Mission and objectivesThe UN Development Programme is the lead UN agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in more than 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. In the Pacific, UNDP provides regional and country support to ten countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) and regional support to five countries (Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tokelau), together with a total population of 2.4 million. UNDP is guided by a Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, which in turn contributes to the achievement of an overarching UN system-wide Pacific Strategy. The Programme is shaped to assist countries to advance the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda tailored to each country's priorities, through focus on data, policy prioritization, participatory planning, and budgeting and monitoring - and with accelerated action to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP seeks to target the most vulnerable i.e. people experiencing hardship, the marginalized living in remote rural areas, those who are vulnerable to climate and disaster risks, as well as women and youth excluded from socio-political and economic participation. UNDP adheres to an inclusive, pro-poor and human rights-based approaches that leverage cross-practice, multi-disciplinary expertise of UNDP.
ContextThe Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) support project aims to foster the development of rural mini grids to improve access to clean, affordable, and reliable renewable energy. In doing so, it plans to also diversify Fiji’s energy mix to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the Fijian power sector, contribute to national electricity access objectives and promote gender-balanced economic growth using electricity as an enabler for inclusive sustainable development. The project will seek to electrify at least 20 rural communities in 4 years to support the expeditious implementation of FREF as well as demonstrate best practices to shore up investments in FREF and its rural electrification objectives while building long term implementation and management capacity within the Department of Energy to continue FREF on a long-term basis. It will benefit at least 6,500 Fijians and avoid over 2,920 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by installing over approximately 2 megawatts of renewable energy. The provision of electricity is combined with modern auxiliary services such as smart meters, mobile payment, digital connectivity and clean water and sanitation solutions to - among other things – induce productive electricity use cases and lift standards of living in rural communities. The ability to productively harness the provided clean electricity is expected to enable rural Fijians to increase community income through multiple economic activities, reduce social inequality and promote gender inclusivity. All of which also contributes to building more climate informed resilient livelihoods. Source: UNDP Pacific – FREF Project Objective of the Assignment The objective of this assignment is to develop comprehensive financial models to support the scaling of solar mini-grids under the FREF. This includes: 1. FREF Fund-Level Financial Model A comprehensive financial model for the overall FREF fund, projecting revenues, expenditures, and funding requirements over a [Specify Time Horizon, e.g., 10-year] period. This model should incorporate key assumptions regarding capital costs, operating expenses, tariffs, subsidy mechanisms, and loan repayments. It should also be adaptable to scenario analysis and sensitivity testing. 2. Site-Specific Financial Model (Joint Venture Model) A replicable and adaptable financial model template for individual solar mini-grid projects implemented under the joint venture ownership structure. This model should clearly demonstrate the financial viability of the projects for both the private sector partner and the community cooperative, incorporating details on revenue sharing, cost allocation, and profit distribution mechanisms.
Task DescriptionThe UN Volunteer will undertake the following activities: 1. Data Collection and Analysis: Gather necessary data related to solar mini-grid projects, including capital costs, operating expenses, energy demand projections, tariff structures, financing options, and community demographics. This will involve collaborating with the project team, private sector partners, and community representatives. 2. Model Development: Develop the two financial models as described above, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and user-friendliness. The models should be built in a widely accessible software platform (e.g., Excel) and include detailed documentation and user manuals. 3. Scenario Analysis and Sensitivity Testing: Conduct sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of key variables on project viability, including variations in energy demand, tariff rates, and capital costs. Develop different scenarios to reflect potential risks and opportunities. 4. Capacity Building: Provide training and support to FREF staff and community representatives on the use and interpretation of the financial models. 5. Reporting: Prepare regular progress reports and a final report documenting the methodology, assumptions, and findings of the financial modeling exercise. 6. Collaboration: Work closely with the supervising international consultant and the FREF UNDP Project Manager to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines. Required Deliverables will be as follows: 1. Inception Report: Outlining the detailed work plan and methodology for the assignment. (Within 1 week of commencement) 2. FREF Fund-Level Financial Model: A fully functional and documented financial model. (Within 6 weeks of commencement) 3. Site-Specific Financial Model (Joint Venture Model): A replicable and adaptable financial model template. (Within 8 weeks of commencement) 4. Training Materials and User Manuals: Documentation for both financial models. (Within 9 weeks of commencement) 5. Final Report: Documenting the complete assignment, including methodology, findings, and recommendations. (Upon completion of assignment)
Competencies and valuesAccountability Adaptability and Flexibility Creativity Judgement and Decision-Making Professionalism Planning and Organising Self-Management
Living conditions and remarksFiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is the Fiji dollar. Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva, which is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. The population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi islanders, making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the island, and it is the common language of communication, although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many, as is the Hindi language. Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25 and 29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers. Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000 and is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but it remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but the availability of small apartments is limited. An open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local buses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is also available for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.