T. A for Designing a Pilot Biogas Production Plant with Aquatic Biomass El Salv.

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of Project: Technical Assistance for Designing a Pilot Biogas Production Plant with Aquatic Biomass in El Salvador

Title of Consultancy: Individual Consultant: Quality Assurance and Technical Assistance for the Design of the Biogas Pilot Plant (Aquatic Biomass) in El Salvador

Duty Station: El Salvador

Contract Duration: 1 February 2026 – 1 September 2026 (30 weeks)

Estimated Number of Working Days: 146 days

Consultancy Level: Level 3

Total Budget: $28,000.00

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Government of El Salvador, through the Lempa River Hydroelectric Executive Commission (CEL), is committed to addressing the significant environmental and operational challenges posed by the proliferation of invasive aquatic biomass—specifically water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)—within its reservoirs, particularly at the 5 de Noviembre Hydroelectric Power Plant. This invasive biomass presents a vital opportunity to implement a circular economy and mitigate climate change by converting organic waste into renewable energy (biogas).

The primary goal of this project is to deliver a complete, bankable, and ready-to-build engineering package. This includes all necessary documentation and a detailed design for a biogas pilot plant. The facility must have operational self-sufficiency (designed to function independently), be data-driven (capable of documenting reliable process data and established best practices), and have scalability (inherently designed to be expanded for larger-scale operations).

The contracted consulting firm will execute the entire technical design process in close coordination with CEL and under the supervision of the GGGI. The firm’s scope is structured around four primary deliverables: (1) Conceptual Design and Characterization, (2) Detailed Engineering Design, (3) Cost Estimation and Technical Specifications (Bill of Quantities - BOQ), and (4) Scalability Analysis. The firm will be responsible for proposing the optimal daily tonnage of aquatic biomass to be processed at the pilot plant to ensure efficiency and viability.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The primary objective of this Individual Consultant (IC) assignment is to serve as the Technical Expert and Quality Assurance (QA) Lead. The IC will provide high-level, independent technical oversight for the entire design process conducted by the contracted consulting firm.

The IC must act as the key technical resource and the primary liaison between the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the consulting firm, and CEL [MK1], ensuring that all technical deliverables:

Adhere to rigorous international best practices in biogas engineering.

Comply with the Consulting Firm’s Terms of Reference (ToR) in a timely and professional manner, specifically regarding the design of the biogas pilot plant and the scalability assessment.

Support green growth principles and the project’s circular economy objectives.

Align fully with CEL’s operational requirements and technical standards, ensuring the final design is \"ready-to-build.

SCOPE OF WORK

The role of the Individual Consultant (IC) is a proactive and continuous function focused on technical integrity and quality control throughout all phases of the project.

Areas of Responsibility and Detailed Tasks:

Provide substantive and ongoing technical guidance and rigorous QA for all critical design components (Deliverables 1, 2, 3, and 4). This includes the meticulous review and validation of the consulting firm's calculation methodologies, design parameters, engineering drawings, and underlying technical justifications.

Actively apply advanced conceptual models to ensure the optimal processing of aquatic biomass into biogas. Ensure the proposed solution utilizes state-of-the-art and sustainable technology. Actively review and recommend optimizations for all unit operations, including biomass harvesting, pretreatment, anaerobic digestion (AD), and digestate management protocols.

Serve as the primary technical liaison between the consulting firm and GGGI, and provide technical support for GGGI before CEL. Effectively organize and communicate complex analytical findings, ensuring a consistent and technically accurate communication flow. Mandatory participation in all critical coordination meetings, site visits, and technical workshops in El Salvador.

Conduct technical reviews and validation of the firm's deliverables in a timely manner according to their specific Terms of Reference. Perform technical scrutiny of the Biogas Generation Potential Assessment (Deliverable 1), validate the detailed engineering drawings and reports (Deliverable 2), and review the accuracy of the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and Technical Specifications (Deliverable 3).

Support the GGGI Project Manager in high-level technical discussions with CEL by providing technical advice and preparing concise technical notes, summaries, and presentations. Ensure all project documents maintain technical integrity and align with relevant Salvadoran and international standards and regulations.

Critically evaluate the Scalability Potential Analysis (Deliverable 4) based on technical criteria. The evaluation must address: (1) long-term viability and sustainability, (2) the accuracy and robustness of financial modeling, and (3) the validity of business model recommendations. The final output must include a clear recommendation on the project's viability for future investment rounds and expansion.

Note: The scope of work for the consulting firm to be monitored and evaluated is provided in the annexes.

DELIVERABLES, PAYMENT SCHEDULE, AND REPORTING

The Individual Consultant’s (IC) deliverables are directly linked to the approval of the primary products submitted by the consulting firm. Technical review and sign-off by the IC are required either prior to or concurrently with the firm’s milestones. All documents must be submitted in both Spanish and English for review by GGGI and CEL.

Deliverable

Details

Delivery Date

Payment

Deliverable 1 Inception Protocol & Technical Review

Submission of a detailed work plan, a Technical Review Protocol (QA/QC Checklist) for the firm’s work, and a formal review note regarding the firm’s Inception Report (Product 0).

28 February 2026

15%

($4,200)

Deliverable 2 Conceptual Design & Biomass Review

Technical Review Report validating the firm’s Product 1 (Conceptual Design, Biomass Test Results, and Energy Flow Calculations). Includes validation of the proposed biodigestion technology and sizing. Requires technical criteria and participation in meetings with the firm, GGGI, and CEL as needed.

15 April 2026

20%

($5,600)

Deliverable 3 Detailed Engineering Design Validation

Comprehensive Technical Review Report validating the firm’s Product 2 (Detailed Engineering Design: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C). Confirms compliance with international standards. While deep technical analysis outside the IC's core competence isn't expected, a technical scrutiny based on biogas requirements and selected technologies is required. Must validate that the scope for other engineering areas necessary for plant operation is met.

15 June 2026

30%

($8,400)

Deliverable 4 Final Documentation & Donor KPI Validation

Final Technical Review Report on the firm’s Products 3 and 4. This includes final technical approval of the accuracy of all technical specifications, and a final compliance checklist confirming all project-level KPIs have been met.

15 August 2026

35%

($9,800)

TOTAL

100%

($28,000)

COMPETENCY AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Essential Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree (or higher) in Chemical Engineering, Agricultural, Biosystems, Electrical, Biochemical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the design, engineering, or technical supervision of biogas and bioenergy plants (preferably with a capacity exceeding 50 metric tons/day).

Specific Experience: Proven and verifiable experience in the anaerobic digestion (AD) of challenging or high-moisture biomass, such as aquatic biomass, municipal sewage sludge, or agricultural waste.

Quality Assurance and Supervision: Demonstrated experience in a technical review, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), or Owner’s Engineer role for large and complex infrastructure design projects.

Language: Professional working fluency in both Spanish and English (written and verbal) is mandatory for effective communication with CEL and GGGI.

Desirable Qualifications

Regional Experience: Previous work experience in El Salvador or the Central America/Caribbean region, demonstrating familiarity with local regulatory standards (environmental, civil, and electrical).

Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of international biogas standards.

International Cooperation: Experience working on projects funded or supervised by International Organizations (IOs) or development banks.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Contract Structure: This consultancy will be conducted under an Individual Consultant contract with a lump-sum (fixed-price) structure based on the completion and approval of specific deliverables.

Equipment and Facilities: The Consultant is expected to provide their own equipment (laptop, specialized software, vehicle, etc.). GGGI will not provide office space, equipment, or per diems.

Data and Intellectual Property: All products originating directly or indirectly from the consultancy, as well as all information accessed for their preparation that may lead to the generation of intellectual property rights, shall by default be the property of UNOPS under the grant agreement funding the Project and may not be used commercially without the express authorization of the latter. The misuse of these documents or of the information known from the contract shall be penalized in accordance with the respective laws and shall lead to the automatic termination of the contract without liability for GGGI. GGGI and MARN shall manage the authorization with UNOPS for the use of all project deliverables by CEL, once these have been approved by CEL and GGGI.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this Individual Consultant position, candidates must submit the following documents, ensuring they directly address the experience required for the technical supervision of a biogas engineering project.

Experience in biogas/AD plant design or technical supervision, particularly with challenging feedstocks (such as water hyacinth/aquatic biomass).

Experience in technical Quality Assurance (QA/QC) or as an Owner’s Engineer for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Professional working fluency in both Spanish and English.

Selection Process:

Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and demonstrate the required skills and experience will be considered for the position. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation, which may include interviews or requests for additional information. This individual consultancy assignment is not open to consortiums or firms.