Habitat for Humanity International Europe and Middle East (EME) is looking for a qualified consultant for the assessment of the needs/demands of homeowner associations (HOAs) for the implementation of smaller Renewable Energy (RE) measures.
1.Introduction and background
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit housing organization that helps low-income people around the world access decent housing. Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 22 million people meet their affordable housing needs in more than 70 countries.
HFHI works through a broad network of national Habitat organizations and other strategic partners, such as corporations, financial service providers, individuals, non-governmental organizations, foundations, local governments, as well as private and third-sector actors, to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from accessing adequate, affordable shelter.
2. About SUNRISE – Prosumer Solar Energy Project
The most prominent technology for energy self-consumption is solar energy, in particular, solar photovoltaic (PV). The project SUNRISE aims to support local organizations in Bulgaria, Lithuania, and North Macedonia in initiating the expansion of solar energy projects through the exchange of experience and knowledge sharing. It will identify barriers on the national and local level and develop solutions for multi-family buildings. The relatively low-threshold approach of plug-in modules will raise apartment owners’ and tenants’ awareness of the solar potential and initiate larger installations in the medium term.
3. Objective of the assessment
This assessment aims to determine the needs and demands, and financial potential of the HOA’s for implementation of smaller RE measures.
Through collecting the relevant data and providing analysis to understand where further support is required, the assessment should provide insight into the reasons, barriers, and potential solutions for why RE measures are not implemented.
Tasks (Scope of work)
The following tasks need to be completed by the Consultant:
Benefits of the Renewable Energy (solar) measures:
- Understanding if the HOA’s and homeowners have the knowledge and are aware of the benefits of the RE measures.;
- Review the existing RE measures implemented by HOAs;
- Conduct interviews with HOA’s representatives and homeowners to collect data on their understanding of RE measures benefits;
- Conduct Focus Group with HOAs and homeowners to fill the gaps from the interview process and confirm the findings;
RE measures needs and demands
- Understand if there are needs and demands for the RE measures by HOAs and homeowners;
- Conduct interviews with HOA’s representatives and homeowners to collect data on RE measures needs and demands by HOA’s and homeowners;
- Conduct Focus Group with HOAs and homeowners to fill the gaps from the interview process and confirm the findings;
HOA’s financial potential
- Understand the HOA’s and homeowners’ financial potential to finance the RE measures;
- Understand how they have been financing the RE measures, for those that have already implemented the RE sources’
- Conduct interviews with HOA’s representatives and homeowners to collect data on financial potential;
- Conduct Focus Group with HOAs and homeowners to fill the gaps from the interview process and confirm the findings;
Awareness of RE financial products and services available on the market
- Understand the HOA’s and homeowners awareness of financial products and services available for RE measures;
- Conduct interviews with HOA’s representatives and homeowners to collect data on of their awareness;
- Conduct Focus Group with HOAs and homeowners to fill the gaps from the interview process and confirm the findings;
Develop a final report summarizing the findings on all of the above.
4. Methodology and process
The research should use well-known and credible sources of information available for the country/area. The exact methodology to be determined based on the consultant’s recommendations and a final decision of designated HFHI/EME staff.
5. Required competencies and experience
It could be a consultancy company or a licensed freelance consultant. The consultant should have a combination of the following skills and competencies:
- Strong expertise in market research and market studies,
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a country context,
- Master’s degree, in one of the following areas of academic qualification: finance, economics, or equivalent relevant professional experience of minimum 5 years in market research and/or housing finance,
- At least 3 references of professional experience in conducting similar services,
- English language fluency is required,
- Knowledge of the local language is a must.
- Registration in EU preferred
6. Timeline and Deliverables
The overall duration of the assignment shall not exceed 25 days. The assignment should start on 15 August 2024 and should be completed by the end of September 2024.
Additionally, we will entertain suggested amended deliverables, but we would expect to receive a draft and a final report of key findings of the study with actionable recommendations.
7. Renumeration
The maximum value of the contract is EUR 8 000.
How to apply
8. Submission process and guidelines
Submission process:
Habitat for Humanity International invites proposals from consultants with the experience and skills described above. Please send the proposals to Zuzana Matusova, at zmatusova@habitat.org and Monika Klimentova at mklimentova@habitat.org by 20 July 2024.
Proposal contents:
a.) For companies – Background/Administrative information including the name of applicant, correspondence address, telephone number and e-mail address, list of the proposed consultants with detailed CVs for the consulting companies
For individual consultants – a Cover letter and CV.
b.) At least 3 references of professional experience in conducting similar services in the financial sector and professional experience.
c.) Technical proposal with description of the consultant’s approach and methodology, tools to be used, and tentative work plan as well as a structure of the market study report.
d.) Financial proposal.
ToR reception:
By responding to this ToR, the consultant agrees to be responsible for fully understanding the requirements or other details of the ToR and will ask any questions to ensure such understanding is gained. Habitat for Humanity International retains the right to disqualify consultants who do not demonstrate a clear understanding of our needs.
Communication and proposal submission guidelines:
Communications shall not be effective, unless a specified employee who is responsible for managing the selection’s process formally confirms these communications in writing. In no case shall verbal communication govern over written communications.
9. Selection process and criteria
All proposals will be evaluated systematically, on a rolling basis, based on the following key criteria. The purpose of this section is to identify suppliers with the interest, capabilities, and financial stability to supply consulting services, as defined in this ToR. Following is a prioritized list of our key evaluation criteria:
- Price
- Profile and competencies of the appointed consultant or team: knowledge, experience, composition, and other necessary competencies.
- Suitability of the financial proposal: for the activities laid out in the methodology, within the financial possibilities of the project, etc.
- Quality of the methodological proposal: aspects that will help us to assess their suitability for that, which is proposed in the ToR, quality of the proposal, feasibility, etc.
Final Selection:
Consultant(s) who have demonstrated their capacity to meet our needs will be contacted via email to be notified of their selection to move forward in the selection process. Consultants, who have not been selected, will not be contacted.
10. Other provisions
Waiver Authority:
HFHI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor irregularities in submittal requirements, to request modification of the response, to accept or reject any or all responses received, and/or to cancel all or part of this ToR at any time prior to awards.
Disclaimer:
This RFP does not commit HFHI to award any funds, pay any costs incurred in preparing a response, or procure or contract for services or supplies. HFHI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, negotiate with all qualified Respondents, cancel or modify the RFP in part or in its entirety, or change the response guidelines, when it is in its best interest.
Changes/Amendments to ToR:
This ToR has been distributed electronically using HFHI’s email system. Any update and/or changes will be communicated by this process.
HFHI is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children),