Consultancy - Mercy Corps

Job tile Consultancy - Renewable Energy & Mini-Grid Project Development (218547-927)

Mercy Corps seeks a qualified, short-term Technical Advisor with a background in renewable energy and renewable electricity generation for isolated mini-grids to help with project development for an upcoming proposal that will twin to our current work in northern Uganda. It is expected that the Technical Advisor will contribute significantly to the final, written product while also providing considerable technical guidance toward the overall proposal design.

OBJECTIVE OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

To provide technical guidance and support related to renewable energy and, particularly, renewable energy-based electricity generation for isolated mini-grids toward proposal development, design and finished product.

SPECIFIC TASKS/DELIVERABLES OF THIS ASSIGNMENT

Work in close collaboration with Mercy Corps staff in the development of the project design, including:
− Participate in design meetings with Mercy Corps Uganda and Energy Technical Support Unit staff.

− Lead design workshop with partners.

− Provide a narrative review and accompanying logframe documenting the project design that successfully incorporates the vision of Mercy Corps and our partners as well as systemic thinking and facilitative development strategies into the best-fit project.

Conduct feasibility analysis and recommendations for mini-grids best fit to our geographic area of operation in northern Uganda, examining:
− Review of best practices and lessons from other locations

− Cost breakdown, financial sustainability, cost recovery, expected revenues, IRRs, expected outreach, key recommendations and any other relevant information and guidance.

− Recommendations for mini-grid operation, including required government involvement and permission, technical competence, required equipment and costs, etc.

− Completed Proposal Annexes 6, 3, 7.

Develop a table of technical and financial indicators according to Proposal Annex 2
Provide technical feedback on proposal narrative and budget for first and second drafts.
Provide technical guidance as needed.

ROLE OF MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps responsibilities for this consultancy include the following:

Provision of the necessary documents for review
Support for partnership development and overall program design; lead proposal writing.
In-country travel and related expenses

TIMELINE
April 28: Arrives in Kampala

April 29-30: Initial document review and design meetings with Mercy Corps Uganda/Energy TSU

May 1: Design workshop with partners

May 2-3: Finalize project design, including logframe

May 8: Final mini-grid analysis, including feasibility, cost breakdown, financial sustainability, cost recovery, expected revenues (IRRs), expected outreach, key recommendations and any other relevant information (Proposal Annexes 6, 3, 7 and broader guidance), complete

May 9: Table of technical and financial indicators (Proposal Annex 2) complete

May 10: Departs Kampala

May 21: Comments on first narrative draft and budget due

May 27: Comments on second narrative draft and budget due

Overall level of effort up to 15 working days.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Experienced technical advisor for market-based energy projects, particularly rural electrification projects related to establishing and managing electricity generation for isolated mini-grids
Deep technical knowledge of renewable energy and micro-grid technologies
Strong project and proposal development background
Experience applying technical knowledge in developing country settings, ideally in East Africa
Understanding of market systems and facilitative approaches desired
Proven ability to work independently, delivering high-quality end products
Ability to structure and manage complex tasks in close coordination with a broad array of partners and other staff
Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE

How to apply:
APPLY VIA URL:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...