| Description |
A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been approved by the GEF Secretariat to prepare a Full-size Project Document (FSP) for submission under the GEF-4 RAF. In this context a Project Document Specialist is required to assist in the preparation of the FSP, focusing on all components proposed in the PIF, and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the approved Project Identification Form (PIF).
The project proposed will support implementation of a grid-connected rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system by carrying out pilot projects for rooftop PV systems on commercial buildings on the main islands of the Seychelles (population of 85,000), and for overall power generation on selected smaller outer islands (total population less than 1,000). The potential for PV systems in the Seychelles is excellent, given that the country has high levels of solar radiation in light of the fact that the main islands are situated only 4 degrees south of the Equator. At the same time, the current cost of generating electricity is very high due to the archipelago’s isolated location and its reliance on imported heavy fuel. The immediate potential for other alternative renewable energies (such as hydro, wind or wave power) is more limited based on previous studies in the country. On the main islands, where the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) is the supplier of almost all electricity, there is a well-established grid system that can support the feeding of PV generated electricity into the grid, although a well-defined feed-in tariff system is not yet in place. Most importantly, the PUC is willing, for the first time, to support the sale of power back to the grid (due in part to the country’s desire for WTO accession, which requires it to "open up" its energy market). In addition, although there are only a handful of PV systems currently installed in the country to date, rising fuel costs have sparked interest among more isolated energy users, particularly those managing small or outer islands.
Objective
The first phase of the project is the subject of the Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) and will include the development and preparation of the GEF Project Document (ProDoc), which will contain all annexes as per the requirements of UNDP/GEF. The objective of this consultancy is to undertake and support the formulation process of the ProDoc in full consultation with the Seychelles Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Corporation, as well as other key stakeholders resulting in a final product of the UNDP/GEF Prodoc package:
• A UNDP/GEF Project Document, with all annexes including but not limited to an Incremental Cost Analysis, a Logical; Framework and draft Terms of References.
• A Request for CEO Endorsement including response to GEFSEC/STAP and Council Comments and a PPG Completion Form
• An annotated Total Budget and Work Plan
• Co-finance Commitment letters equal to the indicated figures in the PIF application.
The key outcome of this work is having Grid-connected Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems Project Scope and Strategy defined, and the GEF Full Proposal documentation prepared for approval, which entails the review and extraction of information from the following PPG activities:
PPG Activity 1: Baseline data collection and assessment of the location, size, precise technology, and technical requirements for pilot PV projects to be implemented during the full project;
PPG Activity 2: Analysis of the existing energy policies, legislation, regulation and market structures and conditions for PV systems in Seychelles;
PPG Activity 3: Stakeholder Consultation and engagement (with Co-financing);
PPG Activity 4: Project Costing, Risk Assessment and M & E Planning.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the Governmnet of Seychelles seeks short-term technical services in support of the Grid-connected Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems Project of a PROJECT DESIGN LEAD CONSULTANT to prepare a UNDP/GEF Project Document.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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In approximately 10 weeks of work throughout the duration of the PPG process (approximately 9 months), the consultant will undertake two missions to Seychelles: (1) one initial mission will be undertaken during the inception workshop; (2) the final mission will be held to validate project documentation with national authorities and responsible parties. The actual number of missions and days may vary depending on project needs. Specifically, the Project Design Lead Consultant will be entrusted with the following tasks:
- Serve as team leader for other PPG consultant(s), who will together be responsible for the timely drafting of the document for submission to the GEF; strictly adhering to the deadlines agreed to; and ensuring quality control;
- The consultant will produce, with support from the other consultant(s), a Project Document meeting UNDP/GEF minimum requirements and an accompanying GEF CEO Endorsement Request, both including all annexes and related deliverables using the appropriate templates, by 15th September 2011;
- Ensure that the inception workshop results in a clear roadmap on the scope of services and project tasks to be accomplished under the guidance of UNDP/GEF technical staff (including final inputs and modifications to consultancy deliverables prior to, and following submission to GEF) and key national implementing partners;
- Submit draft and revised versions of all studies and reports of the PPG activities to UNDP/GEF technical staff and key national implementing partners, per the reporting timelines agreed on or before the inception meeting;
- Play a pivotal role in developing a work plan and coordinating the input and outputs of all consultants, as well as overseeing the technical quality of deliverables;
- Lead the identification of climate change risks associated with the project implementation arrears;
- Help determining the scope and strategy of the project, as well as planning all project activities;
- Define the logical framework and work plan for the project, clarifying the additionality of the proposed outcomes and activities, and ensuring that the project approach is the most cost-effective;
- Propose institutional and implementation arrangements consistent with a GEF Full-sized project;
- Facilitate the process of confirming the proposed co-funding and co-financing plan;
- Facilitate consultations with regards to the project proposal, including a detailed budget, detailed terms of reference (TORs) for key positions and consultants, a detailed activity and work plan, in line with GEF eligibility principles;
- Submit a final draft to the UNDP Mauritius Office, key national implementing partners and UNDP/GEF technical staff incorporating stakeholder inputs and guidance provided;
- Be available for any final modifications prior to and following the submission of the Project Document to GEF.
Deliverables
The consultant shall be responsible for the following deliverables:
- Detailed minutes of the proceedings of the Inception Workshop;
- Detailed budget document in line with GEF requirements including incremental cost analysis;
- Logical Framework and monitoring and evaluation plan of the project;
- Draft Full Size Project Document;
- Detailed minutes of the proceedings of the Validation Workshop;
- Final draft Full Size Project document including the GEF CEO Endorsement Requests incorporating the comments which will be made by the stakeholders
- Final GEF-approved Full Size Project document after all final modifications following submission to GEF.
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Competencies
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- Proven track record of drafting relevant materials in the above-mentioned areas (publications, project proposals, reports and related documentation), with verifiable experience in project development and proposals meeting UNDP/GEF requirements.
- Proven ability to collect, verify and analyse information, and to finish and present work with a high degree of accuracy and technical quality, in relatively short time.
- Ability to communicated effectively orally and in writing, in order to communicate complex, technical information to both technical and general audiences, including strong policy advice skills.
- Core energy sector expertise, with at least 5 years of proven experience in this field, preferably with exposure to solar technologies.
- Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation, teamwork skills and a networking aptitude.
- Full command of and fluency in English, with a high degree of proficiency in writing in this language.
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Required Skills and Experience
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- An advanced degree (i.e. Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field for scoping the project and defining key elements (e.g. Engineering, Economics, Energy Policy, Environmental Management, Environmental Law), preferably with exposure to climate change mitigation issues
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