INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT PROCUREMENT NOTICE  

National Consultant – Preparation of innovative financial mechanisms and instruments for  the Central Renewable Energy Fund (CREF) 

Reference No.: UNDP/PN/51/2024 Date: 09 September 2024 
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is currently implementing a project Resilience and  Environment Portfolio/ Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project that requires the services of an individual to perform the work described in this document.  In consideration of your qualifications, we are hereby inviting you to submit an offer for this assignment. To assist you in understanding the requirements of this assignment, we have attached hereto  the following:  The Terms of Reference for the assignment described above: 

• The standard Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability, which you must accomplish and submit to UNDP
• The Individual Contract and its General Terms and Conditions, which you would be expected to sign in the event you are the selected Offeror in this procurement process. 

Should you be interested and decide to submit an offer for this assignment, kindly submit it directly in the online supplier portal no later than the deadline indicated in the system. If any discrepancy between deadline in the system and in deadline indicated elsewhere, deadline in the system prevails. 

We look forward to your favorable response and thank you in advance for your interest in working with  UNDP. 

 BACKGROUND :

 The Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project is a joint initiative of the Government of Nepal, Government of Norway, and UNDP. The project is implemented by UNDP in partnership with AEPC/CREF/RERL, WFP, ICIMOD, and LIBIRD in 11 selected municipalities of Sudur Chhim(SuPA), Karnali and Bagmati provinces (includes Triveni, Budi Ganga, Budinanda, Swamikartik,

Jagannath, Himali, Khatiad Rural Municipalities in Bajura district, Patarasi, Chandannath, and Tatopani in Jumla district and Sunkoshi in Sindhuli district) with an aim to increase food and nutrition security of the farming households through enhanced food production and productivity, integration of renewable energy solutions, and creation of enabling environment at the local levels. UNDP is directly implementing agricultural component of RERAS project and the energy component through the Central Renewable Energy Fund of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (CREF/AEPC). A key role of CREF/AEPC is to provide technical support to RERAS to guarantee the provision of dependable, quality electricity and mechanize agricultural production and marketing efforts. This includes encouraging the use of agricultural products in productive end-uses.

The RERAS project specifically targets enhancing agricultural output and ensuring food and nutrition security in the municipalities of Bajura, Jumla, and Mugu. It achieves this by promoting the use of reliable and affordable energy solutions for various agricultural processes, including production, irrigation, processing, storage, packaging, and marketing of locally sourced farm products. Current limitations in renewable energy technology adoption in agriculture stem from inadequate infrastructure, knowledge, and financial gaps.

Past studies identified financial obstacles, including insufficient incentives for farmers to modernize practices, high initial costs for new energy solutions, lack of risk mitigation mechanisms, and the absence of result-based financing for technology promotion. Specifically, to ensure a sustainable supply of reliable energy services and promotion of energy-based technology in agriculture RERAS envisions facilitating access to finance.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, economics or related fields

 Professional Experience:

•  A minimum of 10 years proven experience in market development of RE financing
• Proven experience of having set up public financing mechanisms and design of financial instruments.
• Experience and knowledge on promotion of energy-based enterprise, productive energy use and cross-sectoral applications of energy especially on the agriculture sector
• Experienced in designing financial instruments/mechanism specifically targeted to women and marginalized groups.
• Working experiences with the government, development agencies and particularly familiar  with the federal context.
• Strong knowledge of computer applications such as word, excel, power point and statistical applications is a prerequisite.

Competencies:

•  Strong interpersonal skills, communication, and diplomatic skills.
• Openness to change and ability to receive and integrate feedback.
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities.
• Excellent speaking and presentation skills.
• Good understanding, knowledge and prior experience in Gender sensitivity and mainstreaming of GESI

For detailed TOR, CLICK HERE