efforts and liaise with responsible institutions in order to ensure that funds are allocated for the implementation of energy efficiency and fuel poverty measures deriving from the implementation of art 7 of the Directive EU/27/2012;
Present the energy efficiency funding recommendations to the Inter Organizational Working Group and other national task forces (working groups for implementation of EU Directive 27/2012) and incorporate the comments;
Facilitate the interface between the project and various institutions involved in EE funding;
Facilitate – whenever possible - the lobby and advocacy work of the project with regard to the energy efficiency and fuel poverty financial needs and availability of funds;
Identify innovative financing mechanisms: e.g. carbon market mechanisms etc. that can fund the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in buildings and fuel poverty mitigation measures;
Assist - whenever possible - the project lobby activities e.g. for the inclusion in the new EU programming of provision on funds directed towards EE improvements at national and local level and fuel poverty measures (at national and local levels);
Undertake domestic travel to project pilot sites in 4 communities from Dolj and Hunedoara (to be determined at a later stage).
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:
The deliverables shall be submitted to the Head of Programme Unit of UNDP Romania and Task Leader of Energy Efficiency Project and the payments will be made after the approval of each deliverable by UNDP and Implementing Partner (the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration).
The estimated deadlines and deliverables are suggested in Terms of Reference attached as Annex 1 (please visit for details http://www.undp.ro/operations/tender-announcements/#n3440).
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Profound knowledge of the EU Directives and national legislation related to Energy Efficiency and GHG emissions and mitigation measures as well as Energy Efficiency financing mechanisms in the energy sector and buildings.
Solid knowledge of European cohesion policy and Romanian developments for the next programming period 2014 – 2020.
Strong analytical and reporting skills;
Excellent communication and writing skills;
Team player, able to meet deadlines under pressure.
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism; Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic Qualifications:
Master degree in energy, engineering, economics or a combination thereof.
Advanced studies in energy policies is an asset
Experience:
At least 10 years of work experience in Romanian energy sector, with knowledge of the international and European energy efficiency and climate change policy.
Demonstrable work experience with energy efficiency financing mechanisms, including market instruments such as: carbon market, green or white certificates etc.
Work experience with multilateral/bilateral development agencies is an asset.
Language Requirements:
The consultant must be fluent in written and oral communication in English and Romanian.
