Result of ServiceThe consultant will provide high quality final Energy Efficiency pilot project for Maldives that includes the Government’s and UNEP’s comments and in accordance with ExCom’s guidelines. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UNEP Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law, governance, and related policy issues, including those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). It works with international and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of Conventions and international Agreements. UNEP functions as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Within the Law Division, the OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) provides global support to ensure that National Ozone Units (NOUs) receive the necessary advisory services, capacity building, and technical assistance to implement activities approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund. UNEP’s Business Plan for 2025–2027 (UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/95/28) was endorsed by the Executive Committee at its 95th meeting (Decision 95/30). Under this plan, UNEP will assist countries in preparing EE pilot project proposals for funding requests under 91/65. The Government of Maldives has decided to prepare a request for funding under ExCom decision 91/65 for a pilot project to maintain and/or enhance energy efficiency in the context of HFC phase-down with UNEP acting as the Lead Implementing Agency. In line with Executive Committee Decision 91/65, the Government of Maldives has initiated the preparation of a funding request for a pilot project aimed at maintaining and/or enhancing energy efficiency (EE) in the context of HFC phase-down, with UNEP designated as the Lead Implementing Agency. To support the development of this initiative, UNEP will engage a consultant to assist in the preparation of the energy efficiency pilot project proposal, in coordination with the relevant national authorities of the Maldives. The consultant will work closely with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Maldives and under the guidance of the Montreal Protocol Programme Management Officer of South Asia Network. The consultant will be home-based and shall mobilize adequate time and resources to carry out the assignment within the agreed timeframe and shall demonstrate a strong commitment to completing the assignment. The consultant shall carry out and successfully complete the following tasks: 1. Prepare draft work plan in close consultation with UNEP and NOU of Maldives, including (a) timeline for conducting project preparation and (b) tasks and roles and responsibilities of each concerned stakeholders in the process, and support/cooperation will be required from various stakeholders. 2. Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify relevant, feasible, and cost-effective interventions in the assembly and installation sector, servicing sector, and technical assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in alignment with the scope and supported activities outlined in Executive Committee Decision 91/65. 3. Review existing national policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks related to energy efficiency and refrigerant management, with a focus on identifying policy gaps, regulatory barriers, and opportunities for alignment with the objectives of the pilot project. 4. Coordinate closely with the National Ozone Unit (NOU), energy-efficiency authorities, national standards bodies, and key industry stakeholders to collect technical and policy inputs, ensure alignment with national priorities, and incorporate stakeholder perspectives into the project design. 5. Facilitate and actively participate in stakeholder consultation and data validation meetings, including presenting preliminary findings, validating proposed interventions, and ensuring consensus on the strategic direction of the pilot project. 6. Formulate a strategic framework to promote energy-efficient technologies in the context of HFC phase-down and develop a comprehensive project proposal document for submission to the Multilateral Fund, in accordance with the requirements of Decision 91/65. 7. Support UNEP in responding to feedback from the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, including revising and finalizing the strategy and proposal document based on technical and policy comments received during the review process. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science/Environmental Policy/Engineering/Energy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Working Experience: • Minimum 5 years of work experience in relation to the Montreal Protocol is required. • Good understanding of energy efficiency policies and requirements for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector is required. • Thorough knowledge of Montreal Protocol institutions, policies and procedures and of national obligations arising from the Kigali Amendment under Montreal Protocol is required. • Demonstrated skills in data analysis, developing reports, stakeholder consultations at regional/national level are required. Special Skills: • Good understanding of Executive Committee decisions regarding HPMPs, HFC activities and other technical assistance projects funded by Multilateral Fund is required. • Possess policy and technical expertise related to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol in developing countries is desirable. • Understanding of Maldivian Energy sector context is desirable. Experience of energy efficiency policymaking is highly desirable. Languages• Fluency in oral and written English is required. • Report writing skills are highly desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.