Project Research Analyst Short-term Consultant (w/m/x)

A. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES  

In line with the Paris Agreement, countries around the world have set themselves ambitious climate goals. These require significant changes in all sectors of the economy. The transition towards a CO2-neutral future, will require among others enhanced energy efficiency, the ramp-up of renewable energy, electrification whenever possible, and the broad adoption of low emission technologies such as clean hydrogen and its derivatives. H2Global was created to accelerate the emergence of markets for clean hydrogen and other zero and low emission technologies globally through market-based instruments. Over 4.7 billion euros have been committed to H2Global funding windows designed to actively shape and support the ramp-up of the international clean hydrogen market.

The H2Global Stiftung, a non-profit foundation established in 2021 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is responsible for the development and implementation of the H2Global mechanism. It also undertakes other activities, such as various outreach/donor engagement events and research on barriers affecting the ramp-up of clean hydrogen and other climate-neutral energy products.

Africa holds an enormous potential to produce clean hydrogen. This presents both great opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the production of clean hydrogen and its derivatives in Africa promises economic development, strategic independence from global markets for key commodities, industrialization, and improved living standards. On the other hand, the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Africa is lagging behind other markets due to challenges associated with the economic feasibility of hydrogen projects, undeveloped legal and institutional frameworks, limited capacity and a lack of infrastructure.

H2Global’s research team is looking at the potential for clean hydrogen production in Africa, including an assessment of the local socio-economic impacts in the research project H2Global meets Africa. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is expected to be completed by 31 December 2025. The project is conducted in collaboration with two German research institutions, the OTH Regensburg and the IEE Fraunhofer Kassel. H2Global’s research team is in parallel also collaborating with knowledge partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia | SIPA (CGEP) and the research project JUST-GREEN AFRH2ICA.

H2Global is seeking a short-term research consultant for the research project H2Global meets Africa to facilitate collaboration with the AfDB. The consultant will be based at the AfDB in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and will act as a link between the two teams.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will act as a link between the research team of H2Global and the AfDB and will have several responsibilities, including:

Procurement of Data and Knowledge

H2Global conducts model-based analyses of the technical, economic, and social potential to produce hydrogen and its derivatives in African countries. This analysis requires the collection of data and knowledge on the following topics:

• Collection, retrieval, cleaning of socio-economic data from AfDB’s datasets and external public sources for all African countries.
• Procurement of data on the socio-economic impacts (direct/indirect jobs, local contracting volumes, etc.) of renewable energy and hydrogen projects on a project-level basis from AfDB’s datasets.
• Procurement of data and knowledge on applied valuation practices in the context of renewable energy and hydrogen projects. This includes gathering project-level information on financial metrics (cost of capital, CAPEX, etc.) and project structures (ownership structure, business model, offtake-agreements, etc.) from AfDB’s datasets and by interviewing stakeholders of renewable energy and hydrogen projects in Africa.

Stakeholder Engagement

H2Global seeks to actively involve regional stakeholders from the African continent in the process of conducting and validating its research. Key elements of this process include:

• Co-organization of a stakeholder engagement workshop in Africa to be held in late 2024. This task includes organizational support regarding communication with regional partners, potential speakers and attendees, site selection and bookings, and the preparation of workshop content and material.
• Support the validation process of H2Global’s research methods and findings with local stakeholders in Africa.

In addition to these deliverables, the consultant is expected to contribute to any additional tasks as they arise in daily business operations.

C. DELIVERABLES

The table of deliverables assumes a contract start date of May 13, 2024.

• Delivery of socio-economic data for all African countries. – Expected Due Date: June 13, 2024
• Delivery of data on the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy and hydrogen projects. – Expected Due Date: July 13, 2024
• Delivery of data on applied valuation practices for renewable energy and hydrogen projects. – Expected Due Date: September 13, 2024
• Successful co-organization of a stakeholder engagement workshop in Africa – Expected Due Date: October 7-11, 2024
• Post-processing of workshop results. – Expected Due Date: November 1, 2024
• Organization and preparation of stakeholder exchanges to validate research findings. – Expected Due Date: Throughout contract period.

Reporting: The Consultant will report to H2Global’s Management team and will work in close coordination with other members of the H2Global team.

The Consultant is expected to work independently on routine tasks and programs with guidance and close collaboration with H2Global’s staff.

D. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

Reporting: The consultant will report to the program lead of the research project H2Global meets Africa and to H2Global’s head of research and will work closely with other members of the H2Global team and the AfDB.

The consultant is expected to work independently on routine tasks and programs with guidance and close collaboration with H2Global’s and AfDB’s staff.

E. DURATION

The contract will be based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Permanent on-site presence is not a requirement, although the consultant is expected to frequently seek personal, on-site exchange with the staff of the African Development Bank.

The assignment will be for 120 days, from May 13, 2024, through May 12, 2025.

F. PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The consultant shall have:

• A graduate/master’s degree in economics, political sciences, statistics or engineering.
• Experience with data-driven analysis is required. Modeling experience (preferably Python) is an asset.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement (preferably in Africa) and strong communication skills are an asset.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team; detail oriented, well-organized, focused and goal-oriented, with a high level of initiative and energy, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent command of English is required; working knowledge of other languages (preferably French and/or Arab) is an asset.
• Availability to start this assignment immediately is essential.

G. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are asked to submit their CV in English and a supporting letter of motivation along with the names and contact details of two referees.  

Applications should be submitted by e-mail before 15 April 2024 to research_jobs@h2-global.org.

H2Global is an equal opportunity employer.  

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

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