Job Title:INTERNATIONAL EXPERT - BIOMASS ENERGY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Location : Kampala, UGANDA
Application Deadline : 13-Apr-12
Additional Category Environment and Energy
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 17-Apr-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : 3 weeks within a period of 7 months
Expected Duration of Assignment : 3 weeks within a period of 7 months
Background
A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been approved by the GEF Secretariat to prepare a Full-Size Project (FSP) document for submission under the Global Environmental Facility Phase 5, System of Transparent Allocation of Resources (GEF-5 STAR). In this context an International expert on Biomass energy (with specific experience in applied technology transfer) is required to support the team achieve the components proposed in the PIF, and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the approved Project Identification Form (PIF).
The Key Stakeholder groups include Government–Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Agricultural research Organization (NARO), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). The resources being requested for this project will be targeted towards piloting low carbon emission sustainable charcoal technologies and broader sustainable land and forest management practices within a targeted landscape.
Expertise will be sought from FAO for the transfer of technologies in agro-pastoral areas through use of farmer field schools. The project will have local ownership through Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development which has the overall responsibility for implementing the vision of the Government of Uganda depicted in the Renewable Energy Policy (2000) and the National Development Plan, 2010-2015.
Objective
The objective of project is to secure multiple environmental benefits by addressing the twin challenges of unsustainable utilization of fuel wood (including charcoal) and poor land management practices common in Uganda’s woodland through technology transfer, enhancement of the national policy framework and promotion of SLM and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices. The project will be developed within the context of the National Development Plan (NDP) to promote a low carbon emission development path, the National Forestry Policy (2001) that seeks to promote the rehabilitation and conservation of forests, soil and water resources, the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat desertification under the UNCCD and other relevant national policy and legal frameworks. In order to address the main barriers to transforming the current charcoal production practices into sustainable business, the project proposes the following approach:
Establish a supportive policy, legal and institutional framework to govern the biomass energy sector
Establish relevant baselines on the basis of charcoal trade
Pilot efficient carbonization technologies (to reduce GHG emissions).
Strengthen stakeholders’ capacity in SLM/SFM to ensure access to renewable biomass stocks
Establish a functional production-supply chain extending incentives for producers to adopt more sustainable practices
Incubate small, medium and micro-enterprises in form of a sustainable charcoal sub-sector
Technical Steering Committee:
The Steering Committee (SC) will be set up comprising of high level representatives of the key Ministries related to Renewable Energy, Civil Society and the Private Sector. It will provide high-level policy guidance and orientation to the project. The representative of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development will chair the SC. Representatives from the following organizations/entities will form part of the Steering Committee:
Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
National Forestry Authority,
National Environment Management Authority,
National Agricultural Research Organization,
Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
Ministry of Water and Environment.
Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries
Representative of Civil Society Organizations
Representative of Private sector
Principal Tasks of the Steering Committee
Provide high level orientation and guidance for the project.
Ensure that the project develops in accordance with national development objectives, goals and polices.
Pay special attention to the assumptions and risks identified in the log frame, and seek measures to minimize these threats to project success;
Ensure collaboration between institutions and free access on the part of project actors to key documents, land information systems, remote sensing imagery, etc.
Pay special attention to the post-project sustainability of activities developed by the project.
Ensure the integration and coordination of project activities with other related government and donor-funded initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Services
The overall purpose of the consultancy is the preparation of a UNDP/GEF compliant FSP, which will involve a detailed assessment of the applicability, efficacy and operational arrangements for deployment of the proposed biomass energy technologies and SFM schemes can be assured over their life time. This will be done by performing the following principal tasks:
Assess the potential applicability, efficacy and operational arrangements of proposed biomass energy technologies and SFM schemes (community woodlots) to provide biomass for the chosen carbonization technologies
Advise on appropriate design, deployment, training and maintenance of SFM schemes
Advise on the best set-up and model for the piloting of improved kilns to demonstrate efficient carbonization processes
Promote the formation of charcoal workers cooperatives, establishment of community wood lots and organized marketing
Advise of best practices for the training of communities on sustainable forestry management
In conducting the consultancy, the International Consultant is expected to:
Work with the Lead Consultant by providing expertise on the design of the Full Size Project (FSP) taking into account international best practices and lessons learnt in Land Use and Land Use Change and Forestry projects elsewhere.
Select the most appropriate four districts for piloting the selected interventions
Provide technical inputs and recommendations on all relevant SLM, forestry, biomass technology, financial issues and indicators
Provide an analysis and pro-forma validation of the GHG reduction estimates for the kilns and SFM activities, considering both methane capture and emissions reductions from a switch to renewable biomass
Consult relevant stakeholders, which will include Government, private sector, multilateral development partners, UN organizations, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and others
Participate in 1 or 2 missions, as needed.
Be available for any final modifications prior to and following submission to GEF
Deliverables:
Generating a report on the potential applicability, efficacy and operational arrangements of proposed biomass energy technologies and SFM schemes and how deployment, training and maintenance of SFM schemes can be assured over their life time (report #1)
Generate a report on the recommended sites selected for the pilots and the activities done at the sites in relation to the PIF requirements (report #2)
Generating a report of the analysis and pro-forma validation of the GHG reduction estimates for the kilns and SFM activities (report #3)
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
20% upon signature of contract
30% upon completion of deliverable #1
20% upon completion of deliverable #2
30% upon completion of deliverable #3
Competencies
Conduct research analysis and strong synthesis skills
Build strong relationships with national consultants, focused on impact and result(s) for the client and responding positively to critical feedback;
Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills; networking aptitude.
Regional and/or past work experience in Uganda is highly desirable
Excellent English drafting and communication skills
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Minimum postgraduate degree in Engineering, Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Energy and/or related subjects.
Experience:
Minimum 7 years experience in designing and/or implementing projects on SFM and technology transfer
Experience in UNDP/GEF project formulation/design
Proven and extensive International experience in biomass energy platforms with specific experience in applied technology transfer
Proven and extensive experience with specific practices, tools, technical solutions and financial indicators related to SLM, forestry and biomass technology
Proven experience in baseline analyses, and assessing efficacy of biomass energy technologies and SFM schemes
Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Application Procedure: Applicants are required to submit an application and proposals, which include the following:
Job Proposal: Letter of Interest, stating why you consider yourself suitable for the assignment;
Brief methodology on the approach and implementation of the assignment;
Personal CV Highlighting past experience in similar projects;
Work references - contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees;
Financial proposal indicating consultancy fee, lump sum fee with a breakdown of the costs or unit price together with any other expenses related to the assignment (e.g. travel costs, translation interpretation, etc).
How to Apply;
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=29130
