Solar Energy Expert

Background:

Trade Facilitation and Customs Support Project (Tasdeer) supports Palestinian exporting companies to increase their exports and reach new markets. Within the framework of this support, Tasdeer gives great importance to environmental protection and the optimal use of resources such as water and energy. Tasdeer encourages beneficiary companies to protect the environment, both in terms of technology and following good and environmentally friendly practices.

The project supports companies from various sectors, such as food, plastics, stone and marble, metal, shoes, and leather, located in different areas, including Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas (see the attached list of companies and their locations for more details).

Tasdeer plans to work hands-on with current beneficiaries, contributing to designing, installing, and commissioning solar energy stations tailored to each facility's needs, adhering to local licensing regulations. In order to execute this work, Tasdeer seeks expert advice (Owners Engineer) on designing and implementing the project, in addition to designing and develop additional energy and environment-related activities in the future.

About Tasdeer

The Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (Tasdeer) is a three-year programme funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and aims at improving the trade performance and customs capabilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). It will ultimately contribute to private sector-led economic growth and fiscal sustainability in the OPT’s.  The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptive and will work politically and technically to make progress across four-key interrelated Workstreams:

• Work Stream 1 (WS1): Support to expedite the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs.
• Work Stream 2 (WS2): Support to improve Palestinian trade-related institutions and business enabling environment.
• Work Stream 3 (WS3): Support to improve the private sector’s skills and innovation to export and create jobs.
• Work Stream 4 (WS4): Support to improve PA’s Customs readiness to assume functions from Israel to collect revenues from trade-related taxes.

The programme is implemented by a Cowater-led consortium on behalf of FCDO. A Steering Committee (including representatives from FCDO, the Ministry of National Economy and Ministry of Finance) will approve interventions identified and designed by the programme management. The programme interventions will be reviewed, and quality assured by a Strategic Advisory Panel comprised of experts from the core consortium members across the four workstreams.

Objectives of the Assignment: 

The overall objective of the assignment is to

• Provide Owner’s Engineering (OE) Services for Solar PV Projects covering project construction supervision, design review, commissioning, project contract management and acceptance tests to achieve cost and operational efficiency.
• Provide support on assessing and designing interventions and activities related to the environment, clean energy, recycling, and clean production.

Scope of Work:

Under this assignment the Consultant will provide technical assistance on the following:

• Supporting the development and execution of solar energy and environmental initiatives through site assessment, needs analysis, project design, and bid document preparation.
• The OE, acting as a compliance and quality champion, guides the design process, meticulously integrating site limitations, regulatory requirements, and market standards.
• Construction oversight includes verifying that all materials and components used in the project match the original design specifications, comply with legal requirements, and maintain high quality standards. This includes monitoring delivery timelines to avoid delays that could impact project progress.
• Actively supervising contractors, ensuring quality, and proactively mitigating issues to navigate the project to a successful result.
• Provide Tasdeer with potential energy conservation measures (ECMs) and waste reduction, and Climate change adaptation and resilience.
• Assess the contractor's profiles, offers and implementation plans.
• Collaboratively finalize the solar PV plant designs for each site, adhering to contract and best practices.
• Approve the Bill of Materials against the finalized design.
• Participate in equipment inspections and factory testing as needed.
• Review and confirm material deliveries, inspections, and testing.
• Clear construction drawings, schedules, and processes proposed by the contractor.
• Verify and approve the quantity and quality of completed work for accurate payments.
• Hold regular meetings with the contractor to track progress, address technical issues, and ensure cost, quality, and schedule control.
• Offer ongoing technical support to Tasdeer for successful project execution.
• Act as Tasdeer representative in communications with the EPC contractor.

Deliverables:

The deliverables for this assignment are as follows

1. Needs assessments and feasibility studies for potential solar energy and environmental initiatives at beneficiary sites. These should cover:

• Analysis of energy needs, usage, and costs
• Assessment of site conditions and infrastructure
• Potential for solar PV or other renewable energy systems
• Waste streams and opportunities for reduction and recycling
• Other environmental impact areas

2. Detailed technical designs and technical specifications for solar PV systems at selected sites, including:

• System size, layout, components
• Connection plans to existing electrical systems
• Structural plans if needed
• Compliance with all relevant standards and regulations

3. Bid documents and bills of quantities for procurement of contractors to install designed solar PV systems.

4. Ongoing construction supervision reports covering:

• Progress tracking
• Quality inspections
• Verification of materials/work
• Issues identification and resolution

5. Commissioning and testing procedures and reports for installed solar PV systems.

6. Final project completion and handover reports.

7. Proposals and plans for additional energy efficiency measures, waste reduction programs, or other environmental initiatives at beneficiary sites.

8. Regular meetings and updates for Tasdeer on progress, key milestones, and critical issues.

9. Final report summarizing all tasks completed, solar PV systems delivered, key results, and recommendations for sustainability and future improvements

Reporting Lines and Managerial Responsibilities

The selected provider will report to Tasdeer’s WS3 Lead

Duty Station: Ramallah, with travel across the West Bank.

Type of the Contract: Service Agreement

Duration of Contract and level of effort:

The expected duration of the consultancy services will be up to 120 working days over six months period  (starting in early January 2024), with potential extension.

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Required Experties and Competencies

•  University degree in electrical engineering or any other related degree.
•  At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing solar energy projects.
• At least two years’ experience in providing advisory services or similar experience.
• knowledge of efficiency solutions and energy audits is an asset.
• Good knowledge and experience in general climate change-related matters, and relevant solutions and implementation is an asset.
• Excellent knowledge in the governorate regulations and requirements for the installation of solar energy and ability to influence speedy and smooth implementation.
• Ability to work in different locations in different areas of West Bank. 
• English and Arabic language fluency, including good English drafting skills.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit a Cover Page and CV to [email protected] by COB 27 December 2023. Please follow the guidance below for the cost and technical proposals.

Application documents should be provided in English.