Request for Proposal To Provide Three-Day Training on Basic Solar Technology and Its System

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PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT

Oxfam in Cambodia is looking for a potential service provider or private company or consultant that can offer three-day training on basic solar knowledge to around 40 community members, and local CSOs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The training program will be customized to suit the local communities and local CSOs’ ability to grasp the technical aspects of basic solar knowledge and technology. The selected service provider or private company or consultant will also require creating a support platform (i.e. telegram group or WhatsApp group) where participants can seek for support in the future.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

In recent years, Cambodia has been experiencing a growing interest in renewable energy, specifically solar, wind, biomass, biogas, and hydropower. This surge is driven by the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable development. The Royal Government of Cambodia has introduced four significant policies among others related to renewable energy: the Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC3.0), the Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality 2050, the National Energy Efficiency Plan, the Power Development Masterplan 2022-2040, and the recent Principles for Permitting the Use of Rooftop Solar Power.

Collaborative efforts among government officials, development agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectors, and communities are crucial for the successful implementation of these initiatives, as stand-alone initiatives can be challenging. However, empowering communities with ongoing support from local CSOs to take ownership of their own development has proven to be more effective and sustainable in the long term. Currently, numbers of development partners and CSOs including Oxfam in Cambodia are engaged in projects focused on community-owned renewable energy. These projects involve establishing village management committees that oversee the management of renewable energy within their communities, with support for capacity building provided by private sector and civil society organizations.

Steps have been taken to ensure that affordable and dependable access to electricity is available to all individuals. Various solutions, such as mini-grid solar systems, rooftop solar installations, and mesh-grid solar setups, have been implemented in off-grid communities to enable community members to access electricity. However, community members encounter challenges, particularly when it comes to understanding the basic knowledge of solar and maintaining these solar systems.

Recognizing the potential, Oxfam in Cambodia views this as a chance to empower community members by addressing their specific needs and enhancing their skills in basic knowledge on solar which will enable them to understand basic solar operations and maintenance. Through this initiative, community members will receive training that encompasses fundamental knowledge around solar technology. This training will enable them to effectively understand the solar technology and its systems within their own community. Local CSOs will be joining the training as they will be providing ongoing support to communities they work with.

SCOPE OF WORK

Under this assignment, selected service provider or private company shall:

• Provide three-day basic training on basic solar technology and its systems to selected trainees,
• Ensure relevant materials for the training are prepared for example solar panel, batteries and so on.
• Develop content of three-day training on basic solar technology and its systems,
• Develop three-day agenda for the basic training on basic solar technology and its systems
• Conduct pre-test and post-test to understand knowledge of participants
• Develop training documents on basic solar technology and its system to participants both in Khmer and English version including safety protocol and what to do and what not to do
• Create support platform (i.e. WhatsApp or Telegram Group) where selected trainees can seek support whenever needed,

DELIVERABLES

The selected service provider or private company is expected to deliver the following outputs in June 2024:

1. Set up the criteria for selecting the trainees,
2. Created an agenda for three-day training
3. Created content of three-day training,
4. Prepared relevant materials for training for example solar panel, batteries and so on.
5. Finalized the training documents including safety protocol and what to do and what not to do.
6. Delivered three-day basic solar technology training to selected trainees,
7. Created a support platform (i.e. WhatsApp or Telegram Group) where selected trainees can seek support when needed,
8. Provided report on the three-day training including the analysis of pre-test and post-test

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Actual remuneration is based on submissions of deliverables according to the agreed schedule. No payment will be made in advance. Selected service provider or private company or consultant is expected to provide the financial budget to deliver this assignment based on scope of work and deliverables. Oxfam will pay 15% withholding tax for resident taxpayer or 14% withholding tax for non-resident taxpayer to the Cambodian Government from the respective net fee. The tentative payment schedule is as below.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

The service provider/private company/ individual(s) candidate should have the following competencies:

Essential criteria

• Proved excellent track record in solar technology, its systems, operations and maintenance with at least 5-7 years of experience working including installations, operations, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance service across Cambodia both urban and rural areas,
• Proved excellent track record on the safety protocols and procedures in place to protect their staff, client and community during the installation and maintenance activity in line with safety standard and regulations,
• Official authorization/license from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and relevant ministries to legally operate the company in Cambodia,
• Experience working to provide training to local communities and local CSOs on solar operations and maintenance in Cambodia,
• Good understanding of the roles of and relations between governmental, private sector, CSOs and community members,
• Experience with integration of a gender lens in renewable energy sector,
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.

Key Attributes:

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Organisational Values:

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Others:

• Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women's rights. 
• Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.

The detail of the application process can be accessed here: https://oxfam.box.com/s/h5e14tam3f5s8bivqshg2d60lnpdq87n