Consultant for Electric Buses Project Concept Note

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is likely affiliated with the United Nations or a similar international body focused on climate change and environmental sustainability. The organization aims to facilitate climate finance and support national development objectives through projects like the one described. It operates in various countries, including Kiribati, and is involved in initiatives that promote sustainable development and climate resilience. The organization emphasizes collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of climate-related projects.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) process and implementing actions related to electric mobility in Kiribati. The primary expectation from this position is to develop a comprehensive project concept note for electric buses in Tarawa, which will be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) or the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The consultant will need to work closely with the Office of Te Beretitenti (the President's office) and other stakeholders to ensure that the concept note aligns with national priorities and funding agency requirements. The role requires a deep understanding of climate change mitigation strategies, particularly in the transport sector, and the ability to articulate the project's potential impact on national policy and socio-economic conditions. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing supporting documents and obtaining necessary approvals, such as a no-objection letter from the National Designated Authority.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing an inception report that outlines the approach and methodology for developing the concept note.
• Developing a detailed concept note in accordance with the funding agency's template, ensuring it includes all necessary supporting documents.
• Collaborating with the national TNA team, TNA Coordinator, and Regional Centre to gather relevant data and insights.
• Detailing the project boundaries and geographic scope of implementation for the electric bus initiative.
• Mapping the enabling framework, including regulations and subsidy policies that may affect project implementation.
• Defining activities and budgets for proposal development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the electric bus project.
• Clarifying institutional arrangements and responsibilities for project implementation.
• Illustrating the transformational impact of the project, including how it aligns with national policies and expands geographic scope.
• Developing financial models that identify opportunities for leveraging private investments and generating revenue. 1
• Conducting socio-economic impact assessments based on existing data or preliminary surveys. 1
• Obtaining a no-objection letter from the National Designated Authority for GEF/GCF to ensure compliance with national regulations.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced degree, either a PhD or a Master's, in fields such as engineering, economics, environmental science, climate finance, natural sciences, or related disciplines. Additionally, the consultant should have at least 10 years of relevant work experience in areas such as climate change mitigation, environmental and public policy, the transport sector, electric mobility, climate finance, and project management. The consultant should demonstrate expertise in developing financial models and estimating socio-economic impacts, as well as having strong stakeholder consultation skills. Familiarity with the energy and transport sectors for mitigation technologies in the context of Kiribati is essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of national development objectives and climate change policies.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have an advanced degree, which can be either a PhD or a Master's degree, in relevant fields such as engineering, economics, environmental science, climate finance, or natural sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change mitigation and the technical aspects of project development in the transport sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields. This includes experience in climate change mitigation, environmental and public policy, the transport sector, and electric mobility. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record in climate finance, developing financial models, and conducting socio-economic impact assessments. Experience in project management and stakeholder consultations is also essential, as the consultant will need to coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure the successful development and implementation of the project concept note.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for preparing the concept note and supporting documents, as well as for effective communication with stakeholders and funding agencies. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for approximately 2.5 months. There is no fee associated with the application process, as the United Nations does not charge candidates at any stage of recruitment. This includes application submission, interviews, and training processes. The organization emphasizes transparency and does not request any personal banking information from applicants.