The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working with the Nigeria Government to implement a climate change mitigation project titled “Derisking Sustainable Off-grid Lighting Solutions” in Nigeria.

The overall objective of this project is to develop a private sector-led technology value for making off-grid renewable energy technologies, such as solar lanterns and solar home systems, available to base-of-pyramid rural households who would not be electrified at least until after 2025.

The project rationale is underpinned by a novel approach to derisk private sector investments in the market for rural decentralised renewable energy access. This will be achieved through three outcomes:
(i) putting in place appropriate policies, programmes and regulations that address policy, awareness and financial barriers to facilitate investment in sustainable off-grid lighting solutions and corresponding business models.
(ii) off-grid lighting providers are operating and have access to working capital and equipment, and
(iii) good practices, lessons learned, market assessments, demand-supply surveys, delivery models and business models are documented to support replication and scaling-up of project results.

In the light of the foregoing, consultants are required to conduct these activities and present findings before stakeholders. Consultants must carry out their work to guarantee the accuracy and pertinence of the project objectives.

Position:

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1 Alternative money/payment expert International Consultancy

1.1 Duties and Responsibility of Alternative money/payment expert International Consultancy

1. Carrying out assessment of how best to better integrate telcos in the off-grid technology value chain in order to support uptake of digital / alternative money payments in rural communities

2. Providing technical assistance for transitioning from a bank-led to a telco -alternative-led model of money payment for offgrid RETs.

3. Advocacy for minimum telecommunications infrastructure in all rural communities to support mobile payment

1.2 TIMELINE

Number of Days: 21 days

Start Date: March, 2024

End Date:

#	Deliverables / outputs	Due Date
1	Engagement of consultant	March, 2024
2	Submission of first draft report; The draft report on findings and recommendations will be prepared and submitted to PMU. The consultant shall present the project report, deliverables and findings in a session designed to assess the deliverables by the PMU.	April, 2024
3	Submission of final draft reports; (i) Strategy and Action Plan for digital / alternative money models and deployment in rural communities. (ii) Report on mechanism for integrating telcos in the technology value chain for payment facilities.	April, 2024

1.3 Required Skills and Experience

• A university degree in Finance, Business Administration, Information Technology, Renewable Energy Finance, or a related discipline. Specialising in financial technology, digital payments, or renewable energy dynamics in rural communities would be an added advantage

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in similar environment

• Past experience in working with the UN, and UNDP in particular, international organizations, and similar agencies would be an advantage.

• Clear understanding of digital money platforms, online banking and alternative payment financing in Nigeria.

• Previous experience in conducting similar assignment.

DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING

The consultant shall work with the Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure the successful and timely completion study in accordance with objectives, schedule and planned budget.

Kindly apply online via https.//www.dsols.gefundp.rea.gov.ng/advert and before 15th February, 2024 at 17:00 Nigerian Time.

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