INDIVIDUAL INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MSME RENEWABLE ENERGY
Procurement Process
IC - Individual contractor
Office
UNDP-SWZ - SWAZILAND
Deadline
07-Aug-25 @ 04:34 AM (New York time)
Published on
24-Jul-25 @ 12:00 AM (New York time)
Reference Number
UNDP-SWZ-00183
Contact
Buyer and Requester(s) - procurement.sz@undp.org This specific tender is managed via the new supplier portal system of UNDP Quantum. If you are interested in submitting a bid for this tender, you must subscribe following the instructions in the user guide. If you have not registered a profile with this system, you can do so by following the link for Supplier Registration.
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Introduction
Country: Eswatini
Description of the Assignment:
The consultant is to design an integrated suite of tools and templates that will enable the systematic profiling, assessment, and investment preparation of 400 MSMEs in Eswatini for renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) adoption, ultimately supporting the development of at least 320 bankable business cases under the CREATE project.
The consultant will be expected to:
Design an integrated, flexible framework for MSME profiling and investment assessment, incorporating both financial and operational dimensions.Develop user-friendly tools to assess renewable energy resource potential, current and projected energy load profiles, and transition readiness for MSMEs.Structure pre-feasibility modelling templates that incorporate technical system design parameters, CAPEX/OPEX, environmental impact considerations, and projected ROI.Establish adaptable financial modelling sheets that allow for scenario-based forecasting, including cash flow projections, payback analysis, gearing, and risk sensitivity.Generate a scalable toolkit for the development of full business cases, linking assessment results with tailored investment proposals, deal structures, and bundling strategies.Develop a visual dashboard template to present performance indicators and business case summaries for each MSME, to support engagement with financiers and stakeholders.Integrate a basic Environmental & Social Screening checklist or matrix in the MSME toolset.Compile a techno-economic cost catalogue with standardized RE/EE options tailored to MSME typologies and sectors.Build rapid environmental and social screening checklists into the toolset to flag high-risk profiles and enhance due diligence.Incorporate MSME operational readiness scoring metrics that can guide mentoring needs and implementation sequencing.Provide guidance and orientation to Catalyze and UNDP staff on the effective use of the toolkits, including for data entry, analysis, and reporting.Produce sample energy audit templates and technical feasibility outlines.Prepare fully populated sample business case files demonstrating the application of the toolset on actual MSME profiles.Ensure alignment of all developed tools and outputs with the CREATE projectโs implementation framework, specifically by structuring the toolkits and deliverables to directly feed into: Support the development of at least 320 full business cases and feasibility studies through standardized modelling, bundling, and investor-readiness formats. Facilitate ROI tracking, mentorship targeting, and performance monitoring of RE/EE systems implemented by 300 MSMEs using dashboards, readiness scores, and cost-benefit analytics.Enable effective monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge capture through built-in data reporting sheets, environmental and social risk filters, and MSME-level performance indicators, supporting final synthesis reporting and learning documentation.The Ideal Candidate is expected to have following requirements.
Advanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent) in Energy Economics, Sustainable Finance, Renewable Energy Engineering, Financial Engineering, Development Finance, or a related discipline; Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in energy investment, energy sector investment banking, infrastructure finance, or renewable energy project development in emerging and developing markets.Demonstrated expertise in commercial project viability assessment, including detailed financial modelling, cash flow analysis, risk structuring, and investment-readiness assessments for both large-scale and small-scale energy projects.Proven experience advising or working within investment banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), or impact investment funds, particularly on renewable energy, MSME lending, or blended finance transactions.Strong experience designing financial assessment tools, investment models, and technical feasibility templates for energy access, energy efficiency, and productive-use interventions.Solid understanding of the development finance architecture in Southern Africa, including relevant climate finance mechanisms (e.g. ElectriFi), MSME financing schemes, and fiscal incentives for clean energy adoption.Familiarity with the banking and financial sector in Eswatini, including its structure, regulatory context, credit access challenges for MSMEs, and the role of national commercial banks, development finance institutions, and banking/financial products.Experience conducting research and stakeholder analysis in support of energy investment programmes, including fieldwork, data synthesis, and institutional mapping.Substantive experience in developing country contexts, preferably within the Southern African region โ SACU region, with a focus on inclusive growth, private sector development, or energy transition.Experience working in or supporting technical assistance and advisory work for development agencies, UN organizations, or multilateral institutions is highly desirablePeriod of assignment/services: 60 days spread over four months.
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