Consultancy - Baseline assessment on access to and utilization of renewable energy solutions in RHDs, IDP, & Underserved communities

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY TO CONDUCT A BASELINE ASSESSMENT ON ACCESS TO AND UTILIZATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN RHDs, IDP, & UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

BACKGROUND

1.1 About the Project

Ayuda en Acción is an international NGO committed to generating opportunities for growth and development for the most vulnerable populations. With over 40 years of experience, we operate in 18 countries across Latin America and Africa. Our work is driven by core values of human rights, independence, and innovation, constantly seeking sustainable solutions that create lasting impact.

One of our key intervention areas is the Green Economy and Adaptation to Climate Change, where we promote the transition towards sustainable energy and climate resilience, particularly for marginalized communities. Ayuda en Acción Uganda has piloted the SunScale project that leverages a Market System Development (MSD) approach to improve the delivery of productive use of renewable energy (PURE) services in West Nile and Acholi Sub-regions through collaboration with relevant ecosystem players. By doing so, we address issues related to agricultural production and incomes, women’s empowerment, modern cooking, and climate change resilience.

1.2 About the Assignment

Building on our mission and experience in Uganda, this consultancy aims to assess access to and utilization of renewable energy solutions in refugee and host districts (RHDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved populations in African regions focusing on Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Niger, and Mali.

This assessment will explore sustainable energy solutions that enhance livelihoods, improve climate resilience, and foster economic inclusion. The study will identify gaps, opportunities, and scalable interventions to drive the adoption of clean energy technologies. It will take a market system development approach to ensure sustainable solutions that make energy markets work for the poor. The national-level assessments will contribute to a regional report, covering aspects such as supply and demand dynamics, ongoing interventions, business models, distribution channels, payment models, affordability, and the role of key stakeholders, including financial institutions, agro-input dealers, off-takers, and development partners in the space.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT

The purpose of this baseline assessment is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of renewable energy access and utilization in RHDs, IDPs, and underserved communities within the target countries. The findings will inform program design, policy engagement, and future interventions aimed at enhancing renewable energy adoption for improved livelihoods, economic growth, and climate resilience.

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Assess the level of access to renewable energy solutions across refugee and host communities, IDPs, and underserved populations.
• Identify existing renewable energy business models, distribution channels, and financing mechanisms available in the target regions.
• Analyze key challenges and barriers to the adoption of renewable energy solutions, including affordability, accessibility, and policy constraints.
• Evaluate the role of market system actors, including financial institutions, private sector players, and development partners.
• Provide actionable recommendations for scaling up renewable energy adoption using a market system development approach.

METHODOLOGY

The consultancy will employ a mixed-methods approach, including:

• Desk review of relevant literature, policies, and existing renewable energy programs.
• Participate in key informant interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and community leaders. (at least 3 per country)
• Review focus group discussions (FGDs) report with end-users to understand their energy needs, affordability levels, and challenges.
• Review surveys to gather quantitative data on energy access, utilization, and market dynamics.
• Review the field visit reports provided by targeted countries to assess on-ground realities and views of the beneficiaries.

KEY ASSIGNMENT TASKS

• Develop an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, and assessment tools.
• Conduct desk research and literature review.
• Analyze the primary and secondary data through surveys, KIIs, and FGDs reports.
• Analyze findings and draft the regional assessment report.
• Facilitate validation workshops with key stakeholders (Remotely).
• Finalize the report incorporating feedback from stakeholders and Ayuda en Acción.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception report including detailed methodology and assessment tools proposed.
• Review of country-specific assessment reports for Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Niger, and Mali.
• A consolidated regional assessment report summarizing key findings and recommendations.
• Presentation of findings and validation with stakeholders. (Validation workshop).
• Final report of the regional assessment incorporating stakeholder feedback and power point of the final report.

EXPECTED DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

As the workplan for the consultancy very much depends on the time country-specific assessment reports will be produced by AeA local offices, the consultancy has been designed based on a flexible lump sum of days. The consultant is expected to adapt to the times and potential developments following local survey processes.

The consultancy is expected to last for 23 working days, distributed as follows:

• Inception phase & literature review: 02 days
• Questionnaire development and review for all countries: 02days
• Data collection and Focus group report review: 02 days
• Review of country-specific assessment reports: 03 days
• Data analysis & draft report preparation: 12 days
• Validation workshop & final report submission: 2 days