Republic of the Philippines: Rural Community-Based Renewable Energy Development in Mindanao

Transcription

1 Technical Assistance Report Project Number: Policy and Advisory Technical Assistance (PATA) January 2011 Republic of the Philippines: Rural Community-Based Renewable Energy Development in Mindanao (Financed by the Asian Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility) Prepared by [Author(s)] [Firm] [Address] Prepared for [Executing Agency] [Implementing Agency] The views expressed herein are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent those of ADB s members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

2 CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 16 November 2010) Currency Unit peso (P) P1.00 = $ $1.00 = P ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank CBO community-based organization kw kilowatt NEA National Electrification Administration TA technical assistance TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CLASSIFICATION Type Policy and advisory technical assistance (PATA) Targeting classification Targeted intervention (household) Sector (subsector) Energy () Themes (subthemes) Capacity development (organizational development), gender equity in economic (opportunities) Climate change Climate change mitigation Location impact Rural (high) Partnership Asian Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility NOTES (i) (ii) The fiscal year (FY) of the government and its agencies ends on 31 December. In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. Vice-President C. Lawrence Greenwood, Jr., Operations Group 2 Director General K. Senga, Southeast Asia Department (SERD) Director A. Jude, Energy and Water Division, SERD Team leader Team members Y. Zhai, Lead Professional (Energy), SERD S. Hasnie, Principal Energy Specialist, SERD P. Hattle, Energy Specialist, SERD D. Schmidt, Young Professional (Energy), SERD In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

3 I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Government of the Philippines asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide policy and advisory technical assistance (TA) to pilot and develop viable business models for rural community-based in Mindanao. A fact-finding mission fielded May 2010 held discussions with officials of the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). The mission reached an understanding with the government on the impact, outcome, outputs, cost estimates, implementation arrangements, and terms of reference for the TA. 1 The design and monitoring framework is in Appendix 1. II. ISSUES 2. The government strongly believes that providing electrical service to people and areas without it improves quality of life, expands access to basic services, and strengthens infrastructure for rural development. Rural electrification has been one of the top policy priority of the Philippine government for decades. By June 2010, through joint efforts by government and the private sector, the Philippines had achieved 99% rural electrification at the barangay 2 level. In smaller communities, or sitios, which are the administrative unit below the barangay, however, the rate was only 69% and about 3.5 million of the country s households were still without electricity. In Mindanao, the country s southernmost region comprising Mindanao Island and smaller adjacent island groups, the electrification rate, at 60%, was far below the national average of 74%. The government established an expanded rural electrification program in 2003 to strengthen and integrate government and private sector efforts on rural electrification. Among its goals was the electrification of 90% of the households in country s sitios by Most unelectrified sitios are remote and can be serviced most economically through renewable energy produced by microhydro, solar photovoltaic, and hybrid power systems. Hybrid power systems combine energy technologies for example, solar photovoltaic with wind generation, solar photovoltaic or wind with diesel generation, and solar thermal with biomass-fired heat for drying and other thermal applications. 3. ADB's country strategy and program (CSP) for the Philippines, 3 which has been extended to 2010, emphasizes support for removing infrastructure bottlenecks in the power, transport, and agriculture sectors to increase the country s competitiveness. A supply of secure, affordable electricity is viewed as a particularly important key to promoting sustainable growth. The CSP also recognizes that electrification is central to rural development. The poorest households and communities in the Philippines are found in its far-flung, unelectrified sitios. This is especially true in the northeastern Mindanao region of Caraga to be targeted under the proposed TA, where the incidence of poverty in 2006 was 45.5%, substantially above the 38.8% rate for Mindanao as a whole and the national average of 26.9%. 4. The proposed TA is part of ADB's Energy for All Initiative 4 to develop innovative approaches to giving the poor access to affordable, modern energy and scaling up the use of. Access to energy underpins ADB s poverty reduction mission and the Strategy agendas of inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. Maximizing 1 The TA first appeared in the business opportunities section of ADB s website on 8 October A barangay is a unit of administration consisting of 50 to 100 families under an administrator (captain). 3 ADB Country Strategy and Program: Philippines, Manila. 4 ADB Technical Assistance for Energy for All Initiative. Manila (TA 6443-REG, approved on 6 February Access with funding of $2.3 million from the Government of the Netherlands). 5 ADB Strategy 2020: The Long-Term Strategic Framework of the Asian Development Bank, Manila.

4 2 access to energy is one of three pillars of ADB s 2009 energy policy, 6 which aims to help its developing member countries provide reliable, adequate, and affordable energy for inclusive growth in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way. 5. The proposed TA is fully consistent with ADB s strategic priorities in the sector, i.e., (i) continuing support for power sector restructuring, (ii) strengthening the electricity distribution sector, (iii) promoting and energy efficiency, and (iv) targeting support to reduce rural poverty. In addition, the development of sustainable resources is urgently needed to ease current power shortages and diversify the energy mix to meet the growing energy demand in Mindanao. III. THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE A. Impact and Outcome 6. The TA will impact investment in projects in the Philippines. The outcome will be development of a business model for livelihood development using renewable energy in the Caraga region of Mindanao. B. Methodology and Key Activities 7. The formulation and design of the proposed TA have benefited from the recently completed Renewable Energy and Livelihood Development Project for Negros Occidental, 7 which was financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. It provided important lessons regarding the generation of livelihood activities through the use of and through a revolving fund operated by community-based organizations (CBOs). CBOs to be established under the TA will help implement the project and ensure the long-term sustainability of the plants and their benefits. Gender and indigenous people issues will be identified and addressed through the CBOs. Using the Caraga region as the pilot area, the TA will formulate business models that will involve the public and private sector in developing in Mindanao. Caraga was selected based on a preliminary resource assessment and ongoing activities by other development partners in other parts of Mindanao. The cost of and the ability of rural consumers to afford it will be key elements in designing business models involving private sector participation. The TA will create a revolving fund that will be operated by a microfinance organization at first but turned over eventually to up to five local CBOs in the communities eventually identified for the pilot projects. The fund will provide financial assistance to help the project beneficiaries use the energy productively to generate income, which will pay for the energy services and the maintenance of the pilot facilities. 8. The TA will develop the renewable business models through at least five pilot systems, using microhydro, solar photovoltaic, small wind, and other indigenous sources, with an estimated capacity of 200 kilowatts (kw) overall to serve the energy needs of about 1,500 households in the Caraga region of Mindanao. The TA is expected to generate the following outputs: 6 ADB Energy Policy.Manila. 7 ADB Renewable Energy and Livelihood Development Project for the Poor in Negros Occidental. Manila.

5 3 9. Output 1: Renewable energy resource and demand assessment. This will cover the following preparatory activities: (i) assess energy resources (on grid and off grid); (ii) review available appropriate technologies and business models; (iii) review infrastructure and private sector capacity, e.g., manufacturing capacities/capabilities and transport infrastructure; (iv) develop service delivery mechanism; (v) develop a socioeconomic profile of beneficiaries, identify indigenous people, conduct gender analysis, and prepare a gender action plan; (vi) assess end user needs for various energy forms for different uses, the technology and supply mechanisms for the different end user groups, and the associated poverty and gender implications; and (vii) develop a model for financing and innovative payment schemes. 10. Output 2: Pilot projects. The following activities will implement pilot project: (i) construct and install five demonstration systems in selected sitios; (ii) organize people s organizations to operate and manage these power plant systems; (iii) train technicians and operators, at least 20% of whom should be women; (iv) conduct financial and economic analyses of the facilities; and (v) identify local sources for the supply of spare parts. 11. Output 3: Productive use of. 8 This will directly benefit people and and will: (i) build capacity of CBO on small enterprise development; (ii) transfer technology on productive uses of energy, with inputs; (iii) enhance productivity and livelihoods through technology assistance, business advice, the value chain, and market linkages; (iv) provide links to microfinance institutions or credit facilities to support the capital requirements of the new technology and/or for value addition; and (v) ensure that at least of half of beneficiaries will be women or households headed by women. 12. Output 4: Establishment of CBOs and revolving fund for livelihood enhancement. The revolving fund will provide microcredit to households to cover the costs of electrical connections and the purchase of appliances, and to fund the livelihood projects they will undertake with the use of electricity. This component of the TA focuses on capacity building in the CBOs, which will directly benefit rural residents in the project area, particularly women. Rural households will be organized into viable CBOs able to manage diverse community projects on their own. The CBOs will also act as barangay power associations (BAPAs). The TA will provide training in organizational management and leadership skills development, simple accounting and bookkeeping, project development and management, and product value-adding and marketing. Suitable candidates will be trained to be microhydro operators, managers, and 8 Productive use of energy is defined here as the utilization of energy both electric, and non-electric thermal or mechanical energy for activities that support economic and social development, increases in income, and the improvement of welfare. These productive uses of energy typically involve agriculture, fisheries, rural enterprise, and community services such as education, water supply, and health services and facilities.

6 4 repair and maintenance technicians. The CBOs will play a significant role in project implementation, particularly in the construction and maintenance of the facilities. 13. Output 5: Knowledge dissemination. The TA will develop a knowledge kit based on its outputs and results and prepare a knowledge dissemination plan through workshops, training, and an internet website. Dissemination will target stakeholders in the Philippines as well as other developing member countries, particularly those with similar geographic and climate conditions. 14. Based on lessons from the previous and livelihood project financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (footnote 7), the potential TA implementation risks include (i) limited availability of adequate human and financial resources in the project areas; (ii) failure by local communities to take ownership of pilot projects; (iii) inability of pilot projects to identify sustainable delivery models; and (iv) poor maintenance of the microhydro plants, resulting in lower output. The TA will mitigate these risks by carefully identifying renewable energy technologies appropriate to local conditions and by training CBOs properly. A voluntary carbon market will be considered and may be tapped to enhance the cost effectiveness of the facilities. C. Cost and Financing 15. The TA is estimated to cost $2,400,000 of which $2,000,000 will be financed on a grant basis, by the Asian Clean Energy Fund 9 under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility, and administered by ADB. Of the $2,000,000 grant, $450,000 (22.5%) will be used to install pilot facilities. The Government of the Philippines, through the NEA, will provide the equivalent of $400,000 in kind in the form of office space, counterpart staff, and the community contribution to the civil works. The detailed cost estimates and financing plan are in Appendix 2. D. Implementation Arrangements 16. The NEA will be the executing agency for the TA and will collaborate closely with the local electric cooperatives and other relevant government agencies. The NEA will assign a project coordinator before contract negotiations and counterpart staff to work with the consultants. 17. The TA will be implemented over 30 months, beginning 1 March The consultants will be engaged by ADB in accordance with the Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2010, as amended from time to time). The simplified technical proposal and quality- and-cost-based selection procedures (using a quality cost ratio of 90:10) will be used in selecting the consulting firm. The consultant will design, procure, and install the pilot facilities under the TA. The procurement of equipment for the pilot plants will be undertaken by the consultant through the shopping method in accordance with Procurement Guidelines (2010, as amended from time to time). The outline terms of reference for the consultants are in Appendix 3. Disbursements under the TA will be done in accordance with ADB s Technical Assistance Disbursement Handbook (2010, as amended from time to time). 9 Established by the Government of Japan.

7 5 18. The consultant team will provide 52 person-months of services, including 22 personmonths by international consultants and 30 person-months by national consultants. The international consultants will include one specialist (team leader, 12 personmonths) and one project financial specialist (10 person-months). The national consultants will include two rural electrification engineers (16 person-months), one procurement specialist (4 person-months), and a social development and gender specialist (10 person-months). The consultant team will prepare inception, interim, draft final, and final reports, due in 4 weeks, 12 months, 20 months, and 24 months, respectively, after the services start. The design of the pilot project and procurement plan will be included in the interim report, and the installation of pilot projects will be completed by the end of the TA, with a separate pilot project completion report. Tripartite meetings of the NEA, the consultants, and ADB will be held for the presentation and review of the initial, interim, and draft final reports. 19. A revolving fund will be established as a pilot scheme under the TA to finance household connections to -based electricity and energy-based livelihood development through CBOs. The NEA, supported by consultants, will identify a local microcredit financing institution 10 to set up and operate the revolving fund, and provide financial operation and management training. At the end of the TA period, operation of the revolving fund is to be turned over to the newly created CBOs, which will have already participated in setting up and managing it. The revolving fund is expected to cover operation and maintenance expenses, management and administrative costs, and potential reinvestment for possible expansion, among other things. Specific governance structure, administrative arrangements, selection criteria, and uses of the funds, as well as their respective monitorable indicators, will be detailed in the consultant inception report for review and approval by ADB. 20. The TA final report will be disseminated to the public in accordance with ADB s Public Communications Policy (2005). 21. The pilot facilities build under the TA will be turned over to the CBOs. The charter to create these CBOs will include provisions for owning and maintaining the facilities. An operation and maintenance agreement will be signed between the NEA and the CBOs at the time of the facility turnover. All training materials developed by the consultants and office equipment purchased during the TA will be transferred to the NEA upon completion of the TA and thereafter will remain the property of the government. The copyright of any materials, software systems, or databases developed by the TA consultants belongs to ADB and will remain with ADB. The pilot installations built under the TA will be transferred to the CBOs. IV. THE PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION 22. The President recommends that the Board approve ADB administering technical assistance not exceeding the equivalent of $2,000,000 to the Government of the Philippines, to be financed on a grant basis by the Asian Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility for Rural Community-Based Renewable Energy Development in Mindanao. 10 The main microcredit financing institutions, among others, in Caraga are: Green Bank of Caraga, Peoples Bank of Caraga, Enterprise Bank, Talacogon Multipurpose Development Cooperative, Siargao Rural Bank and Rural Bank of Placer, Rural Bank of Cantilan and Socorro Empowered Cooperative

8 6 Appendix 1 DESIGN AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK Design Summary Impact Investments in projects in the Philippines Performance Targets and Indicators with Baselines Successful replication and scaling up of for rural electrification in the Philippines by 2015 Data Sources and Reporting Mechanisms Department of Energy and National Electrification Administration reports Assumptions and Risks Assumption Provision of electricity through sources will lead to broad economic development in the remote rural areas. Outcome Households in the Caraga region of Mindanao provided with a business model for livelihood development using 1,500 households provided with electricity by 200-kW renewable energy plants developed and demonstrated by September % of beneficiaries of productive use of energy are women Pilot projects generate about 200,000 kilowatthours per year from emission-free,, or reduction of about 100 tons of CO 2 emission per year Annual project implementation reports and project completion reports Progress reports submitted by executing agencies CDM facility assessment reports and validation reports to be prepared for subprojects during project implementation Planned post-project completion socioeconomic surveys Assumptions The provision of electricity will result in improved income-generation opportunities for the target communities The targeted communities can afford the electricity generated through and grid expansion. Pilot projects are not delayed by internal conflicts or security problems. Risks Human and financial resources are limited Resource risks due to weather and natural disasters Local communities do not take ownership of pilot projects Pilot projects do not successfully identify sustainable delivery models and local communities do not

9 Appendix 1 7 Design Summary Performance Targets and Indicators with Baselines Data Sources and Reporting Mechanisms Assumptions and Risks access new energy sources Maintenance of the microhydro plants is weak during operations, resulting in lower output Outputs 1. Rapid assessment of resources and demand. Review of technologies and models, existing infrastructure, and socioeconomic profiles of target areas 2. At least five pilot projects with an aggregated capacity of 200 kw, including local spare parts 1. One consolidated resource assessment report is prepared and endorsed by ADB by June kw renewable energy system installed, 1,500 households are connected to electricity by September 2013 Annual project implementation reports and project completion reports Progress reports submitted by executing agencies CDM facility assessment reports and validation reports to be prepared for subprojects during project implementation Planned post-project completion socioeconomic surveys Assumption The implementing agencies have the necessary technical expertise to implement the subprojects in a timely and efficient manner Risk The communities in the targeted areas are not capable of starting business enterprises to use electricity for productive purposes 3. Productive use of based electricity 3. At least 500 households (50% of females or households headed by females) participate in livelihood projects (September 2013) 4.Community-based organizations and revolving fund established 4. Community-based organization with appropriate capacity is set up by September Knowledge kit developed 5. One set of knowledge kits developed, along with dissemination plan

10 8 Appendix 1 Performance Targets and Indicators with Design Summary Baselines Activities with Milestones Data Sources and Reporting Mechanisms Assumptions and Risks Inputs 1.1 Conduct field survey, collect socioeconomic data, as well as data on resources in Mindanao (April 2011-August 2011) 1.2 Collect and assess available technologies in the Philippines and in the region (June November 2011) 2.1 Conduct feasibility studies and design pilot systems (November August 2012) 2.2 Begin civil works and install at least five projects with aggregated capacity of 200 kw (March 2012 August 2013) 2.3 Identify spare parts supply from local manufactures 3.1 Identify livelihood development projects (September October 2012) 3.2 Organize and participate in livelihood development projects (December 2011 June 2013) Asian Clean Energy Fund/Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility Grant: $2,000,000 Government contribution: $400,000 in kind 22 person-months international consultant services 30 person-month national consultant services 4.1 Set up and train local community based organizations (August 2011 August 2013) 4.2 Set up and operate revolving fund (September 2012 October 2013) 5.1 Prepare investment plan and start preparatory work for replication and scaling up development for other areas (March 2013 September 2013) 5.2 Develop knowledge kit (business models) and knowledge dissemination plan through workshops, training, and website posting (March 2013 September 2013).

11 Appendix 2 9 COST ESTIMATES AND FINANCING PLAN ($'000) Total Item Cost A. Asian Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility a 1. Consultants a. Remuneration and per diem i. International consultants (22 person-months) ii. National consultants (30 person-months) b. International and local travel c. Reports and communications Equipment b Workshops, training, seminars, and conferences c a. Facilitators b. Training program Surveys (including poverty and gender analysis) Miscellaneous administration and support costs d Contingencies Subtotal (A) B. Government of Philippines and NEA Financing 1. Office accommodation and transport Remuneration and per diem of counterpart staff 3. Others (civil works) g Subtotal (B) Total 2,400.0 NEA = National Electrification Administration. a Established by the Government of Japan, and administered by the Asian Development Bank. b Equipment: Renewable energy systems (including distribution lines): 5 sets; total cost, $450,000. c Workshops, training, and/or seminars and conferences in five selected barangays in Mindanao: (i) local community mobilization and organization for the pilot projects, (ii) technical training for systems, and (iii) financial training for operating revolving fund. d Revolving fund for energy access and productive use of energy. e Civil works contributed by local community and beneficiaries. Source: Asian Development Bank estimates.

12 10 Appendix 3 OUTLINE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANTS 1. Renewable energy specialist and team leader (international, 12 person-months). The international rural electrification specialist will have experience working with rural communities in projects for rural electrification, preferably in the Philippines. The team leader will be responsible for managing technical assistance (TA) implementation. The team leader will manage and coordinate TA implementation, and will (i) collect and review existing background data, including taking stock of recent, current, and planned initiatives, and undertake initial consultation with stakeholders; (ii) lead the resource assessment (including off-grid and grid-based resource potential), and the review of infrastructure and private sector capacity, and the socioeconomic survey of the project areas; (iii) set up criteria for selecting the pilot projects, lead the review of available technologies, interventions, and models for priority application in the pilot projects, as well as of the available specialists and rural electrification engineers; (iv) conduct a comparative assessment analysis on supply options to identify the least-cost options ( supply mix) to meet the energy demand and prepare, with the financial specialist, detailed feasibility studies for pilot projects; (v) prepare a project design and implementation plan, including the technician training program, design of the prepayment system and tariff structure, installation of equipment and works, monitoring, and compliance with relevant national development approvals; (vi) assist the National Electrification Administration in drawing up service contracts to ensure that repairs and maintenance and the timely procurement of spare parts continue beyond the life of the project; (vii) develop a training program and manual for pilot project technicians; (viii) ensure that the economic and financial assessments of the projects are carried out successfully and are of appropriate quality, and make necessary changes based on inputs from stakeholder consultations; (ix) supervise the civil works and oversee the installation of equipment and works at the pilot project sites and monitor progress of pilot projects with periodic visits; (x) prepare a brochure for the pilot projects before transfer of the ownership of the installed pilot facilities to community-based organizations; (xi) organize consultation seminar and workshops for stakeholders; (xii) prepare a list of projects for scaling up; (xiii) prepare an investment plan with the finance specialist for the replication and scaling up of projects, including preparation of carbon credit funding applications; (xiv) identify various financing, management, and maintenance arrangements to promote project sustainability, including private sector involvement; (xv) develop business models involving private sector participation, based on the output and results of the TA, and prepare a knowledge kit and a plan for its dissemination through workshops, training, and website posting; (xvi) draft progress and final reports, including pilot project completion reports and lessons learned; and

13 Appendix 3 11 (xvii) finalize the final report based on consultations with stakeholders and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 2. Project financing specialist (international, 10 person-months). The specialist will have strong experience in designing and managing projects and in designing and implementing microfinance in developing countries. The specialist will (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) assess the financial feasibility of the pilot projects, determine an appropriate tariff structure, design a cost-effective prepayment system, identify all risks to project revenues and costs, and conduct relevant sensitivity analyses; develop clear mechanisms, strategies, and an overall structure for the financial management of projects to promote transparency and long-term sustainability in compliance with ADB procedures; review engineering studies for the pilot projects and provide cost details for all project components; conduct a detailed financial assessment of the projects, including least-cost financing options; develop an investment plan with the team leader for replicating and scaling up projects; develop links with multilateral financing institutions for establishing financing sources for access to ; set up the revolving fund mechanism and develop strategies and structure for its management; conduct a financial assessment of the executing agency that will implement the scaling up of projects; help the team leader develop the business models and the knowledge kit; and provide input and assist the team leader in preparing progress and final reports. 3. Rural electrification engineers (national, two persons for 16 person-months). The engineers will have experience working with governments, the private sector, and local communities. The position will be based in Manila and require frequent site visits. The engineer will (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) support the team leader and project team in (a) arranging travel logistics, (b) arranging meetings and workshops, (c) maintaining contacts with stakeholders, (d) obtaining relevant country and provincial background data for initial assessments, and (e) obtaining follow-up technical data; support the Department of Energy and the local government in coordinating and implementing TA activities; organize and assist in all required stakeholder consultations; assist in coordinating communications between the team and the Department of Energy; support the team leader in developing and implementing technician training; supervise civil works and monitor pilot project progress with monthly visits to the project sites; help prepare and implement workshops and dissemination activities; assist the team leader in developing the business models and the knowledge kit; provide input and assist the team leader in preparing progress and final reports. 4. Procurement specialist (national, 4 person-months). The procurement specialist will have experience in procuring microhydro and other systems. The specialist

14 12 Appendix 3 will develop a detailed procurement plan for the pilot projects, including a list of procurement packages and modes of procurement, and prepare outline bid documents in accordance with ADB Procurement Guidelines (2010, as amended from time to time) for each of the procurement packages. The procurement specialist will (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) identify the information required and organize the surveys and data capture necessary to prepare the bidding for the subprojects; prepare and complete technical designs, including bills of quantities and provision of detailed cost estimates, for subprojects documents; prepare specifications for the purchase of equipment and materials; prepare bidding documents for subprojects following ADB Procurement Guidelines (2010, as amended from time to time) and using standard bidding documents and guidelines; evaluate bids and prepare bid evaluation reports, including recommendations for contract awards; prepare the necessary documentation for contract signing, mobilization, and withdrawal applications; conduct a procurement capacity assessment of the executing agency that will implement the scaling up of projects; and provide input and assist the team leader in preparing progress and final reports. 5. Social development and gender specialist (national, 10 person-months). The consultant will: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) (xi) (xii) conduct socioeconomic surveys and prepare indigenous people and poverty analysis of households in project areas; assess end user needs for the various energy forms for different uses, the technology and supply mechanisms for the different groups, and the associated poverty and gender implications; recommend appropriate gender targets for the expected beneficiaries of the facilities (number of households headed by women); assess the cost of energy and innovative payment schemes (loans, staggered payment schemes) and women's access to the community revolving fund for livelihood enhancement; recommend appropriate income-generating activities; develop targets for increasing the knowledge and skills of women in the productive use of energy, new technologies for expanding livelihood options, business management and development, licensing and tax requirements, market opportunities, etc.; prepare a gender action plan to empower women through access to electricity and income-generating activities; assess gender issues and recommend empowerment measures through project components; assess indigenous people issues and concerns and recommend an action plan, if necessary; provide training on gender equality issues for all energy planners and implementers of the executing and implementing agency and disseminate knowledge products on mainstreaming gender in rural electrification projects; monitor the impact of the interventions on women beneficiaries advantages and achievements, and challenges; and provide input and assist the team leader in preparing progress and final reports.