Terms of Reference (TOR) for International Consultant
Regional study on the Analysis of the Energy Systems in the South Caucasus [1]
(Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)
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Work Commence Date: June 15, 2014 Work Completion Date: February 20, 2015 (date when the final deliverables shall be provided) Working Language: English Location/Work Area: Home Office with visits to the South Caucasus Region Reporting to: South Caucasus Regional Office of Heinrich Boell Foundation |
1.1 Thematic Background
Each of the three countries of the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) has its own challenges on the way of securing sustainable development of the energy sector. The countries are integrated in the European Neighborhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership of the EU. Georgia (candidate) and Armenia (observer) are working towards membership in the European Energy Community. Moreover negotiation processes are underway between the European Union and Georgia on association and free trade agreements. Part of the harmonization process involves initiating and implementing modern energy and climate legislation. Although the countries differ in specific aspects of their energy production, they do have certain things in common: (i) All of them share a large modernization backlog with respect to infrastructure, energy systems and industry; (ii) The governments operate with conventional models and scenarios. Preference is given to the expansion of large-scale centralized power plants (large-scale hydroelectric plants); (iii) there have not been any attempt to introduce new approaches and innovations with regard to both the development of technologies and legislative and financial instruments.
The brief description of the specific aspects of the energy policy of these countries is as follows:
Armenia
The country does not have its own fossil fuel resources and is not a transit country for oil and gas. Armenian energy system largely relies on nuclear energy. Currently, the Soviet time nuclear power plant is still operating and the government is pushing the construction of a new reactor. Energy saving and energy generation from the renewable energy sources (other than hydropower), developing green technologies or creating green jobs does not take place.
Azerbaijan
The economy of the country fully relies on the exploitation and transportation of oil and gas resources. Azerbaijan has become self-sufficient in terms of meeting the energy demand and has considerable overcapacity of oil and gas resources that can be exported to Europe. Under the “European Union-Azerbaijan Action Plan”, which was concluded as part of the European Neighborhood Policy, Azerbaijan will continue improving its infrastructure to facilitate transit and develop its Caspian energy resources. In 2013 it was decided that Azerbaijan will supply natural gas to EU countries via Trans Adriatic Pipeline, which, according to preliminary calculations, could meet to up to 10% of the entire EU consumption need. Among the SC countries only Azerbaijan made specific commitments to develop alternative energy sources, though there have not been any promising activities carried out with regard to energy efficiency until now.
Georgia
Georgia does not have its own oil and gas recourses and imports approximately two thirds of the primary energy supply. The country has an important geo-strategic location and the energy transport routes that go through the country generate both the transit revenues and energy for Georgia. Over the last few years government has been focused on attracting investments in small, medium and large-scale hydropower plants. Current pattern of energy use is unsustainable and there is lack of awareness about benefits energy efficiency can play in the sustainability of the country`s energy system and in economic development. Moreover like its neighbors, Georgia lacks both legislative and practical incentives for promoting alternative energy systems and energy efficient technologies.
1.2 Program Background
The regional study on the Analysis of Energy Development Scenarios in South Caucasus (SC) is planned to be implemented in the frames of the regional program-“Climate Change as an impetus for modernization in the East and Southeast Europe”, financially supported by the BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany) and led by South Caucasus office of Heinrich Boell Foundation (HBF). The regional program aims (i) to create national “climate forums” of consultants and decision-makers in SC, that will facilitate formulation of new goals for renewable and energy efficiency in the region; (ii) to mobilize and support key stakeholders demanding transparency in energy policy and ensure that the efficiency, renewable technologies, and emissions reduction play key roles in transformation of the national energy industries; (iii) increase stakeholder`s capacity through sharing knowledge and experience of Western countries, in particular Germany’s. The program stresses that the joint-effort of the key stakeholders and players at the sector can promote the development of sustainable energy systems in the South Caucasus countries.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The Study is planned to analyze the current situation and strategies in energy sector, identify strategic priorities for its sustainable development and offer recommendation for the use of the renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and the green jobs in the future. Also the study shall assess the national energy policies with respect to the economic development and emphasize the potential economic benefits of the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency for the countries.
The study will be presented at the regional stakeholders’ forum and in future will be used as a basis for the national discussions on sustainable energy systems development. Also the study shall help the HBF`s regional office to identify the areas of the activities where it shall concentrate its efforts during the program duration.
2. Main Duties and Tasks
Main duties are to (i) analyze and provide the comprehensive picture of energy sector development in the SC countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia); (ii) analyze and synthesize the projected national energy development scenarios and assess the expected impact of those scenarios on eradication of existing and future energy shortage, social and economic welfare; (iii) analyze whether and how the national energy policy is geared towards climate-policy mitigation and adaptations goals; (iv) identify the strategic priorities for the sustainable development of the energy sector (v) assess the national energy policies with respect to the economic development (vi) emphasize the potential economic and social benefits of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency and (vii) provide the country-specific recommendations for sustainable energy systems development.
Main tasks of the international consultant are[2]:
- Guide and lead the overall study process at national and regional levels;
- Analyze and synthesize available existing data on energy sector in SC region;
- identify the strategic priorities for the sustainable development of the energy sector and provide practical recommendations how the countries shall achieve this ;
- Present overall results of the study at a regional stakeholder workshop.
Main tasks of the international consultant shall be performed through the following activities in close liaison with national consultants[3]:
Activity 1: Define a Terms of Reference of the study covering, but not limited to, the scope, structure, thematic directions, overarching methodology as well as a study work-plan for each targeted country of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Activity 2: Develop a Terms of Reference for the national consultants including, but not limited to, a work-plan/schedule, a list of required data and information materials to be gathered, as well as standards for information gathering, analysis and presentation.
Activity 3: Visit the region to (i) meet the national consultants; (ii) meet the key players and stakeholders as/if needed; (iii) plan further steps for the study.
Activity 4: Establish close cooperation with the national consultants, agree on ways and schedule for effective coordination, and provide technical back-up throughout the duration of the study.
Activity 5: Guide the national consultants in gathering, review and analyzing all relevant data and documented materials required for the study.
Activity 6: Coordinate the study and ensure consistency with other ongoing corresponding efforts that contribute to sustainable energy systems’ development in the country.
Activity 7: Review the relevant data and materials (reports, analysis, research, case-studies etc.) about energy sector of the targeted countries
Activity 8: Provide the first draft of the study to Heinrich Boell Foundation and present the results to key stakeholders in Armenia and Georgia no later than December10, 2014
Activity 9: Present overall results of the study at the regional stakeholder workshop to be held in Georgia before February 20, 2015
3. Deliverables
- A Terms of Reference for the Study
- A Terms of Reference for the national consultants to be hired in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia for the study.
- The first draft of the study.
- Presentation of the initial findings at the round table meetings in Armenia and Georgia.
- The final version of the study
- A presentation about overall final results of the study delivered at the regional stakeholder workshop in Tbilisi.
4. Timeline
Number of days: 30
The planned activities shall meet the following time-frame:
- Activities 1 and 2 – by 10th of July 2014
- Activity 3- by July 30
- Activities 4 through 7 – by November 2014
- Activities 8 – by December 10, 2014
- Activity 9 – by February 20, 2015
5. Payment Modality
Consultancy payment is based on assigned tasks. The consultancy fee shall be finally discussed and agreed with the selected international consultant.
The detailed payment schedule and conditions will be defined by the Contract to be concluded between HBF and the international consultant.
6. Reporting
The international consultant, in close cooperation and coordination with the national consultants, will report in written form to Tamar Antidze, Program Coordinator (e-mail: Tako.Antidze@ge.boell.org), on the status and results of the assigned tasks under the given ToR and Contract.
Further details on a reporting time-line will be defined by the Contract to be concluded between HBF and the Consultant.
7. Required Skills, Experience and Competencies
- Minimum Master’s or equivalent degree in energy studies, economy or related disciplines;
- Minimum ten years of working experience in development and assessment of energy policies and strategies;
- Knowledge in the international best practices in renewable energy finance, Climate Change, Climate Change Policy and financing mechanisms ;
- Publications in the relevant fields are in plus;
- Knowledge of the South Caucasus and/or Eastern European region is desired;
- Ability to work constructively with different stakeholders in a complex environment and under strictly defined time-line;
- Strong and proven research and analytical skills;
- Excellent writing and presentation skills;
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (knowledge of Russian is plus).
8. Procedures for Submission of Proposals
Interested consultants shall submit their technical and financial proposals and Curriculum Vitae by June 10, 2014 to Program Coordinator at Tako.Antidze@ge.boell.org.
For further information on the Heinrich Boell Foundation`s activities in the South Caucasus please visit http://ge.boell.org/en.