Terms of Reference (TOR) for Junior Energy Consultant for County Energy Planning (CEP) Project – Practical Action

Introduction

Practical Action is an international development organization putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world.

We help people find solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems. Challenges made worse by catastrophic climate change and persistent gender inequality. We work with communities to develop ingenious, lasting, and locally owned solutions for agriculture, water and waste management, climate resilience and clean energy. And we share what works with others, so answers that start small can grow big.

We are a global change-making group. The group consists of a UK registered charity with community projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, an independent development publishing company and a technical consulting service. We combine these specialisms to multiply our impact and help shape a world that works better for everyone.

1. Context

In recent years, Kenya has emerged as a prominent player in the global effort to address energy challenges and promote sustainable development. These includes development the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Action Agenda and Investment Prospectus, the bioenergy strategy and the Energy Efficiency and conservation Strategy among other initiatives. As the country experiences economic growth and a rapidly expanding population, the demand for energy continues to surge. To meet these growing needs, it has become imperative for Kenya to develop comprehensive and well-structured energy planning strategies at both the national and county levels. Strengthening energy planning is not only crucial for securing a stable energy supply but also for fostering socio-economic progress, environmental sustainability, and energy security in the nation.

The Energy Act 2019 consolidates the laws relating to energy, to provide for National and County Government functions in relation to energy. The Act has further provided the legal framework for integrated energy planning as defined in the INEP (Integrated national energy planning) Framework that provides the guidance for development of national and county energy plans.

Devolution, which grants substantial powers and responsibilities to county governments, presents a unique opportunity for localized energy planning tailored to specific regional needs. Each county possesses distinct energy resources and challenges, and an individualized approach will enable a more efficient and inclusive energy sector. Through enhanced county energy planning, there is potential for increased community involvement, localized job
creation, and improved energy service delivery. Additionally, engaging local communities and stakeholders in the planning process can lead to better acceptance and support for energy projects, thus contributing to sustainable development across the entire nation.

The county energy planning process also provides a good opportunity to prioritize clean cooking which has hitherto not been at the center of energy policy, strategy and planning in Kenya. Prioritizing clean cooking in energy planning is crucial for Kenya’s sustainable development. It not only improves public health, mitigates climate change, and empowers women but also contributes to economic growth and aligns with global sustainability goals. By transitioning to cleaner and more efficient cooking methods, Kenya can create a healthier, cleaner, and more equitable future for its citizens while making a positive impact on the global fight against climate change.

In an effort to strengthen County level energy plans, strategy and policies on clean cooking, Practical Action in partnership with other stakeholders will be providing technical assistance to support the development of inclusive and integrated energy plans for the three counties.

In this regard, Practical Action is therefore seeking the services of a junior consultant to provide support in the development of three County Energy Plans (CEPs).

2. Consultancy Objective

The main objective of this consultancy is to:

• In collaboration with the county government and the Sustainable Energy Technical Assistance(SETA ) project provide technical support in conducting baseline survey activities that serve as a basis for the development of CEPs
• To conduct assessment studies on the status of clean cooking at county level, in relation to specific fuels and technologies.
• Conduct an analysis of key nexus sectors that have been chosen by respective counties as a focus for the CEP solution development
• Provide thematic expertise in key areas of Least Cost Electrification, clean cooking, gender and Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency

3. Consultancy scope/ Key Deliverables

Working under the supervision of the project manager and senior energy planning experts, the junior consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct literature review and analysis of key national and county energy policies and acts, county energy profiles, The County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), census reports and other such documents that serve as a basis for energy planning
• Undertaking stakeholder mapping in the counties
• Support primary data collection in the counties including household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. This will include supervising field enumerators to ensure timely quality data collection
• Support in data cleaning and preliminary analysis
• Provide support to the county planning teams in the organization of community engagement workshops and other convening activities
• Taking notes and minutes in technical meetings
• Under the guidance of the Impact and Influence teamseam, Support in monitoring evaluation, learning and communication activities
• Any other relevant duties that might be assigned by the PM or senior energy consultant from time to time

4. Time Frame and Key Deliverables

Overall, the assignment shall be undertaken and completed within 8 months upon signing of the contract.

5. Requirements

• A graduate in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Climate change, Business Development, or other relevant fields.
• Post graduate qualifications may also be considered.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili, with the ability to conduct research and analysis as well as stakeholder engagement.
• Prior experience in similar roles will be an added advantage.
• Mastery PowerPoint, Word and Excel experience.

6. Guidelines for Submission

Interested and qualified consultants are invited to submit their full application to recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke with subject line “Junior Energy consultant for County Energy Planning (CEP) Project” to reach Practical Action on or before 11th August 2023.