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Expert on Transfer of the Best Experiences in the Field of Integrated Water Resources Management to Uzbekistan

The UNDP CO in Uzbekistan jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MAWR) has launched a new project on “Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency Plan for Zarafshan River Basin”. The purpose of this project is to develop a National Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Water Use Efficiency Plan for Zarafshan River Basin in Uzbekistan, to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for the water sector, and to support the integration of water into relevant inter-sectoral policy frameworks.


At the national level the program focus will be to develop a modern legislative basis for the water sector. IWRM and water efficiency use planning will take place within a single river basin, the Zarafshan, on a pilot basis where successful results can be scaled up to the national level during a possible second phase program.


To achieve the output, the project will perform the following three components and associated activities:

  • Component 1: Improved Legal and Institutional Framework for Integrated Water Resources Management in Uzbekistan;
  • Component 2: Improved Water Communal Services and Utilities within the Zarafshan River Basin;
  • Component 3: Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Use Efficiency Plan for the Zarafshan River Basin.

The assignment is to achieve the results required in Activity 3.10 Strategy for energy sector water use, improving energy efficiency for reducing costs of water pumping and green house gas emissions.

The Czech Republic combines its national energy efficiency programs with local and international initiatives. The country is one of the first in Central and Eastern Europe to capture energy efficiency opportunities presented by the emissions trading mechanism of the Kyoto protocol.

Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic works on sustainable power industry is such a system of energy generation and use that allows long-term secure satisfaction of present and future energy needs without significant negative environmental, economic and social impacts. A sustainable power industry is based on the following principles:

  • Energy savings – such technologies and processes are sought and used that ensure a reduction in the amounts of energy consumed to the minimum. Current high energy consumption in the advanced countries is unsustainable in the long term.
  • Energy efficiency – comprises maximum utilization of energy obtained from primary energy sources in all stages of the energy cycle.
  • Renewable energy sources – non-renewable fossil and nuclear fuels are gradually replaced with clean, locally available renewable sources: energy of biomass, water, wind, the sun and the Earth.
  • Decentralization – brings energy generation closer to the point of consumption, thus reducing the losses through energy transfers and fuel transportation, allows more efficient coverage of consumers’ energy needs, and makes the power industry safer.
  • Minimum environmental impact – any type of energy generation has negative environmental impacts, but processes resulting in destabilization of the planet’s climate, irreversible transformation of vast areas, and waste that the humanity cannot handle are being abandoned.

Strategy in thermal sector

Thermal energy plants are major users of water for cooling; many do not have enough water for adequate cooling and either produce less power than the design capacity, or discharge water that is too hot for the receiving water, thereby eliminating downstream use of that returned water and damaging the aquatic environment. Currently, some plants (e.g. in Navoi Oblast) are replacing equipment to reduce the amount of water required under a national program for water use efficiency.

Scope of Work

The scope encompasses issues related to energy sector use of water resources within the basin. These mainly involve two sectors:
a) Efficiency of water use in the thermal power generation sector, and
b) Energy use in water pumping at the basin scale. The scope will be to identify ways to improve energy efficiency to reduce the cost of water pumping as well as reduce carbon emissions.
A strategy for improving energy sector water use efficiency and energy efficiency in water pumping will be developed. This task will examine the potential energy savings as well as carbon offsets that can be achieved through energy efficiency associated with water use.

Objective


The objective is to develop a strategy that demonstrates how strategic investments in the energy sector and in (water) pumping rehabilitation can produce significant savings in electricity use, in water consumption, reduce downstream impacts in receiving waters, and reduce the carbon footprint of the energy sector in the Zarafshan River Basin.

Methodology

The project will be delivered through home office work, especially data analyse and report writing, and two missions to Uzbekistan. During the first mission the local familiarization, and data gathering will occur as well as training to the local consultants on energy strategy development. The second mission will focus on leading discussions on the recommendations for an energy strategy for the Zarafshan River basin. The project will provide local assistance in translation and auxiliary data collection required to complete the analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities

Total of estimated 57 days

Home Office

  • Reviews all relevant project documentation (5 days)
  • Provides Project office with detailed requirements for conducting energy review (1 day)
  • Interacts with Project office to refine the requirements relative to data availability (1 day)
  • Prepare and submit a guidance document that explains energy auditing, and the approach used in international studies of energy efficiency in water pumping and thermal power (3 days)

Mission #1 (includes 2 international travel days) (14 days, 12 days in-country, 2 days international travel)

  • Carries out training of local consultant in energy strategy development – including data and information needs, types of analysis that will be carried out by the local consultant and by the Energy International Consultant , and briefings of UNDP and the Project Manager and relevant personnel. Finalize mission objectives, schedules and expectations.
  • Undertakes field studies, interviews, etc. to familiarize him/herself with Uzbek situation and to assess adequacy of types of data and information that is required.
  • Prepares detailed list of data and information requirements to be gathered by local consultant and subsequently sent to International Consultant
  • Submits a brief mission report and briefs Project office on mission accomplishments, problems, identified gaps, and other barriers to completing the anticipated energy strategy.

Home Office

  • Analysis of data collected during mission and submitted by local consultant. This will include cost-benefit analysis of the relationships between water pumping costs, electricity consumption, water use in thermal power stations, and downstream impacts of thermal water in receiving waters. The assessment will show the cost-benefit of investments in infrastructure and equipment in the water sector and in the energy sector, relative to water savings and reduced power requirements. This will also be assessed in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the degree to which investments can reduce these emissions and low the carbon footprint of the power sector (10 days)
  • Prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report that contains the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the assessment. The report should contain the following parts (5 days):
    - Methodology (data collection, interviews and etc.);
    - Baseline Assessment;
    - Implementation Options Analysis (policy, institutional, or technology options);
    - Cost Benefit Assessment;
    - Investment Options;
    - Financing Options.
  • Amend and submit final Energy Strategy for the Zarafshan River Basin based on input from Project office (3 days)
  • Prepare a comprehensive strategy for the Zarafshan River Basin for improved efficiency in the water and power sector that will reduce electricity demands, lower carbon emissions, and reduce environmental impacts in receiving waters. The Strategy should base on the Detailed Project Report (specified above) (5 days)
  • Prepare presentation materials for use at workshops (1 day)

Mission #2 (7 days, include 2 international travel days)

  • Organize and implement a workshop(s) to present and discuss the strategy with all relevant stakeholders and the public.
  • Write and submit a brief mission report noting any specific problems, issues or gaps that impact on the final strategy.

Home Office

  • Revise and submit the Strategy on the basis of inputs from the workshop(s) and the Project office and other stakeholders, for inclusion in the Zarafshan River Basin IWRM Plan (2 days)

Duration and timeframe

The consultancy duration is approximately 57 working days and can be provisionally spread over a period of 9 months during the period from February to October 2012. Consultancy will require two missions to Uzbekistan.

Reporting

Throughout the assignment the consultant will work under the overall guidance and will report to the Project Manager.
During the fulfilment of his works, the consultant will ensure regular communication with the UNDP Project Unit prior to the delivery of expected results. The contractor shall ensure quality and timely delivery of the expected results and will regularly inform the Project Manager of the progress as well as any obstacles that might occur.

The following reports/documents will be required for submission as per timeframe indicated above:

  • Guidance document that explains energy auditing, and the approach used in international studies of energy efficiency in water pumping and thermal power.
  • Brief mission report and briefs Project Office on mission accomplishments, problems, identified gaps, and other barriers to completing the anticipated energy strategy including training materials
  • Detailed Project Report containing the methodology (data collection, interviews and etc), baseline assessment, implementation Option Analysis, cost benefit Assessment, Investment options, financing options
  • Strategy for the Zarafshan River Basin for improved efficiency in the water and power sector
  • Second brief mission report including all workshops materials and noting any specific problems, issues or gaps that impact on the final strategy
  • Revised Strategy for the Zarafshan River Basin


Competencies

  • Strong analytical and drafting skills
  • Maintains high standards despite pressing deadlines;
  • Listens and responds effectively to customer questions;
  • Concentrates on routine work details;
  • Public speaking and presentation skills
  • Remains open-minded and changes opinions on the basis of new information;

Required Skills and Experience

  • Master degree in electrical engineering, hydraulic (pumping) engineering, energy efficiency or other fields related to the specific output.
  • At least 7 years of working experience in energy use assessment
  • At least 5 years of related professional experience with implementation of EPBD in Czech Republic
  • Experience with writing Strategies in the field of integrated water resource management
  • Proficiency in English and Czech, knowledge of Russian will be an asset;
  • Previous experience of work in Central Asia will be an asset.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)

Implementation Arrangements:

Terms of payments to the contracted Evaluator by UNDP BRC:

  • First installment in the amount of 10 per cent payable upon submission of the Guidance document
  • Second installment in the amount of 30 per cent payable upon submission of Detailed Project Report containing the analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the assessment and delivery of training activities
  • Final (third) installment in the amount of 60 per cent payable upon satisfactory completion and approval by UNDP of all deliverables including the final version of the Revised Strategy for the Zarafshan River Basin.

Evaluation of Applicants:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive, and
b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria: 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

  • Master degree in electrical engineering, hydraulic (pumping) engineering, energy efficiency or other fields related to the specific output – max points: 10
  • Working experience in energy use assessment; previous working experience in Central Asia – max points: 20
  • Professional experience with implementation of EPBD in Czech Republic – max points: 20
  • Experience with writing Strategies in the field of integrated water resource management: – max points: 10
  • Language know-how in English, Czech and Russian – max points: 5
  • Methodology and other technical skills of candidate related to ToR – max points: 5

Financial Criteria: 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points


Application procedures:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position.
  • Brief methodology on how you will conduct your assignment
  • Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV.
  • Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs).
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.


*Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. professional fee, visa costs, health insurance, vaccinations, all international (but not local) travel, daily hotel and living costs, and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). Local travel costs will be reimbursed separatly according to UNDP rules and regulations.

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org
General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/jobs

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.



UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Expert on Transfer of the Best Experiences in the Field of Integrated Water Resources Management to Uzbekistan