Development of Kigali HFC Implementation Plan for Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives and Sri Lanka at UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme: (Deadline 16 August 2022)

II )Strategy and action plan for UNEP enabling components of Sri Lanka KIP with cost estimation as per guidance as well as the Tranche 1 implementation plan, which will be integrated into the overarching KIP strategy and Tranche 1 project proposal.

Work LocationHome-based

Expected duration16 months, from 1 September 2022 to 31 December 2023

Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Law Division 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 OzonAction Branch under the Law Division is one of the four Implementing Agencies under the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This position is in the OzonAction/Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) of the Law Division at the Bangkok Duty Station and reports to the Activity Leaders of CAP team based in Asia and Pacific Office, who provide implementation support to these countries.

At the 28th Meeting of the Parties in October 2016, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer agreed to the Kigali Amendment (KA), which extended the list of the Protocol’s controlled substances to include 18 hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are non-ozone depleting potent greenhouse gases that have long been used as replacements for now phased-out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which are under phase-out control measures and are consumed by the same industries and applications that previously used CFCs and HCFCs, i.e. mainly in refrigeration and air-conditioning sector as refrigerants and foam blowing agents in insulation foam production industries, and the same institutions and mechanisms can be used to manage HFCs at both national and global level. The KA entered into force on 1 January 2019; globally, and the successful implementation of KA can help avoid up to 0.4 degrees Celsius of global temperature rise by 2100. As of 20 June 2022, 135 countries have ratified the KA.

Most of Article 5 Parties to the Montreal Protocol in the Asia Pacific region are required to phase-down their HFCs consumption starting from 2024 from the determined baseline level while they are at different stages of implementing their HCFCs Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP). The MLF will further support Article 5 countries to meet stepped HFC reductions through national HFCs Phase-down plans called Kigali HFC Implementation Plans (KIPs) and has approved preparation project of the Stage I of the KIP for the countries that already met the requirements. The Stage I of the KIP will consist of a strategy and proposals for priority sector interventions that enable these countries to meet their MP targets, i.e., HFC consumption freeze at the baseline level in 2024 and 10 percent reduction by 2029, while enhancing the sectoral energy efficiency and minimizing the impact to the climate as much as possible.

The funds for preparation of the Stage I of the KIP for Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives and Sri Lanka were approved at the 87th and 88th intersessional approval process of the Executive Committee (ExCom). As the Stage I of the KIP project proposal of all these countries are planned to be submitted to the ExCom in 2023, UNEP, as the lead implementing agency (IA) for Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Maldives, is responsible for supporting countries to conduct nationwide data collection and analysis and develop overarching strategy and proposals for priority sector interventions that enable these countries to meet HFC consumption freeze at the baseline level in 2024 and 10 percent reduction by 2029, while enhancing the sectoral energy efficiency and minimizing the impact to the climate as much as possible. UNEP responsibilities under Sri Lanka’s KIP are related to collection and analysis of sector specific data to develop “enabling component” of which the strategy and action plan will be integrated into the overarching strategy and Stage I proposal led by UNDP.

Although these countries take the lead in conducting national data collection, expertise from an international consultant is needed to assist countries and local consultants (engaged by each country) to follow the strategy and methodology for data collection developed by UNEP. Moreover, the international consultant will also be responsible for development of overarching strategy and project proposal for the Stage I of the KIP in these 4 countries where UNEP is Lead IA. For Sri Lanka, the international consultant will be responsible for UNEP “enabling components” that will be integrated into the overarching strategy and Stage I KIP proposal. In view of this background, UNEP Ozon Action, Asia & the Pacific Office team requires an international consultant to support the countries and UNEP in the preparation of the KIP stage I of Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The international consultant will work closely with the National Ozone Units (NOUs) (and local consultants) and under the guidance of UNEP CAP Asia and the Pacific Office. The international consultant shall consider actions in the data collection, consultations and preparation that will allow gender policy and efforts to be integrated within the strategy and KIP as much as possible. The main tasks and responsibilities of the international consultant are as follows (for each country, unless otherwise specified):

(i) National survey for data collection and desk study:

For Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Maldives, the international consultant will guide NOUs and local consultants in conducting national wide survey to update HCFCs, HFC and alternatives consumption data for 2018-2022 as well as the institutional and legislative set up for the enforcement of MP-related regulations, the situation of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) including mobile air-conditioning (MAC) servicing workshops/technicians, and the situation of the vocational training/certificate system for refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC and MAC) servicing technicians. The consultant will also guide NOUs and local consultants to prepare an inventory of equipment relying on HCFCs, HFCs and alternatives, through reaching and mapping out large end-users and importers of equipment relying on HCFCs, HFCs and HFC alternatives, estimating yearly equipment imports/manufactured/assembled, average lifetime of RAC equipment and development trends. The survey shall also try to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the demand of equipment relying on HCFCs, HFCs and HFC alternatives during the baseline years. Under this task, the international consultant shall:
– Identify the type of data to be collected, target groups for data collection and developing methodology of the nationwide survey.
– Support in finalizing national questionnaires for different target groups of the survey as per the questionnaires developed by UNEP.
– Provide technical support and guidance to the NOU and local consultants during the data collection and desk study stages.
– Support in reviewing data collected, identification of areas where additional data may be needed and guide the NOU (and local consultant) on how to improve the quality of analysis.
– Assist in establishing the inventory of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment including MAC.
– In consultation with UNEP, provide advice to countries to take remedial actions to overcome the problems that may arise during the data collection.

For Sri Lanka, the international consultant will provide support to NOU and the local consultant in reviewing survey questionnaires prepared for data collection based on the needs for development of various enabling components such as policy development/strengthening, HFC quota and licensing system implementation, capacity building of enforcement officers, strengthening of RAC/MAC servicing sector and RAC industry including importers and outreach and communication activities for stakeholders including end users under KIP. The international consultant will provide support to NOU and the local consultant to identify data gaps and consult with relevant stakeholders to collect necessary additional information and data and identify challenges for development of activities under UNEP enabling component.

(ii) Survey data analysis on HCFC, HFC and alternatives consumption data and estimation of future consumption

For Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Maldives, based on the survey result, the international consultant will take the lead in the establishment of the current consumption of HCFCs, HFCs and alternatives by substance and by sector. The international consultant will review the state of alternative technologies, commercial viability and availability, and market penetration in each sector/application and develop a technology roadmap including priority sectors in conjunction with a servicing sector capacity development plan. Under this task, the international consultant, in collaboration with NOU and local consultants, shall
– Conduct analysis of usage of HCFCs, HFCs and alternatives data during 2018-2022 by substances and by sector and reconciling them with import statistics.
– Provide an estimate based on sound methodology of the HFC baseline, and consumption projection by substance and by sector from 2023 under both business-as-usual scenario (BAU) and with KIP intervention.

(iii) Country report on nationwide survey, national strategy and country’s action plan

For Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Maldives, the international consultant will be responsible for preparing the template of the report to be used by the country and guiding the NOU (and local consultants) during the preparation of the report on the nationwide survey, national strategy and country’s action plan. For example, the following information should be in the report:
– Results of the nationwide survey on the import and export of HCFCs, HFCs and alternatives as well as inventory of HCFCs, HFC and alternatives-based RAC and MAC equipment
– Current and future consumption of HCFCs, HFCs and alternatives by substances and by sector and information on how HFCs are being used at the moment,
– Current regulations regarding the import of HCFCs, HFCs, and alternatives and RAC and MAC equipment relying on these substances as well as other related regulatory and standard frameworks,
– Existing national policy frameworks of related fields such as energy efficiency of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, cooling strategy, greenhouse gas emission, safe transport, storage and handling of flammable/hazardous substances, occupational safety, green procurement.
– Brief progress and achievement of HPMP implementation and lessons learned from implementation of the HPMP,
– Review of the state of alternative technologies, commercial viability and availability in country and development of a technology roadmap including priority sectors in conjunction with a servicing sector capacity development plan. Analysis of the current situation of RAC and MAC equipment and recent development trends of alternative technologies,
– The infrastructure of servicing sector e.g. number of technicians, servicing workshops, vocational schools and available equipment in the TVET system.
– Proposal for strategy, measures and action plan needed to fill any gap with regard to policy, regulatory and institutional framework particularly of the national licensing and quota system.

For Sri Lanka, the international consultant will be responsible for preparing template of the report to be used by the country and guiding the NOU (and local consultants) during the preparation of the report on data collection, strategy and country’s action plan for UNEP enabling components. For example, the following information should be in the report:
– Results of sector-specific survey for development of UNEP enabling components
– Customs border control, customs automation system and capacity building of customs officers and training institutions, importers/customs brokers
– Monitoring, reporting, verification and enforcement of HCFC import/export licensing system as well as assessing and recommending improvements for its application to HFC, including HFC data collection and reporting approaches and practices of the different institutions and stakeholders;
– The number of servicing workshops, and their tools/equipment available as well as the education level of RAC and MAC servicing technicians and required intervention to upgrade their skills to handle flammable refrigerants
– Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system relevant with RAC/MAC professions such as national occupational standards and qualification framework, training institutions and their tools/equipment, training curriculum, competency-based assessment, recognition of prior learning, etc. and coverage of good servicing practices and flammable refrigerant under the existing TVET system
– Monitoring, reporting and enforcement of RAC and MAC servicing workshop e.g. license to handle refrigerants, the registration of a new business and renewal of the business license, reporting by business, etc.
– Safety regulation and standards related to flammable/toxic refrigerants such as standards on installation, maintenance and servicing of RAC and MAC equipment, standards on handling of flammable/toxic substances, etc. as well as regulations and standards related to energy efficiency of RAC and MAC appliances
– The awareness of the general public, building, cold chain sector on the link of climate change especially energy efficiency issues with RAC/MAC; the available channels for information dissemination and outreach, and
– Proposal for strategy, measures and action plan needed to fill any gap in accordance with identified enabling components during the survey that are necessary to support Sri Lanka to phase down HFCs

Once receiving the report from the country, the international consultant shall review the report. The international consultant will communicate with the NOU (and local consultant) to obtain additional information and guide the local consultant in finalizing the report.

(iv) Development and finalization of the overarching HFC phase-down strategy and KIP Stage I project proposal for Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Maldives

Based on outputs of the previous activities and of data analysed, the international consultant, in close collaboration with NOU and the local consultant, will take the lead in development of overarching strategy for the KIP including key policy proposals and relative action plan for phase-down scenarios (beyond BAU) including expected consumption based on the proposed strategy and action plan. The international consultant will review the existing policies and the technical assistance activities that have been/are being conducted under the HPMP, identify areas for integration with HPMP activities, analyze and propose measures needed to fill any gaps with regard to policy, regulatory and institutional framework particularly for the strengthening/enforcement of the national HFC licensing and quota system, sustaining capacity building of servicing sector and others as needed, and ensuring the sustainability of the HFC phase-down. Given the Multilateral Fund and UNEP policy on gender mainstreaming, the national policy framework for the KIP shall also include policy intervention for gender mainstreaming. With the overarching strategy, the international consultant will be responsible for developing the KIP Stage I project proposal in accordance with the guidelines of the Executive Committee. The first draft should be submitted to UNEP, in electronic format, for review and comments. The international consultant will incorporate comments from UNEP in the draft, which will be further circulated to the NOU for its national consultation process. Based on feedback and comments obtained from stakeholders’ consultations and UNEP, the international consultant will finalize the proposal. The international consultant will submit the final project proposal of the KIP Stage I to UNEP and the NOU in electronic format for final approval and submission to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat.

(v) Development and Finalization of UNEP’s Enabling Components for Sri Lanka

Based on the data collected and assessment of challenges and needs for enabling components, the international consultant shall propose the enabling components and draft a report on strategy, policy and legislative measures, action plan and their cost estimation as per ExCom guidance to assist Sri Lanka to phase down HFCs by 10% from the baseline level by 1 January 2029 and Tranche 1 implementation plan of the proposed enabling components. The strategy and action plan shall take into account gender mainstreaming issue. The international consultant shall submit the draft report to UNEP and NOU for review and comments. The international consultant shall finalize and submit a report on UNEP’s enabling components based on comments received from UNEP, NOU and stakeholders related to UNEP’s enabling components. The international consultant shall assist UNEP in integration of the strategy and action plan related to the “enabling components” into the overarching KIP strategy by closely working with the UNDP consultancy firm as well the NOU of Sri Lanka.

(vi) Supporting the delivery of stakeholder consultations

The international consultant will assist the NOU and the local consultants to
– For Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Maldives, the international consultant will assist the country in conducting stakeholder consultations with industry, policymakers and relevant stakeholders to launch the KIP preparation, data collection, validate data and finalize the overarching HFC phasedown strategy and the KIP Stage I proposal and obtain necessary feedback.
– For Sri Lanka, the international consultant will assist the country in conducting stakeholder consultations with industry, policymakers and relevant stakeholders to collect and analyze data required for development and finalization of enabling components and obtain necessary feedback.

(vii) Support UNEP in the provision of information as requested from the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund Secretariat

The international consultant will provide inputs and support to UNEP in providing responses to comments from the Multilateral Fund Secretariat and to revise the overarching HFC phase-down strategy and KIP Stage I project proposal/ UNEP’s enabling component following recommendations and requests of Multilateral Fund Secretariat.