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Title

UNDP/GEF Project Document Specialist: Concentrated Solar Power Technology Transfer for Electricity Generation in Namibia Project
Posted
Reference   (Please mention Stopdodo/Environment Jobs in your application)
Sectors Sustainability, Climate, CSR, EMS
Location Namibia - Africa
Type Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Deadline 15/09/2010
Company Name UNDP
Contact Name Human Resources
Website Further Details / Applications
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Description
Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a commercially available solar energy technology that uses direct sunlight and mirrors to create high temperature steam to drive conventional steam turbines with or without storage. The “Concentrated Solar Power Technology Transfer for Electricity Generation in Namibia” (CSP TT NAM) project seeks to address the country’s dependency on one source of energy through the promotion of a diversified energy mix as specified in the project framework. The Global Environmental Facility (GEF), through the UNDP, is co-funding this project in partnership with the Government of Namibia.
 
The proposed project has the following Objective: To increase the share of renewable energies in the Namibian energy mix by developing the necessary technological framework and conditions for the successful transfer and deployment of CSP technology for on-grid power generation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Firstly, this would be achieved through the establishment of the CSP technology industry, which would lead to technology partnership agreements between foreign providers and Namibian stakeholders in the private sector, government and academia. In turn, this would contribute to enhanced knowledge of applicable CSP applications in Namibia. Secondly, the development of market policy framework for CSP technology would lead to the approval of policies supportive of its application and a thriving CSP market in Namibia. Thirdly, the development of a business model and financing framework for CSP projects would lead to the provision of loans to such initiatives by financing institutions, and the subsequent increase of CSP installations in the country. Finally, a critical project component is the demonstration of an operating CSP pre-commercial plant, which would lead to improved confidence of the government and citizenry on the techno-economic viability of CSP and its subsequent replications. Overall, these goals are set against a background of rising electricity consumption and prices in Namibia and power deficit in South Africa, the country’s main supplier. The subsequent threat to the country’s economic growth, and the vulnerability to developments in South Africa, contrasts with Namibia’s sufficient solar resources and a demonstrated need for additional generating capacity. This need provides the entry point for the CSP TT NAM project (per the approved GEF Project Identification Form –PIF).
 
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. All procurement functions will be done in accordance with UNDP/GRN National Implementation (NIM) modalities and integrated result-based management. The objective of this consultancy is to prepare and write the CSP TT NAM Prodoc in full consultation with and participation of the MME, UNDP and REEEI, as well as other key stakeholders resulting in a final product of the UNDP/GEF Prodoc package, including:
  • 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 report
  • 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 the CSP TT NAM 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:   Capacity building needs assessment (government, private sector) and recommendations for project capacity strengthening and awareness creation activities to build, operate and maintain CSP technologies;
 
 
PPG Activity 2:   Review of status and policy on renewable energy (market, fiscal and regulatory framework, grid technical standards for quality, reliability and safety), including a basic study to find opportunities and needs on CSP technologies and measures;
 
 
PPG Activity 3:   Identification and collaboration with CSP industry and commercial participants (CSP potential, risks, funding arrangements);
 
 
PPG Activity 4:   Preparation of an implementation plan for strengthening of the REEEI and the MME on CSP technology;
 
 
PPG Activity 5:   Stakeholder consultation and elaboration of documentation of full-sized project proposal (including Project Management).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on behalf of the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) seeks short-term technical services in support of the CSP TT NAM Project: PROJECT DOCUMENT SPECIALIST to Prepare a UNDP/GEF Project Document.

 

Duties and Responsibilities
In approximately 10 weeks of work throughout the duration of the PPG process (approximately 12 months), the consultant will undertake two (with the possibility of three missions) in Namibia: (1) one initial mission will be taken during the inception workshop; (2) the next mission may be done upon needs at mid-term; (3) the final mission will be held to validate project documentation with national implementing authorities and responsible parties. The actual number of missions and days may vary depending on project needs. Specifically, the Project Development Specialist will be entrusted with the following tasks:
 
1)   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;
 
 
2)   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 1 September 2011;
 
 
3)   Ensure the inception meeting 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), in collaboration with national implementing partners (i.e. MME, REEEI);
 
 
4)   Submit draft and revised versions of all studies and reports of the PPG activities (Section 2) to UNDP/GEF technical staff and key national implementing partners (e.g. MME Directorate of Energy, Polytechnic of Namibia-REEEI), per the reporting timelines (Section 5) agreed on or before the inception meeting;
 
 
5)   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 all deliverables;
 
 
6)   Lead the identification of climate change risks associated with the project implementation arrears;
 
 
7)   Help determining the scope and strategy of the project, as well as planning all project activities;
 
 
8)   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;
 
 
9)   Propose institutional and implementation arrangements consistent with a GEF Full-Sized project;
 
 
10) Facilitate the process of confirming the proposed co-funding and co-financing plan;
 
11) 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;

12) Submit a final draft to the UNDP Country Office, key national implementing partners (e.g. MME Directorate of Energy, Polytechnic of Namibia-REEEI) and UNDP/GEF technical staff incorporating stakeholder inputs and guidance provided.

 

Competencies

Interested consultants should possess the relevant experience in developing UNDP/GEF proposals and writing project documents, preferably in the area of renewable energy. This should include proven ability to collect, verify and analyze information, and to finish and present work with a high degree of accuracy and technical quality, in relatively short time.

 

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • An advanced degree (i.e. Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field for scoping the project and defining key elements (e.g. economics, energy policy, environmental management), preferably with exposure to climate change mitigation issues;
Experience:
  • 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.
  • Ability to communicate 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.
Language Requirements:
  • Full command of, and fluency in English, with a high degree of proficiency in writing in this language
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