International Consultancy For Pre-Feasability Analysis on Carbon Credits Potential in East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), Remote/ Home Based.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, make a  difference.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) | UNICEF

How can you make a difference?  

Background and Justification

Considering the urgency of this agenda, ESARO established a regional flagship programme Collaboration for Children (2022-2025) on climate resilience, adaptation and children to be driven across countries of Eastern and Southern Africa using innovative approaches. The two regional flagships are the learning crisis and climate resilience. A Climate Resilience Hub – “Climate Collaboration for Children” – has been established at ESARO as a platform for action.

Additionally, UNICEF's strategy is aiming to mainstream Climate and environment, Sustainable Energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction across the organization's Headquarters, as well as Regional and Country Offices. The development and implementation of climate resilience projects in ESAR are essential to addressing the impacts of climate change and building resilience in vulnerable communities. These projects can have co-benefits beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as improving the health and well-being of local communities, enhancing ecosystem services, and providing economic opportunities. However, funding for these projects can be a challenge for many communities and organizations.

Carbon credits can provide a market-based solution to support the implementation of climate resilience projects in ESAR. By investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, organizations can offset their carbon footprint while also supporting climate resilience efforts in the region. These investments can help to build resilience in vulnerable communities, provide economic opportunities, and improve the health and well-being of local populations. Overall, the use of carbon credits can be an important tool for supporting climate resilience efforts in ESAR and other vulnerable regions around the world.

UNICEF, as a leading international organization, has the potential to make a significant contribution towards promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). UNICEF can play a vital role in carbon emission reduction in each of the points below:

Climate Change Impact on Vulnerable Children and Communities Sustainability Goals Market Opportunities Partnerships and Collaboration

Scope of Work

1. Project Initiation Phase (Sep 1 - Sep 30) 2023

Define the scope of the project in consultation with UNICEF. Develop a project charter including project goals, objectives, and timelines Develop a detailed project plan, including a schedule, methodology, and budget

2. Carbon Credits Investigation Phase (Data collection and desk review: Oct 1, 2023- Jan 30, 2024)

Conduct a comprehensive desk review of carbon credit projects implemented by other organizations such as UN agencies, INGOs, and governments globally with a focus on ESAR. This review aims to identify potential areas of collaboration and determine the additional value that UNICEF could bring to its carbon credit initiatives. Conduct a thorough review of UNICEF's programs and operations to identify potential sources of carbon credits. Conduct a thorough review to identify the applicable carbon credit standards and regulations that apply to humanitarian projects in the region Collect data on the potential carbon emissions reductions from projects in the region Determine other types of credit systems available in the market Identify potential funding sources for the development of carbon credit projects in the region Collect data on UNICEF's carbon emissions and energy usage

3. Analysis Phase (Feb 1 – May 30) – 2024

Determine the feasibility of pursuing carbon credits as a revenue stream. Calculate the potential revenue that could be generated from carbon credits Identify potential methods to utilize carbon credits other than the financial aspects. Evaluate the costs and risks associated for UNICEF with pursuing carbon credits Identify any barriers or challenges for UNICEF to implementing a carbon credit program Provide technical and analytical support on carbon credit transactions Develop recommendations for UNICEF regarding the feasibility of pursuing carbon credits

4. Reporting Phase (Jun 1 – Aug 15 ) -2024

Prepare a detailed report outlining the findings and recommendations of the pre-feasibility analysis Guide the next steps for the organization to pursue if they decide to proceed with a carbon credit program Provide a Preferability analysis report with a summary through a PowerPoint presentation to UNICEF.

Deliverables

A project charter that outlines the goals, objectives, and timelines for the project. This document serves as a roadmap for the entire project. Detailed project plan which outlines the specific tasks and activities that need to be completed, along with the resources required to complete them. It also includes a timeline for each task and an estimated budget for the entire project. The data collection report which details how data was gathered and analyzed. It provides insight into the information used to inform decisions throughout the project and helps to ensure that the project is based on accurate and reliable data. The feasibility analysis that assesses the viability of the project, taking into account various factors such as technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and operational feasibility. It provides recommendations on whether or not the project should proceed and outlines any potential risks or challenges that need to be addressed. Presentation to UNICEF is required to communicate the project's progress and outcomes. This presentation should summarize the project's findings and conclusions and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and input on the project's future direction.

The consultant needs to collaborate and coordinate closely with the 21 country offices to obtain the necessary information for the feasibility analysis.

Please note that the timetable and scope of work provided are tentative and can be adjusted according to the specific needs and requirements of UNICEF ESAR. The consultant will work and collaborate closely with the UNICEF ESARO Energy Specialist before the study.

 Deliverables and Proposed Schedule of Payment

Deliverables

Timeline/Deadline

Schedule of payment

1- Project Charter

30th of Sep 2023

10%

2- Detailed Project Plan 

30th of Oct 2023

10%

3- The data collection report

29th of Feb 2024

25%

4- Final Pre-Feasibility Analysis Report

5th of Aug 2024

45%

5- Presentation of findings

15th of Aug 2024

10%

All documents and reports are to be in English and be submitted in electronic copy.

Costing

The consultant is expected to make a financial proposal based on the rate for professional fees. 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…  

Education: An advanced degree in environmental sciences, sustainability, climate financing, carbon accounting, or a related field. 
*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.  Experience: A minimum of ten years of professional experience in above mentioned areas is required. Experience in conducting similar assignments, particularly with UN agencies is highly desirable. Skills: Demonstrated skills in project management, carbon, and renewable energy markets, data analysis, financial modeling, and carbon emission/reduction estimations, and have adequate knowledge of relevant regulations and policies related to carbon credits. Ability to analyze and develop carbon management strategies, evaluate UNICEF emissions and reduction data and activities, and guide how to reduce carbon emissions. Strong communication skills to effectively communicate with UNICEF team members in the regional and country offices.  Prior experience working with UNICEF or any other international development agencies with similar work is desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies, procedures, and best practices is highly desirable. Experience in successfully implementing projects or initiatives similar to those undertaken by our organization is desirable Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…  

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

Required competencies that the consultant should have for the assignment as per the UNICEF competency framework

Self-awareness and ethical awareness Drive to achieve results Work collaboratively with others Innovating and embracing change

 To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, P11 form, and their technical proposals to the online recruitment portal (Talent Management System) or email provided.

Interested candidates to indicate ability, availability, and daily rate expressed in USD for internationally recruited candidates 

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered.

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UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions, or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterward in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

The consultant will be required to provide all material resources including but not limited to laptop and office equipment he/she may need to successfully undertake the assignment. 

The consultant will be required to work from his/her location. UNICEF will not provide office space for the consultant.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible for ensuring that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met before taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

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