International Individual Consultant for the Africa Minigrids Terminal Evaluation

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Eswatini

Procurement Process

IC – Individual contractor

Office

UNDP-SWZ – SWAZILAND

Deadline

06-Nov-26 @ 11:59 AM (New York time)

Published on

26-Oct-26 @ 12:00 AM (New York time)

Reference Number

UNDP-SWZ-00267

Contact

Procurement Unit – procurement.sz@undp.org

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Introduction

Description of the Assignment:

The UNDP-supported, GEF-financed Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) aims to support African countries, including Eswatini, to increase energy access by reducing the cost and increasing commercial viability of renewable energy (RE) minigrids. For Eswatini, the AMP focus is on establishing a springboard for RE minigrid development, building data and knowledge resources and ‘proof of concept’ business models that can inform planning, de-risk investments and encourage private sector participation in the country. This aligns with the country targets for renewable energy (RE) and the expectation that minigrids will contribute to goal to achieve universal energy access, as set out by the National Energy Policy (2018) and the Kingdom of Eswatini Energy Masterplan, 2034.The TE report must provide evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful.

The consultant will review all relevant sources of information including documents prepared during the preparation phase (i.e. PIF, UNDP Initiation Plan, UNDP Social and Environmental Screening Procedure/SESP) the Project Document, project reports including annual PIRs, project budget revisions, lesson learned reports, national strategic and legal documents, and any other materials that the team considers useful for this evidence-based evaluation.
The Consultant will review the baseline and midterm GEF focal area Core Indicators submitted to the GEF at the CEO endorsement and midterm stages and the terminal Core Indicators that must be completed before the TE field mission begins.
The consultant is expected to follow a participatory and consultative approach ensuring close engagement with the Project Team, government counterparts (the GEF Operational Focal Point), Implementing Partners, the UNDP Country Office, the Regional Technical Advisor, direct beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Engagement of stakeholders is vital to a successful TE. Stakeholder involvement should include interviews with stakeholders who have project responsibilities, including but not limited to Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE), Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Centre for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER) from the University of Eswatini), executing agencies, senior officials and task team/component leaders, key experts and consultants in the subject area, Project Board, project beneficiaries, academia, local government and CSOs, etc. Additionally, the consultant is expected to conduct field missions to project sites, namely Mvundla and Bulimeni.
The specific design and methodology for the TE should emerge from consultations between the consultant and the above-mentioned parties regarding what is appropriate and feasible for meeting the TE purpose and objectives and answering the evaluation questions, given limitations of budget, time and data. The consultant must use gender-responsive methodologies and tools and ensure that gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as other cross-cutting issues and SDGs are incorporated into the TE report.
The final methodological approach including interview schedule, field visits and data to be used in the evaluation must be clearly outlined in the TE Inception Report and be fully discussed and agreed between UNDP, stakeholders and the consultant. The final report must describe the full TE approach taken and the rationale for the approach making explicit the underlying assumptions, challenges, strengths and weaknesses about the methods and approach of the evaluation.

The ideal candidate should meet / exceed the following experience & qualifications:

Posess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in Renewable Energy, Energy Policy, Environmental Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Economics, Engineering, Evaluation, or a closely related field.
have at least 10 years of professional experience in renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, or related technical fields.
Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations of development projects and programmes; experience with GEF-funded and/or UNDP-supported projects will be considered an asset.
Proven experience applying results-based management and evaluation methodologies.
Experience in the use and assessment of SMART indicators and in reconstructing or validating baseline scenarios.
Demonstrated knowledge of adaptive management approaches and their application in climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and sustainable energy access projects.
Experience evaluating projects related to renewable energy, mini-grids, rural electrification, or energy access initiatives.
Familiarity with the policy, regulatory, institutional, and investment environment for renewable energy in developing countries, preferably in Africa and/or the SADC region.
Experience assessing project sustainability, financial viability, private sector engagement, capacity development, knowledge management, and policy impacts.
Demonstrated understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment issues, including experience in gender-responsive evaluation and analysis.
Strong analytical, report-writing, and communication skills.
Previous evaluation experience within the United Nations system and/or GEF portfolio evaluations will be considered a strong asset.

Period of assignment/services: 3 Months

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline.

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Documents :

Negotiation Document(s) (Before Accessing other negotiations Document(s), please click on this link)

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