Nepal National Consultant (f/m/d): Support to NDC 3.0 Process

Job description

Background

The AMBITION project primary objective is to provide technical needs-based support to countries to develop 2035 NDCs and/or develop LT-LEDS with more ambitious mitigation and/or adaptation evidence-based targets that are consistent with Paris Agreement. this project also seeks to enhance the capacity of vulnerable developing countries in targeted regions in strategic planning, aligning their NDCs with long-term low emissions development strategies. It aims to empower these countries to develop robust and ambitious climate plans that contribute to global efforts in achieving the Paris Agreement. The project will provide needs-based support through the NDC Partnership thematic call to target countries in order to enhance long-term strategic planning and implementation for climate-resilient development and decarbonization.
As part of the project, the CA South Asia Office, drawing from its previous experience in assisting with the formulation of Nepal's 2020 NDC, will provide direct support for the development of the NDC 3.0. Through this project, we aim to support unlocking ambition, accelerate implementation, and improve access to climate finance, ultimately ensuring Nepal's compliance with the Paris Agreement's commitments.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical and logistical support to the NDC 3.0 process by working closely with national focal points to collect data, conduct data analysis using LEAP modelling, review documents, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and generate policy recommendations, with a specific focus on the energy generation, transport, cooking, and non-energy sectors.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will work under the guidance of the national focal points and the AMBITION Project team to deliver the following tasks:

1. Data Collection & Analysis: Collaborate with national focal points to collect relevant data and information needed to update the NDC, including from line ministries (e.g., Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport,  Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Forests and Environment), government agencies (e.g., Department of Roads, Department of Transport Management, Department of Electricity Development), and other relevant national and regional sources. Analyze collected data to identify key trends, gaps, and opportunities for climate action in the energy generation and supply, transport, cooking, and non-energy sectors.
2. Document Review & Analysis: Review Nepal's existing NDCs, sectoral policies, Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), 16th National Development Plan, and other relevant national and sectoral plans and strategies with a focus on energy generation and supply, transport, cooking, and non-energy sector emissions and mitigation strategies. Assess the alignment of existing policies and plans with the goals and targets of the Paris Agreement and Nepal's climate commitments.
3. Scenario Analysis & Policy Evaluation: Utilize LEAP modeling to conduct scenario analysis to assess the impacts of various climate change mitigation policies and technologies (e.g., electric vehicles, public transportation, non-motorized transport, electric cooking, waste, health, industry) on greenhouse gas emissions. Evaluate the effectiveness of different policy options in achieving national and international climate targets. Analyze the costs, benefits, and co-benefits of various mitigation strategies, considering social,  and environmental factors.
4. Policy Recommendations & NDC Support: Develop evidence-based policy recommendations to support the transition to low-carbon energy and non-energy systems in Nepal. Contribute to the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) by providing technical input and analysis on the energy generation and supply, transport, cooking, and non-energy sectors. 
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Support the planning, preparation, and organization of stakeholder consultations and workshops. Facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. Assist the national focal points in gathering data and feedback from partners and stakeholders, including drafts of updated NDC components related to the energy generation and supply, transport, cooking, and non-energy sectors. Work in collaboration with partners while maintaining confidentiality.
6. Reporting and Coordination: Provide regular updates and reports on the progress of the work, coordinating with the national focal points and the AMBITION Project team to ensure alignment with overall objectives. Prepare a final consultancy report summarizing key finding