The electricity sector in the Gambia is characterized by heavy dependency on fossil fuel imports (LFO (light fuel oil)/HFO (heavy fuel oil)) to generate electricity. This makes the energy sector to be one of the major sources of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission in the Gambia.

UNDP and UNCDF in collaboration with national stakeholders support the implementation of 10.5MW of renewable energy. 6.0MW and 4.5MW solar PV plants will be constructed in Farafenni and Basse, respectively.

The key objectives of the NSP are:

1. GHG emission will be reduced by 12,896 tCO2e annually

2. Provide reliable renewable energy to 144,500 people in the targeted regions

3. Reduction of fossil fuel importation by 3,964,941 litres annually

4. Building the capacity of NAWEC’s staff on the development and implementation of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an IPP

5. Provide reliable energy supply to support businesses and electricity dependent vocational skill and other livelihoods.

The tender for the construction of the power plants based on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement between an Independent Power Producer (IPP) and National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) was launched on the 24th of February 2021. The deadline for the tender is slated for 9th July 2021.

As per UNDP regulations, all projects that have possible social and environmental impacts must be assessed based on UNDP’s Social and Environmental Safeguard Policy (SESP). In this regard, UNDP is seeking to hire a national consultant to carry out a baseline impact assessment of the project in both sites (Farafenni and Basse) to determine any possible social and/or environmental impacts of the project.

SCOPE OF WORK

The SESP consultancy will be done in compliance with all relevant international, national, local and community laws and customs that applies to displacement and resettlement activities with particular attention to laws and customs relating to rights. In this light, all entitlement should be noted and compensation policy for each type of impact should be sufficiently describe using clear and transparent valuation for affected individuals, structures, land, trees and other assets. An entitlement matrix will be prepared on this basis including budget and timeframe for payment of entitlement/ compensation. The consultant must not promise the payment of compensation to any affected party as part of this assignment.

The assignment will be undertaking by an International consultant with the assistance of a National consultant. Both consultants will be obliged to familiarize themselves with the UNDP’s Livelihood Action Plan (LAP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and ensure that all prescribed concerns and methodologies in both locations, Farafenni and Basse are covered during the consultancy. The national consultant will work closely with the international consultant to agree on a common approach to the assignment. Notwithstanding, the international consultant will be the team lead and will be ultimately responsible for the content and quality of the final report.

Submit Technical and Financial Proposals to: bids.gm@undp.org  

Email subject: “SESP National”