Swisscontact is a business-oriented independent foundation for international development cooperation. Represented in 36 countries with over 1,400 employees, it promotes - since 1959 - economic, social and environmental development.

Action Research on Energy Efficiency (AREE) is a two-year pilot project under the Swisscontact Development Programme, aimed at broadening Swisscontact’s portfolio in Resource Efficiency in Bangladesh. As part of its work, AREE is addressing energy efficiency in the rice mill sector.

Traditional boilers and furnaces used for parboiling paddy in SME rice mills are highly energy-inefficient and a major source of air pollution. The black smoke emitted during boiler operation adversely impacts workers’ health causing eye ailments and respiratory problems. In addition, the boilers are operationally unsafe, resulting in injuries and occasional casualties. An improved rice parboiling system (IRPS) has been developed by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH). The IRPS requires 20-50% less fuel, strongly reduces smoke emissions, and is equipped with safety features greatly reducing the risk of boiler explosions. Parboiling paddy with an IRPS is therefore a safer, more environmentally friendly option which protects workers’ health.

From the rice mill owner’s perspective, investing in an IRPS represents a good business case. Though an initial investment is needed, the cost savings realized through lower fuel consumption over the IRPS lifetime far outweigh the initial investment costs. Despite the clear business case and the non-financial benefits associated with IRPS, few rice mills have so far upgraded to the improved technology.

The aim of AREE’s work in the rice mill sector is to promote market uptake of the improved rice parboiling system (branded as Nobanno) among SME rice mills. AREE’s interventions focus on 1) raising awareness about the benefits of the IRPS among rice mill owners and 2) strengthening the capacity of local service providers to provide good quality IRPS installation and post-sales services, as well as the capacity of rice mill owners and labourers to ensure proper IRPS operation. As part of its activities, AREE co-financed the installation of two model IRPS at ‘ambassador’ rice mills, which serve as locations for training and awareness raising events.

To support project activities in the two rice mill clusters Sherpur (Bogra) and Ishwardi (Pabna), AREE invites applications from qualified candidates for the following assignment:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The duties and tasks of the consultant include the following:

Intervention implementation
Support the team in implementing project activities in Sherpur, Bogra and Ishwardi, Pabna, specifically in:

• Conducting workshops aimed at disseminating the financial and non-financial benefits of improved rice parboiling systems among SME rice mill owners
• Conducting individual dissemination visits to SME rice mill owners and follow-up visits to rice mill owners potentially interested in investing in improved rice parboiling systems
• Conducting workshops with rice mill owners using IRPS aimed at creating awareness and interest in available IRPS post-sales services
• Facilitating IRPS post-sales services by linking up IRPS users with trained service providers

Monitoring and Results Measurement

• Take the lead in conducting monitoring and results measuring activities following the project’s measurement plan
  
• Support the project’s field coordinator and technical field advisor in conducting regular results’ monitoring and in maintaining field-level monitoring documents
• Carry out quantitative and qualitative data analyses on monitoring data collected
• Maintain and regularly update the project’s main MRM documents

Reporting

• Actively contribute to developing the content of an external knowledge sharing product, capturing the main learnings of AREE
• Support the Project Manager in preparing the final project report

In addition to the above-mentioned tasks, further tasks may by assigned by the management.

Skills and Experience

Candidates must have the following qualifications and skills:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, development studies or environmental sciences
  
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the development sector with at least 1 year of experience in monitoring and results measurement and/or sector analysis. Familiarity with results measurements tools such as results chains and measurement plans will be an advantage
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in applying a range of data collection tools (structured and unstructured interviews, Focus Group Discussions, structured surveys) and in documenting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data efficiently and comprehensively
  
• Excellent oral communication and negotiation skills in Bangla, very good oral and written communication skills in English
• Proficiency in using Windows Office Programs (Word and Excel)
• Ability to communicate openly and to work constructively in a team
• Good organizational and time management skills

Working Conditions and Environment

We are seeking applications from candidates with a keen interest in spending a significant amount of time (approx. 50%) in the field. We offer a stimulating working environment in a dynamic team and an attractive compensation package. Recent graduates with limited prior work experience are encouraged to apply.

Application details: To apply for the advertised consultancies, please email your CV and the filled-in application form (click to go to page) provided below, specifying your salary expectations to bd.recruitment@swisscontact.org. You may also submit your application at Swisscontact, South Asia Regional Office (SARO), House 19, Road 11, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212 addressed to Head of Operations. Please mention Project Officer Implementation & monitoring - AREE in the subject line of your email or on top of the envelope. Applications must be submitted on or before 29 August 2018. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Click for Application form page