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 light of the foregoing, GEF UNDP Derisking Programme would like to receive Expression of Interest (EOI) for the services of:

Position:

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1 National Expert on Customs Procedures (National Consultancy)

1.1 Duties and Responsibility of National Expert on Customs Procedures (National Consultancy)

1. Review the current classification of solar products, solar cells, solar panels and other components (originally under the Heading 8541 of the harmonized system (HS) code) which was re-classified in 2018 under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) to 8501.

2. Review changes or updates on import duty and VAT currently levied on Renewable Energy Technology (RET) components.

3. Review Tax Credits for Local Manufacturing of Solar Components, Parts and Materials, Customs Duty and VAT and other non-fiscal incentives to private sector investors and equipment manufacturers/suppliers.

4. Desktop review of other countries that are signatories to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) on tariff structures around RETs, and its drive to their national development.

5. Document and streamline current efforts on Harmonised System codes on Off-grid Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) from organizations such as Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMTI), Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant organisations.
Inputs of reports (i) to (v) will be provided to support / compliment effort of the Rural Electrification Fund Operation Guidelines

1.2 TIMELINE

Number of Days: 17 days

Start Date: 22 August, 2022

End Date: 13 September, 2022

#	Deliverables / outputs	Due Date
1	Engagement of consultant	15th August, 2022
2	Submission of First draft report; on findings and recommendations of tasks (1) to (5) to the PMU. The consultant shall present the project report, deliverables and findings in a session designed to assess the deliverables by the PMU.	2nd September, 2022
3	Submission of final draft reports on; (i) Reviewed current classification of solar products, solar cells, solar panels and other components (originally under the Heading 8541 of the harmonized system (HS) code) which was re-classified in 2018 under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) to 8501. (ii) Reviewed changes or updates on import duty and VAT currently levied on Renewable Energy Technology (RET) components. (iii) Reviewed Tax Credits for Local Manufacturing of Solar Components, Parts and Materials, Customs Duty and VAT and other non-fiscal incentives to private sector investors and equipment manufacturers/suppliers. (iv) Reviews of other countries that are signatories to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) on tariff structures around RETs, and its drive to their national development.	13th September, 2022

1.3 Required Skills and Experience

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Business, Marketing, International Relations, Economics, or a related field.

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience across market & business intelligence covering relevant topics such as financial structuring, pricing, and competitive analysis.

• PhD degree would be an added advantage.

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

• Clear understanding of custom procedures 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/ and forward hard copies of your Expression of Interest (EOI) along with your CV by post in a sealed envelope before 22nd July, 2022 at 17.00 Nigerian Time.

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