TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AUSTRIAN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SADC ENERGY THEMATIC DIVISION 1. Background 1.1 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States are undergoing a sustained period of economic growth and transformation. Its population is growing, and its economies are developing and diversifying. In order to be sustained, this growth will need to be fuelled by a massive investment in energy in all of its forms 1. 1.2 SADC s overall objective in the energy sector is to ensure the availability of sufficient, reliable and least cost energy supplies 2. This is a broad goal, and numerous studies have been carried out to find viable solutions. 1.3 In the past decade, the SADC energy sector has experienced both challenges and opportunities with regard to energy development. Diminishing power generation capacity, in the context of escalating demand, has resulted in major power shortages across the region. In addition, conventional forms of energy and fossil fuels still play a very important role in SADC s energy supply. This context has highlighted the need for Southern Africa to explore opportunities to supplement the current energy supply deficit through generally using energy more efficiently and simultaneously increasing the use of different forms of energy including renewable energy sources (RE) significantly within the region s energy balance. 1.4 SADC Member States have acknowledged the benefits associated with renewable energy development at various junctures. However, at present, low levels of RE penetration and use across the region are largely attributed to a lack of effective legislative and regulatory frameworks that would support market development 3. 1.5 At the SADC level there are a number of policy tools and instruments used to govern energy sector planning and investments. SADC Protocol on Energy of 1996 provides an overall policy and governance of the SADC Energy programme. Energy infrastructure development has been guided by instruments that include the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 4 first adopted in 2003 and revised in 2015. The purpose of the Revised RISDP is to deepen regional integration in SADC and it provides SADC Member States with a consistent and comprehensive programme of medium-term economic and social policies and in line with environment and sustainable development goals. In August 1 Africa s Renewable Future A Path to Sustainable Growth (IRENA 2013) 2 SADC Energy Policy Brief No. 2, October 2010 3 Expanding Energy Generation Capacity in SADC: Challenges and Opportunities for Power Sector Infrastructure Development, SADC Energy Policy Brief No.1, 2010 4 http://www.sadc.int/about-sadc/overview/strategic-pl/regional-indicative-strategic-development-plan/ 1
2012, the SADC Summit approved the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) 5. The RIDMP defines regional infrastructure requirements and conditions to facilitate the realisation of key infrastructure in the energy, water, transport, tourism, meteorology and information, communication and technology (ICT) sectors by 2027. Such infrastructure would enable the SADC region to attain regional integration, economic growth and poverty eradication. In addition to the RISDP and the RIDMP, cooperation in the SADC energy sector is captured in various other regional policy documents, some of them being almost twenty years old. 1.6 More recently, in 2016, the first SADC Energy Monitor 6, was published with the support of the Austrian Development Agency, the implementing agency of the Austrian Development Cooperation. It presents a comprehensive regional perspective of the progress made towards implementation of various SADC energy policies, and thus helps to ensure that the implementation of the SADC energy commitments in line with the SADC Protocol on Energy and other regional strategies and policies are documented and widely distributed. In addition, the publication also tracks implementation by Member States of the various energy commitments they have made at the regional level. 1.7 One of the key goals of the SADC is to achieve a sustainable energy mix that improves energy security and energy access in the region. To that end, SADC has developed a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (REEESAP) 2016-2030 7 that is expected to lead to the acceleration of efforts to promote RE and EE in the Member States, and hence contributing to energy security and energy access objectives. Furthermore, this will also help the SADC Member States to work towards their mitigation and adaptation commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and their respective Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs/NDCs). Energy security and adequate access to modern and clean sources of energy are known to result in improved economic development and poverty alleviation which are the pillars of SADC Agenda stipulated in the SADC Treaty and the RISDP 2003 & 2015. Also, this work will contribute towards the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 The Africa We Want goal 7 Environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities. It will complement the Africa Climate Change Strategy, as well as the SADC Protocol on Environmental Management and Sustainable Development. 1.8 A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by Austria and SADC in October 2008, defines renewable energy as one area of cooperation. In line with this MoU, Austria has committed to take the role as Lead International Cooperation Partner (ICP) for the SADC Energy Thematic Group (ETG). The ETG will be co-chaired by representatives of the SADC Secretariat s Directorate of Infrastructure and Services and the Lead ICP. 1.9 In order to support the SADC Energy Thematic Division (the Division) in facing their challenges, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) offers technical assistance to SADC through an assignment of technical expertise and provision of thematic coordination and facilitation to the SADC Energy Thematic Division. This technical assistance will support the Division as outlined below in realising the established objectives of the Division. 2. Objectives of the Assignment 2.1 The overall purpose of the assignment is to support and provide key advice to the Division on all strategic, technical and management issues contributing to an effective and efficient implementation of the Division s portfolio. 5 http://www.sadc.int/documents-publications/show/936 6 https://www.sadc.int/files/1514/7496/8401/sadc_energy_monitor_2016.pdf 7 http://www.sanedi.org.za/record/images/161024_reeesap-2016-2030_lowres-2.pdf 2
3. Scope of the Assignment 3.1 Under the supervision of the management of the Division the Expert is expected to contribute to the development of policy and strategy documents, guidelines in realizing the relevant Sustainable Development Goals in the SADC Region, to initiate and maintain dialogue and partnerships among stakeholders in the region and support the continuous supervision & monitoring of activities. 3.2 The focus will be on the following areas: 3.2.1 Support the Division in the overall management of the portfolio to: a) Coordinate review and implementation of SADC Protocol on Energy; b) Coordinate review and implementation of the Energy Sector Plan of the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) medium term Action Plan (2017-2022); c) Facilitate and set up measures for monitoring and evaluation of regional energy projects and investments; d) Develop and coordinate energy programmes and projects aimed to implement SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap e) Commission and administer short-term technical consultancies on Energy in the SADC region; f) Prepare the input for the decision making by the SADC Ministers responsible for Energy and to follow up decisions taken and recommendations given by the SADC Energy Ministers; g) Provide technical support to associated projects that are executed in the participating countries ensuring where possible projects that contribute to the countries mitigation goals under their respective (I)NDC commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement; h) Interact and co-operate with other experts of the SADC Secretariat, donors' community, as well as with the relevant regional institutions and organisations (e.g. subsidiary organisations and SARDC 8 ); i) Contribute to public relation activities of the Division; j) Support the preparation of capacity development measures in regard to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency within the Division; k) Participate in key meetings of the SADC Secretariat, in the SADC region or on international level upon delegation by the Division; l) Assist the SADC Secretariat in the implementation of the energy-related aspects of the RISDP (Regional Integrated Strategy & Development Plan); and m) Assist and contribute to the preparation and or management of the social and environmental safeguards in the implementation of the energy-related aspects of the RISDP. 3.2.2 Assist in the adoption and implementation of the SADC Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan by: a) Providing technical and administrative support to the Division and to the SADC Secretariat for the adoption and implementation of the SADC RE Strategy and Action Plan; b) Mobilising resources and manage the process of implementation of the RE Strategy and Action Plan by engaging RE stakeholders in the region and internationally; and c) Drafting the annual reporting on the progress of the RE Strategy and Action Plan. 3.2.3 Assist in the operationalization of the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) to: 8 Southern African Research and Documentation Centre see also http://www.sardc.net/en/about-us/ 3
a) Continuously build buy-in by the SADC Energy Ministers and the SADC Member States so that decisions are followed up and as necessary taken up to the next higher levels; b) Facilitate mobilization of resources for the full operation of the SACREEE including access to Climate Financing for projects that will aide countries to reach their commitments under the Paris Agreement; c) Review and provide recommendations regarding the SACREEE Business Plan, annual work plans and status reports; d) Supervise the overall performance of the SACREEE and propose monitoring, steering and if necessary mitigation measures as necessary; e) Facilitate a common SACREEE approach with the donors of the SACREEE; and f) Assist SACREEE in ensuring a close coordination with the relevant institutions and authorities of SADC Member States, as well as international partners for the development and implementation of projects, including financial aspects 3.2.4 Assist the Division in facilitating co-ordination of ICPs involved and/or interested in the SADC energy sector to: a) Build partnerships for the implementation of the SADC energy agenda, for exchanging ideas and enhancing dialogue on strategic issues; b) Facilitate coordinated consultations and activities among International Cooperating Partners (ICPs) involved in energy sector to avoid overlaps and achieve maximum synergies with other donors, other SADC activities, subregional and global initiatives/actions; c) Inform the SADC Secretariat and other SADC structures on ICPs comparative advantages and individual ICPs priorities of support; d) Identify potential funding partners; and e) Liaise with the Lead ICP in the preparation and organization of the bi-annual meetings of the Energy Thematic Group, as well as in the preparation of the regular SADC-ICP Dialogue Platform, whenever necessary 3.2.5 Assist the SADC Secretariat in the implementation of the conclusions of the Joint Ministerial Workshop on the Water-Energy Nexus of June 2016 and Recommendations from the High-level Ministerial Resource Mobilisation Workshop and Energy Investment Forum to: a) Further exchange ideas and practical and sustainable solutions in addressing the linkages and possible trade-offs between water, energy and food security in the SADC Region whereby Climate Change is also factored in, with a view to map out a strategic direction and agree on a way forward; b) Facilitate consultations and partnerships among SADC Member States and thus support the development of joint investments on strategic NEXUS projects; c) Identify potential funding partners; and d) Embark on intensive NEXUS demand side management strategies, which combine use of high efficiency technologies, methodologies and better awareness creation. 3.2.6 All the deliverables and outputs must meet the Division s quality standards and will be reviewed by the management of the Division as appropriate. 4. Duration of the Assignment 4.1 The assignment will be for 24 months (starting as soon as possible, if possible in the in the fourth quarter 2017); 4.2 The Expert will be based at the venue of the Division in Gaborone, Botswana, and will be expected, as necessary, to travel in the SADC Region, in Africa and elsewhere from time to time when necessary and subject to authorisation in line with SADC travel procedures and guidelines; 4
4.3 During the period of the assignment the Expert shall continue to be a staff member of ADA for purposes limited to his/her remuneration. The Expert will remain subject to the rules and policies of ADA regarding disclosure or use of confidential information obtained in the course of the employment at ADA and in connection with situations of conflict of interest, related solely to the employment at ADA; and 4.4 Notwithstanding the continued linkage to ADA the Expert for the period of the assignment will act as and be deemed solely an employee of SADC for all SADC operational purposes and will be subject to the Staff Regulations and Rules of SADC. SADC assumes responsibility for the Expert s performance or conduct within the course and scope of the assignment with SADC and ADA shall not be entitled to instruct the Expert in relation to the performance or capacity as an employee of SADC. 5. Profile of the Expert 5.1 The Expert must have the following qualifications: a) An advanced University degree in science major related to Energy; b) A minimum of 5 years experience in the energy sector, preferably with a focus on renewable energy and/or energy efficiency, or related sector operation; policy formulation and project management (proven track record); and c) Be fluent in English and German; any further language skills/working knowledge in the other SADC languages (e.g. Portuguese, French) is an added value. 5.2 Additional qualifications include: a) Good knowledge of the energy sector in the SADC region; knowledge and good relations to the main actors of the energy sector in the SADC Region are an added value; b) Good knowledge of the working structures of international organisations (e.g. EU) working in the SADC region; c) Background knowledge or working experience (preferred) in assignment-related topics: climate change: mitigation and adaptation, environmental mainstreaming in the energy Sector, water and resource efficiency, food security, gender and diversity issues, management of social and environmental safeguards and good governance; d) Proven writing and analytical skills; sound analytic, conceptual and strategic thinking; e) Good communication skills and be able to portray good image of SADC Secretariat at all times; f) Proven ability for team-work and multiple tasks, fast paced work under pressure and client orientation; and, g) Ability to handle political and culturally sensitive issues. 08.08.2017 5