Country: Afghanistan
Closing date: 27 May 2017
Background Information
The project ‘Scaling up Green Homes in Kabul - towards sustainable energy consumption and low emission development’ is focused on energy-saving market fostering, including value chain creation and strengthening of supply chains. The project specifically aims at the dissemination of Passive Solar Houses (PSH) through market mechanism, training and support to micro-enterprises, in order to improve living conditions of the populations during winter while reducing the pressure on the environment from the burning of biomass fuel for home heating. Kabul Green Homes Project (KGHP) is being implemented by a consortium of three NGOs - GERES, RMO and AMA. The intervention areas for KGHP are 15 districts of Kabul city and at least 2 rural districts of Kabul province.
The objectives of KGHP are:
Energy Saving Solutions (ESSs) are more affordable and accessible to different segments of Kabul’s residents, and produced by collectively organised and qualified (Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), supported by micro finance institutions where needed;
Dialogue with national and international institutions of Central Asia contributes to a favourable environment for scaling up ESSs and replicating in similar contexts
The project activities practically started on the ground from August 2016. We are currently promoting a number of energy saving solutions developed and validated by GERES teams in the recent past. Currently, selection of 11 target districts are completed where activities are ongoing; another 4 districts of the city will soon be selected. The large area for project intervention increased significantly the different types of houses and neighbourhoods within the project scope, and hence the necessary to adapt current technical packages to respond to the warrying needs of different communities and neighbourhoods, and to develop and test newer technical solutions.
Energy saving Solutions
Since the last 14 years, GERES developed several technologies, mostly adapted to the rural context. In 2012 GERES implemented a project in urban areas of Kabul city (AFG-TAJ project). Some of the technologies earlier tested in rural contexts were adapted to urban context and promoted. Some of them being,
Wood frame veranda with plastic:
One of the most common and widely disseminated technology is the wood-frame veranda covered by plastic. Since the available plastic in local markets is not of good quality, most of the families have to replace the plastic each year, which adds to the maintenance cost of this ESS for the users, besides generating more environmentally polluting waste.
Metal Frame veranda with plastic:
This technique was developed at the beginning of AFG-TAJ project (2013). This technique slightly brings down the cost over the wood-frame veranda. However, the maintenance cost, in terms of replacement of plastic, almost remain the same. People tend to prefer the wood-frame over this.
Metal Frame Veranda with glass and polycarbonate:
This technique is more suitable in the urban context for medium and high income families. Since the use of glass and polycarbonate over plastic substantially raises the cost of this solution, it is adopted by a much smaller number of people. This technique was developed towards the end of AFG-TAJ project and one we are trying to promote more in the current project as it does away with the environmental impact of generating plastic as a waste.
Roof thermal Insulation:
Traditional single storied houses lose a lot of the ambient heat through the roof. Because of its large surface area and the lack of thermal insulation, roofs are the biggest source of energy loss in a house. GERES Afghanistan designed several technical solutions for different types of roofs. Since windows are mostly single-glazed and result in a lot of energy loss as well, roof and window insulation is being promoted as a single technical package in this project.
Potential energy saving solutions for KGHP
Tandoor Cap:
Tandoor[1] cap is a simple technique developed by GERES’ Central Highlands Programme. This devise has greater implication on substantially reducing smoke in the kitchen and the associated adverse health impacts, than on reducing fuelwood consumption. Tandoors are not as widely used in Kabul and other urban areas as in the villages and thus a candidate for further study of relevance in the urban context.
Improved digdan:
Digdan[2] is also widely used in rural areas, and lesser so in Kabul. GERES has developed and promoted a model of improved Digdan. The relevance and adaptation in the Kabul context needs to be studied.
Multy function Improved Stove:
GERES Afghanistan has tested 18 models of stoves over the course of the last five years. The results however have not been as encouraging and we would like to conduct further tests and R&D to come up with a more energy efficient model suitable to the local needs.
Purpose & Objectives of the mission
The Kabul Green Homes project (KGHP) is in a way a continuation of the AFG-TAJ project, GERES’ first urban project, implemented from 2012 to 2015. The research and development (R&D) team of GERES adapt and developed several technical solutions during this period that the current project is benefitting from. But Kabul being a very complex city in terms of the varying habitat types as well as socio-economic difference of its inhabitants, the number of validated energy saving solutions are not enough to respond to all needs. The research and development (R&D) unit with support of the bigger project team are expected to develop more technical solutions and also suggest necessary adaptations to the current packages.
The R&D consultant is expected to review all existing technical packages, adapt some of the techniques in term of cost and eligibility according to houses configuration and affordability. As well to develop more adapted technologies in coordination with project field teams and management. The R&D consultant is expected to support GERES, RMO and AMA on adapting the technologies according to project design, budget and action plan in line with people’s needs.
The R&D study will include an assessment of current situation and develop an action plan of R&D activities. The consultant may possibly need one or two missions to follow up on the work of the local team. This ToR is only designed for the current mission and the terms of next mission/s can be further discussed at the end of this mission. The R&D consultant will be locally supported by the Project Manager and the R&D officer. More specifically the consultancy will focus on:
Assessment of validated Energy Saving Solutions
Analysis and assessment of the current technical packages of energy saving solutions;
Develop an action plan for improving existing technical packages and develop new technologies in coordination with project team;
Prepare and support field survey and assessment for local R&D officer and project field team, collect the data, analyse and use for R&D action plan;
In coordination with RMO and GERES teams, develop a strategy for improvement of already validated technical packages in terms of cost, efficiency and affordability. Facilitate a brainstorming workshops with the project team, collect and investigate their ideas for improving the current ESS packages;
Support validation of newly developed energy saving solutions in the semi urban context;
Support development and validation of low cost energy saving solutions for the very poor;
Support the R&D officer on design and preparation of an implementation guide for each of the newly validated ESSs to help the field team
Validation of newly developed techniques
Responsible for preparation of a plan for pilot units of newly developed technologies (mentioned earlier);
Create and develop test protocols (Laboratory and in situ tests) for energy saving solutions, test reports with recommendations and comparison of energy saving solutions in term of efficiency and sustainability;
Train the local R&D officer on test protocols, application of tests and follow up in the field;
Check the exist tools for test, train local R&D officer on proper use of testing tools, make a list of necessary testing tools which currently not available;
In collaboration with the local R&D officer, develop and submit test reports, including validation of new techniques;
Support implementation of pilot units together with other teams (technical, monitoring);
R&D plan and support local R&D
Review and Update the Job Description (JD) of the R&D officer in coordination with the KGHP project manager (PM);
Review the JD of senior value chain officer; support in establishing connections in the work of value chain and R&D officers;
Prepare a curriculum and train local R&D officer on all R&D steps required for the project;
Make a clear Action Plan (AP) for R&D activities in coordination with PM and RMO team leaders;
Analyse local R&D work at the end of the mission and provide a feedback report to PM, make an evaluation format with PM to monitor local R&D officer’s work;
Prepare a report and PowerPoint presentation after completion of each technical solution, present to project team, train project team for implementation of new or adapted technics;
ESS Life cycle approch
Review and study project LFA and proposal in order to understand better activities planned on ESS life cycle approach;
Make a draft of action plan for ESS’ life cycle approach, the action plan will be initiated by the consultant and followed up by the R&D officer under supervision of PM;
Support design and preparation of a technical leaflets for EESs efficiency, cost, eligibility, return on investment and affordability;
Study and analyse each ESS construction materials, calculate approximate life duration of each ESS, compare and analyse in terms of cost, eligibility, efficiency, acceptance and life duration
Market assessment and anlysis
Study GERES Afghanistan surveys (SEADEP, baseline), prepare a plan for market analysis together with RMO technical team leaders, identify recommended retailers for construction and thermal insulation materials needed for validated technical packages;
Assessment of current market, availability, cost and accessibility of thermal insulation and construction materials for ESS;
Make recommendation for project team and SMEs of most eligible retailers per geographical zone
Support the involvement of SHTA in the R&D process
In order to strengthen and support the work of SMEs/craftsmen, AFG-TAJ project team facilitated the creation of an association called Solar House Technician’s Association (SHTA). The overall goal of the association is to consolidate and support SMEs in term of marketing, cost efficiency, establishing relations with local authorities and in strengthening job opportunities for the members. The R&D section in coordination with technical team are expected to involve SHTA members in the R&D technical phases, in order to enable SHTA in implementation of the technologies in future.
Support Planning of the next R&D mission
The consultant will support the PM in identifying possible further technical assistance on R&D and to develop a ToR for the next consultancy mission.
Delevrables
A mission report in .doc format, including abstract; PowerPoint presentation;
R&D reports (ESS validation process, ESS life cycle approach) and test protocols for each technical solution;
Job Description and detailed action plan for the R&D Officer;
Reports and other deliverables would be considered final only after GERES’ validation and acceptance.
Responsibility
The consultant will be in the direct line management of GAF country director and KGH project manager.
GERES is responsible for:
◦ Fees + per diem;
◦ Economy flight to and from Kabul;
◦ Accommodation and cooking facilities at GERES guest house
◦ Local transportation;
◦ Support in getting an Afghan visa (if required);
◦ Office and printing facilities in Afghanistan;
◦ Arranging meetings;
◦ Security briefing about overall situation and specific responsibilities of the consultant;
The consultant is responsible for:
◦ Personal insurance costs
◦ Own laptop
Duration of the mission
Tentatively, 15 working days between 9th and 27th July 2017. A detailed action plan for mission will be developed before consultant’s arrival and will be validated together with him/her on arrival.
Expected schedule
Arrival to Kabul, Introduction with the team
9 July 2017
Briefing on project and progress by PM
9 July 2017
Security and HR Briefing
9 July 2017
Disk review of the mission and work with R&D officer on planning
10, 11 July 2017
Meeting with RMO, field visit
12 July 2017
Preparation for workshop with technical team, identification of date
13 July 2017
Work with Local R&D, technical packages
13, July 2017
Weekend
14- 15 July
Work with Local R&D, technical packages
16, 17 2017
Local workshop
18 July 2017
Work on R&D AP, JD for local R&D, test protocols and other related topics
19 – 23 July 2017
Conclusion workshop with team recommendation
24 July 2017
Draft report
25 July 2017
Final report
27 July 2017
Expected Profile
· Background and experience
o Educational background in energy engineering, rural energy, passive solar energy, or related fields;
o Previous experience in the identification and quantification of energy efficiency related outcomes;
o Previous experience in the research and development of Energy Saving Solutions or similar projects;
o Knowledge/ familiarity with gender issues;
o Experience of working in conflict zones;
· Specific personal skills
o Able to work and travel in Kabul city areas;
o Comfortable and able to work in a high-risk country;
o Autonomous, rigorous and self-learner;
o Good communication skills;
Confidentiality rights and obligations
· The ownership of the draft and final documentation belongs to GERES and the funding donor exclusively. The document, or publication related to it will not be shared with anybody other than GERES.
· GERES is to be the main addressee of this study and its results might impact on both operational and technical strategies. This being said, GERES is likely to share the results of the assessment with GERES partners of KGH project and related stakeholders;
Selection criteria
The proposals will be scored on a total of 100 points following these criteria:
· Technical quality of the proposal in relation to the methodology and the work plan: 70 points
· Financial offer: 30 points
[1] A big oven for baking bread, placed in a hole dug up in the ground. Typically 100cm deep and 50cm wide.
[2] Digdan is a rectangular stove made of mud and mud bricks. Conventional Digdans are very low on energy efficiency and causes a lot of smoke in the room.
How to apply:
In order to apply, please submit the following:
· An up to date CV (max. 3 pages).
· A technical offer, including a detailed action plan and methodology.
· A financial offer, including a detailed budget including daily fees, per diem if any, number of work days.
The above mentioned documentation is to submit to afghanistan@geres.eu and cc to r.rameen@geres.eu with the subject title “Research and Development Consultancy” before May 27, 2017
Notes:
· only electronic application will be considered
· Applications after the closing date and incomplete applications will not be considered
· The applicants are advised to avoid phone contacts and recommendations from other parties.
· In case two or more applicants awarded with same points, more documents and interviews will be considered;