In the context of the of SCALA’s Private Sector Engagement Facility, this activity will enhance private sector engagement in implementing agri-food priorities in the NDC and NAP in the Solomon Islands through the identification, appraisal, and recommendation of successful business models and production practices that support the national climate action goals. A feasibility Study for Biogas projects is required to assess the sustainable potential of biogas investments in Solomon Islands and to select optimal biogas systems to be implemented at national level. The study will help the Private Sector engaging in clean and sustainable technologies by providing the tools to evaluate investments and returns, while possessing the capacity and the tools to implement biogas digestors. The Government of Solomon Islands will be supported in developing and implementing national biogas strategies, as this study will provide the basis to build a national vision on biogas and possibly setting initial targets to having a fully implemented strategy in line with the national NDC. The study is also expected to serve as a useful tool for proper planning and implementation of biogas programmes at local and regional level.

Key Tasks

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Biogas International Consultant, and working closely with the UNDP Solomon Islands designated officer, the SCALA PSE Private Sector Engagement Officer, the National Consultant will have the following specific responsibilities:

(1) Inception phase

• Attend meetings and carrying out a preliminary data availability screening on agricultural, energy and financial aspects of relevance to the case study (biogas from pig slurry).

(2) Initial data collection, verification, and discussion

• Retrieve information to fill out questionnaires and data collection spreadsheets for local expert(s) and focal points towards the collection of necessary data on feedstock availability, agronomic aspects, composition of the feedstock, spatial distribution, energy-related aspects (including economics), and policy aspects of relevance for biogas investments as instructed by the International Consultants.
• Organize a scoping mission (and potential workshop) and provide feedback on data collection efforts to the Lead Technical Expert.
• Facilitate meetings with private sector and key respondents/stakeholders (representatives of farmer associations and rural development programmes, associations of producers, individual enterprise owners, landfill managers, hotel & resort owners) for interviews and discussion on organic residues and wastes management.

(3) Biogas Technologies Study:

• Backstop requests for data validation from the Lead Technical Expert.
• Participate in site surveys and interviews with stakeholders.

Competencies required for the role.

• Familiar in the use of computers and office software packages
• Excellent writing, communication, and organization skills
• Experience collecting, evaluating, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data
• Excellent team working skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide remote support and liaise virtually with FAO Biogas International experts, the SCALA Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Team and other stakeholders

Experience required for the role.

• At least 2 years of experience in biogas production projects with agriculture is required
• Familiarity and knowledge of agrifood systems in the Solomon Islands (both upstream and downstream), particularly with respect to agriculture, forestry, fishery and livestock residue production, current use, spatial distribution, and disposal.
• Knowledge of waste disposal systems in the Solomon Islands, amounts produced, disposal methodology and technologies employed.
• Experience in energy and renewable energy related policies and regulations.
• Minimum 2 years of experience collecting, evaluating, and analyzing data (data collection, conducting interviews, management of questionnaires, etc.).
• Experience in report writing is desired.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops is desired.
• Language: Excellent knowledge of English.

Qualification required.

• University degree in engineering, microbiology, economics, agriculture, international development, environment, management, social sciences or other related field

How to apply

All application materials should be submitted by email at the following address ONLY: registry.sb@undp.org on or before 5:30pm, 21 June 2023. Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.