Call of Consultant: Renewable Energy Specialist in Nigeria

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people,

our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Job Description

SNV is expanding its operations into Nigeria, to meet market and corporate needs; recognizing the development challenges and potential development impact that exist in the country. SNV sees the clean energy sector as an entry point for its activities in Nigeria particularly the nexus between energy, agri-food and water systems. This is in line with SNV’s goal for the energy sector, to support the development of inclusive markets for sustainable energy, contributing to more equitable livelihoods for all. Within this overarching goal, we identify three specific impact goals:

1. Energy Access: Contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for households, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social institutions.
2. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Increase the renewable energy (RE) share and energy efficiency (EE) in energy consumption, inclusive of RE and EE applications in agriculture for improved resilience of farmers and agri-businesses.
3. Economic Participation and Social Inclusion: Build resilient livelihoods and improved incomes for all people including young people, women, and disadvantaged groups.

SNV is thus, seeking to commission a study to identify niches and opportunities for SNV in the Nigerian energy sector, with a particular focus on the following sub-sectors: Off-grid electrification, Bio-digesters, Clean-Cooking and Productive Use of Energy (PUE) in the water and agriculture sectors.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

The objective of the assignment is to identify opportunities and partnerships where SNV, through its expertise and experience can add value in the energy sector in Nigeria, considering above impact goals.

The key tasks to be performed in achieving this objective are outlined as follows:

• Develop an understanding of SNV’s strength and experience as relevant for the energy sector in Nigeria.
• Present an overview of the renewable energy and energy access in the country highlighting status of the sector, barriers and challenges, trends, and outlook.
• Assess the political economy of the energy sector in the country including an understanding of Nigeria’s grid and off-grid supply dynamics, and energy access challenges.
• Develop a clear mapping of ongoing initiatives around energy access in Nigeria (including stand-alone and mini grids applications via solar, bio-digesters, clean cooking, and productive uses of energy particularly in agri-food and water systems).
• Develop a stakeholder mapping of the sector (including governmental actors, private sector companies, development partners, national and international NGOs, financiers & investors, and other market development actors), analyse donor funding trends and government priorities.
• Assess and recommend the key opportunities for SNV in the energy sector highlighting niche and opportunities, proposed intervention approaches, and potential constraints.
• Assess potential competition and beneficial partnerships for SNV in Nigeria.
• Organize and conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) if appropriate to further enrich findings from the study.
• Develop an annotated list and summary of key policy and regulatory frameworks relevant for the energy sector including SNV focal sectors Agriculture and Water.
• In addition to the assessment report covering the above points, produce a summary PowerPoint presentation which portrays key findings.
• Present findings and identify 2-3 priority interventions, considering specific sub-sectors and/or approaches, potential partners and funders. Support to the development of further interventions would be subject of a separate ToR.

The methodology for this will be a combination of literature review and key informant interviews.

4.0       Deliverables and Timeline:

The consultant will produce the following deliverables:

Deliverables                                             

 1 - Country report (max 25 pages excluding annexes)  containing assessment outcome and recommendations :        20 days                                               

2 - Develop an annotated list and summary of key policy and regulatory frameworks relevant for the energy sectors:            5 days    Timeline : February - March 2023

3 - PowerPoint summary deck (max 20 slides): 5 days

Total :  30 days (maximum)

5.0       Duration of the assignment:

The Assignment is expected to be undertaken from February – March 2023. Final timings will be agreed upon appointment of the consultant and review of the inception report.

Qualifications

6.0 Academic & professional qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

Qualifications required include:

• 5+ years’ experience working in renewable and energy access sector in Nigeria
• More than 5+ experience developing and designing renewable energy and energy access programme interventions
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian renewable energy and energy access sector including stakeholder activities, policy and regulatory framework, and private sector initiatives
• Experience performing assignments of a similar or closely related nature
• Evidenced excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills to be supported by work samples

Additional Information

How to Apply

Please submit your application (CV, work samples and day rates) via Smart Recruiters before 3rd February inclusive if you wish to be considered for this position. All information provided will be kept in the strictest confidence. We will revert to you as soon as we have reviewed your application.