Background

CLASP serves at the epicenter of collaborative, ambitious efforts to mitigate climate change and in the global movement for clean energy access, through appliance efficiency. Our mission is to improve the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. We work hand-in-hand with governments, experts, industry, consumers, donor organizations and others to propel policies and markets toward the highest quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances possible.

CLASP has worked in more than 100 countries since inception in 1999. CLASP is headquartered in Washington, DC, with teams in Europe, Kenya, India and Indonesia. We are mission-driven and committed to a culture of diversity, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. See our Team Page to learn more about us.

This position will support CLASP’s work under the Energy Access Relief Fund (EARF). CLASP will implement knowledge sharing on good Environmental and Social (E&S) practices and tools for the private sector in the energy access space through a helpdesk accessible to the EARF borrowers. The helpdesk will provide practical information on World Bank Environment & Social Management System (ESMS) requirements and support the EARF applicants/ borrowers to navigate the application process.

Introduction

The World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is currently partnering with leading development finance institutions (DFIs) in setting up the EARF. EARF will provide concessional finance to support companies to respond to and recover from the crisis. A key objective of ESMAP is to ensure that smaller companies that are disproportionately affected by the crisis can access the EARF relief funding, while not compromising on ESMS standards. ESMS planning and implementation should lead to greater capacity for companies to access future funds tied to similar requirements.

CLASP is seeking a qualified consultant or firm to deliver guidance and capacity building to off-grid solar and energy access companies interested in applying to the EARF, and to EARF borrowers, on ESMS compliance. The Consultant will ensure smaller companies that are disproportionately affected by the crisis can access the EARF relief funding, while not compromising on World Bank ESMS standards.

Timeline

Contract Timeframe: 1 September 2021 to 31 May 2023 (66 days of support)

The engagement period for this consultancy begins immediately and continues through May 31, 2023.

Deadline for Application: 23 August 2021

Application includes registering as an Implementing Partner, submitting the PQQ and submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI) as per the instructions below.

Deadline for Questions: 13 August 2021

All questions must be addressed in English to Monica Wambui at mwambui@clasp.ngo. We request all inquiries be made to this e-mail address and not by phone.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will work with CLASP team members to deliver mutually agreed upon materials. Specific duties will include:

• Reviewing loan documentation and ESMS requirements
• Carrying out pre- and post-assessments to review ESMS gaps and opportunities across four applicant segments—mini-grid developer, solar home system/lantern/appliance company, cookstove company, local third-party retailer/distributor—through email and consultation calls
• Designing tailored tools that can build ESMS development capacity for applicants (e.g., slides, FAQs, templates, guides, case studies)
• Providing technical assistance to borrowers during the debt period to implement ESMS requirements
• Facilitating borrower/applicant training sessions on ESMS requirements
• Contributing to development of an open-source compendium of knowledge on ESMS “good practice” for SMEs working in the energy access sector

Key Qualifications

• Consultant will have experience designing ESMS compliance for World Bank Group funded projects
• It is preferable but not required that Consultant have an understanding of the off-grid solar sector
• It is preferable that Consultant have experience customizing ESMSs for small- to medium-size enterprises
• Moves smoothly between analyzing an evidence base and customizing solutions

Evaluation Procedure

A committee appointed by CLASP will evaluate the EOIs received. Selection will be based upon the following criteria (using the template provided below):

• Expression of Interest (up to one page in length)
• Daily Rate (in US Dollars)
• Curriculum Vitae

Submittal

Register as Implementing Partner

Interested parties must register as a CLASP Implementing Partner.

Fill Out Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)

All candidates must fill out the PQQ. The PQQ is a thorough due diligence screening aimed at gathering legal and financial information on prospective partners/vendors. If questions are not applicable, please type “N/A” and go to the next question. While the form can be saved, we recommend completing it in one sitting to avoid potential complications. We will be notified once you submit the PQQ.

Applicants that have already completed the PQQ do not need to complete it again unless the structure of the business has changed. If you are unsure, please email Andrea Testa (atesta@clasp.ngo) to determine next steps.

Submit Expression of Interest

The Expression of Interest template can be downloaded here. Interested parties should submit the EOI electronically, in English, to Monica Wambui at mwambui@clasp.ngo (preferably in PDF format). The file should be named as per the following example:

[CONTRACTOR_NAME] _Expression of Interest_ EOI 2021-08-04

The document must be submitted using the template provided to the email address above, filling out all the requested information. Incomplete expressions of interest will not be accepted.

CLASP looks forward to reviewing your responses and would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this Request for Expressions of Interest. CLASP will notify all respondents who submit EOIs when a decision has been made.

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CLASP’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. CLASP complies with all federal, state and local employment law in the countries we operate and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, credit information or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law.

Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit. CLASP’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational and recreational programs.