International Consultant – RAC (Refrigeration and Air conditioning) sector expert

Background

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has the objective to phase-out the ozone depleting substances (ODSs) that are released to the atmosphere. Under the Montreal Protocol, the A-5 countries are eligible to receive financial support to comply with the phase-out ODS consumption by deploying a series of technical assistance and industrial conversion projects, at country level, so producing and consuming sectors can abandon the use of these substances.

Being one of the 4 (four) Implementing Agencies (IA) designated by the Multilateral Fund (MLF), The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports developing countries operating under its Article 5 (A-5) to implement the Montreal Protocol´s ODS phase-out projects.

Under this International Treaty, the Article 5 countries committed to phase-out its ODS consumption. The Article 5 (A5) countries have been requested by the ExCom to adopt a staged approach to the implementation of their HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMP). The HPMPs involve:

Implementation of investment and non-investment projects in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector for technological conversion of HCFC use;

Assistance to determine related institutional, policy and legislation framework in line with strategies and action plans for compliance;

Provide training and technical support for implementation of alternative technologies:

Verification of compliance met by the investment projects and finalization of activities.

In Zimbabwe, the objective of the project is to eliminate the use of the Ozone Depleting Substance HFC-134a in the domestic manufacturing of refrigerators and freezers in Zimbabwe by the adoption of Isobutane (HC-600a) as refrigerant. HC-600a is non-ODS, low-GWP alternative to HFC-134a and adoption of HC-600a in Zimbabwe will contribute to reducing the environmental impact of refrigeration and freezer production on global warming both in terms of the manufacturing process and the operating life of the appliances.

The total HFC refrigerant consumption in Zimbabwe in 2017 was estimated to be 190 MT, of this, it is estimated that 90% or around 171 MT was consumed, as refrigerant. The refrigerant and freezer producer Capri is one of the largest current consumers of HFC-134a in the manufacturing of domestic refrigerators and chest freezers. This project aims to phase out the use of HFC-134a in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators and freezers by the adoption of HC-600a, isobutane, as a refrigerant, at Capri; Harare, Zimbabwe. The project will modify the two existing lines, one each for refrigerators and freezers. This will require a new refrigerant storage facility and the implementation of various modifications to the production lines to make them suitable for the use of HC-600a. This project would result in annual emission reduction of about 14.5 MT of HFC-134a.

Duties and Responsibilities

These Terms of Reference (TOR) identify and specify the scope of services required for the fulfillment of the above components related to the RAC sector.

Duties and responsibilities:

The consultant will work with UNDP, under the direct supervision of UNDP Zimbabwe Country office and under coordination of the UNDP/MPU Regional Coordinator based in the Bangkok Regional Hub, and shall provide technical services for the Conversion from HFC-134a to Isobutane in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators at Capri project.

Activities/Products to be implemented under this contract

Provide technical assistance as Team Leader of the Technical Evaluation Panel for the evaluation of offers to be received from a procurement process conducted by UNDP;

Review offers received and evaluate technical compliance in line with the specifications provided;

Make recommendations for the most compliant bidder and prepare the detailed evaluation report.

Key deliverables
Detailed technical evaluation report

Duration
The contract will be effective from the date of its signature and will be valid up to ten (10) days.

Duty Station and Official Mission Travel
Home based.

Any travel that may be required (shall only be approved by UNDP Zimbabwe CO) and will be paid as per UNDP rules.

Fees
The consultant will receive payment based on DELIVERABLES specified in the Terms of Reference.

The candidate shall quote his/her services on a lump sum amount basis, that will include the travel costs, if any, as per missions foreseen in the Item 6 above. Missions which were not foreseen above shall be paid to the consultant as per IC Rules and Principles.

Competencies

Corporate:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Technical:

Ability to analyses policy documents and make constructive policy suggestions;
Strong interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
Capacity building skills and flexibility depending on the public;
Demonstration of commitment to the Project’s mission, vision and values;
Good writing and reporting skills;
Good presentation skills;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines.

Professionalism:

Works toward creative solutions by analyzing problems carefully and logically – inspires and fosters innovation by highlighting innovative;
Shares knowledge and is willing to provide support to others who request advice or help;
Facilitates meetings effectively and efficiently;
Resolves conflicts as they arise.

Client Orientation:

Sets priorities, produces quality outputs, meets deadlines and manages time efficiently;
Maintains strong relationships with partners and clients.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical and/or Industrial Engineering or related field;

Experience:

At least 5 years of working experience in the implementation of similar assignment in the refrigeration and Air conditioning sector is a must;
Knowledge and working experiences related to the Montreal Protocol policies and procedures is desirable;
Working experience in RAC manufacturing sector is highly desirable;
Understanding of policy and technical issues related to the replacement of HCFCs and its alternative applications is desirable;
Working experience in developing countries is desirable;

Communication Skills:

Proficiency in English is a must;
Ability to write reports, carry-out meetings and communicate technical matters effectively to stakeholders is desirable

Application Procedures (Instructions to Applicants)
The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one file):

Online application with brief description of why the Offeror considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment; and
Personal CV indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references.

Note: The above documents need to be scanned in one file and uploaded to the online application as one document.
Shortlisted candidates (ONLY) will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal.

The financial proposal should specify an all-inclusive fee (if applicable for per diem requirements: based on a 7-hour working day - lunch time is not included - and estimated 21.75 days per month).
The financial proposal must be all-inclusive and take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; cost of travel from the home base to the duty station and vice versa, where required; living allowances at the duty station; communications, utilities and consumables; life, health and any other insurance; risks and inconveniences related to work under hardship and hazardous conditions (e.g., personal security needs, etc.), when applicable; and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services under the contract.
Any unforeseeable travel agreed between UNDP and Individual Consultant, will be supported by the project travel fund and will be arranged according to UNDP entitlements and travel policy. Costs for airfares, terminal expenses, and living allowances should not be included in financial proposal.
If the Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under a Reimbursable Loan

Criteria for selection of individual consultant for award of contract:
The selection of the best offer from the shortlisted candidates will be based on a Combined Scoring method – where
the qualifications and experienced will be weighted a maximum of 70 points and combined with the price offer
which will be weighted a max of 30 points out of 100 points