SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

 In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets, and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Together, we are committed to effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximizing positive, lasting impacts.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence, and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Kenya and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org

The African Biodigester Component (ABC) Project-Kenya

The ABC Project is implemented by a consortium between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV). GIZ is the consortium lead, whereas SNV is the implementation partner. This consortium is considered the Lead Implementer (LI) for the ABC project in Kenya.

The ABC-K project seeks “to achieve a sustainable, stable and growing market for biodigesters that significantly contribute to achieving national sustainable agricultural production, energy access and climate targets, by following a market-based approach to triggering demand, promoting the supply of high-quality technology and services and improving the enabling environment.” Specifically, the project aims to facilitate a shift in the biodigester market from its pioneering to the expansion phase.

Within the context of these overarching objectives of the Project, SNV seeks to drive a proactive and supportive enabling environment for biodigesters in Kenya, while also supporting the demand side for biodigesters through targeted awareness-raising measures. As a cross-cutting objective, gender and social inclusion interventions will be implemented under the project, while driving greater gender equality within the wider biodigester sector.

Background and motivation

In 2022, the ABC project conducted a study on the enabling environment and capacity building for small and medium-sized biodigesters in Kenya[1], identifying market gaps and opportunities. The study recommended that the domestic biogas standards developed in 2014 in Kenya are yet to be updated as they fall short of addressing emerging market developments, such as a rapid introduction of prefabricated biodigester designs. Additionally, the standards fall short of expectations, as they are skewed to physical design parameters rather than performance based. For biodigester buyers/users, like any other product consumers, what counts more is performance with different attributes, rather than the physical dimensions. The physical dimensions or technical specifications are more relevant for the private sector or for development projects like ABC, for their own capacity development and internal quality assurance, to comply with the ultimate national standards that are ideally defined with performance parameters. The absence of sector-driven quality control processes and performance standards is leading to uncertainty among customers and financial institutions, regarding product quality.

The existing domestic biodigester standards (KS 2566-1:2015, KS 2566-2:2015 & KS 2566-3:2015), established in 2015, primarily focus on fixed dome and floating drum biogas plant design variants, which hampers innovation, especially with the rise in popularity of prefabricated biodigesters[2]. Consequently, there is a necessity to develop new standards that reflect evolving technological solutions and prioritise the performance of domestic biodigesters over design.

In this regard, we are seeking to initiate: i) the revision of KS 2566 series of standards so that they accommodate innovation in the sector, like the widespread adoption of prefabricated biodigester systems; and ii) development of biogas appliances and accessories standards, to include devices for productive use of biogas and bio-slurry and accessories like pressure gauges or desulphurisers.

[1] https://www.snv.org/update/addressing-gaps-enabling-environment-small-and-medium-scale-biodigesters-kenya

[2] As of 2021, the ratio of prefab biodigesters in Kenya was about 64%, which rose to about 95% in 2023.

Objectives of the assignment/consultancy

To comprehensively evaluate the adoption and implementation of current domestic biodigester standards, suggest performance considerations regarding household size biodigester systems in the market, including the accessories/appliances and recommend an effective approach and methodology for establishing performance-based biodigester standards in Kenya.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the Consultant will include but not be limited to:

1. Assess the extent of uptake and application of the current standards by market players.
2. Examine the existing opportunities and challenges for standards uptake within the sector.
3. Examine and suggest on technical performance parameters of different biodigester designs in the market and on how to integrate these into the standards review, including testing and certification. The technical specifications and performance parameters should include biodigester accessories/appliances for the productive use of biogas and bio-slurry from household-size biodigester systems currently available in the Kenyan market.
4. Suggest the best approach and methodology to review the existing domestic (household) biodigester standards or establish a new set of performance-based standards, also learning from countries in Africa (e.g., Ethiopia and Rwanda) and Asia (e.g., India and China) as well as the ISO TC 255 documents on household biogas plants.
5. Undertake stakeholder analysis in the biogas sector in Kenya for purposes of dissemination of reviewed standards.

Timeline & Deliverables

This assignment is expected to be carried out for 30 professional days for the lead consultant, beginning December 2024.  The table below highlights the anticipated deliverables.

a. Inception report detailing the methodology to be used, activity plan and stakeholder engagement plan.

b. A Technical report detailing the basis for the review of the domestic biodigester standards (KS 2566-1:2015, KS 2566-2:2015 & KS 2566-3:2015). The technical report will also highlight the current market compliance and enforcement gaps, emerging technological innovations, and opportunities.  

c. An assessment report as an outcome of a participatory approach, to gather data and technical information that will inform the new standards development. The report will include a proposal for reviewing the existing standard or developing new editions considering the performance parameters on top of any basic physical or technical parameters.

d. Final approved roadmap for the new household biodigester standards development to translate the above-mentioned proposal to a new set of household biodigester standards for Kenya.  

Tasks and proposed Consultant Professional Days

Phase 1- Inception ( 3days)

Inception report detailing the methodology to be used, activity plan and stakeholder engagement plan.

Phase 2- Stakeholders engagement and analysis for review of existing standards (10 days)

A Technical report detailing the basis for the review of the domestic biodigester standards (KS 2566-1:2015, KS 2566-2:2015 & KS 2566-3:2015). The technical report will also highlight the current market compliance and enforcement gaps, emerging technological innovations, and opportunities. 

Phase 3- Development of a new proposal for the standards review or development of a new one (10 days)

Engage the relevant stakeholders and develop through a participatory process, a proposal for the standards review/rewriting with inputs from the industry actors, including experts from development partners and academia.

Phase 4- Finalize roadmap for developing a new standard (7 days) 

Validated and approved roadmap for the new standards development with the above-mentioned proposal on a new household biodigester standards for Kenya

Level of Effort (days) for the lead consultant:   total days 30

Criteria for Evaluation

Technical proposal including:

1. Individual Consultant experience in previous similar assignments and reputation – Past performance, references for the work performed in the last five years with at least 2-3 assignments in Kenya (20%)
2. Demonstrate past work in the renewable energy, biodigester sector, and working knowledge of standards development in Kenya or East Africa (20%)
3. Clear comprehension of the ToR, detailed methodology and workplan (20%)
4. Directly relevant academic qualifications like degree in engineering, renewable energy or another technical field (20%).

Financial Proposal (20%)

1. Must be inclusive of all applicable taxes in Kenya (WHT/VAT).

Qualifications of lead consultant/firm of consultants

a) Academic Qualifications

At least a master’s degree in a relevant field in engineering, renewable energy, with a good understanding of the standards development process.  

b) Experience 

1. At least seven years of relevant professional experience.
2. Prior working experience in biodigester, clean cooking, energy decentralisation programmes and standards development is a key added advantage.
3. Demonstrated experience working with government partners, industry associations, the private sector, and other stakeholders in public sector development programs, especially around capacity development. 

c) Skills and Competencies

1. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
2. High level written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili
3. Must be result-oriented, a team player, exhibiting high levels of enthusiasm, tact, diplomacy, and integrity.
4. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and professional skills in interacting with industry, government and development partners.
5. Skills in facilitation of stakeholder engagements/workshops
6. Evidence of having undertaken similar assignments
7. Experience in research, policy influence/advocacy and programming-related work.

Proposal submission.

Interested and qualified firms/individuals are required to submit separately, a technical and financial proposal that includes the following:

Technical Proposal

• The lead consultant and support team's qualifications and experience for task execution.
• Comprehension of the task, showcasing relevant background knowledge.
• Proposed strategy and methodology for task execution, emphasising how the applicant will meet the requirements of this Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Past involvement in similar assignment(s).
• Comprehensive work plan detailing the activities.

Financial proposal

• Total budget (in Kenya shillings) aligned with the work plan.
• Breakdown of daily costs for the lead consultant and other team member(s).
• Individual consultant/expert's PIN Certificate copy.
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate copy.

Payments will be based on outputs, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the ToRs.

The consultant is expected to be based in Nairobi and no travel costs or subsistence allowances shall be paid, as the tasks do not need any travel outside Nairobi.

Contract Type: Consulting Contract
Contract Duration:  30 -Man days 

Expected Start Date: December 2024

Duty Station: Nairobi Kenya

How to apply:

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by clicking on the “I AM INTERESTED” tab on this page and separately submitting your technical proposal and financial proposal in English before 18th November 2024.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.