A consultant for the Development of a National Renewable Energy Policy in Somalia

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is a global humanitarian organization with a mission to work with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive changes. ADRA Somalia belongs to the worldwide network, comprised of more than 130 supporting and implementing country offices. ADRA Somalia is seeking for a consultant for the Development of a National Renewable Energy Policy in SomaliaBackgroundSomalia continues to face significant challenges in accessing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. The country’s energy sector is largely dependent on imported fossil fuels, resulting in high electricity costs, limited access in rural areas, and vulnerability to global energy price fluctuations. At the same time, Somalia possesses significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and bioenergy resources. Harnessing these resources presents an opportunity to improve energy access, support economic growth, and strengthen climate resilience.The Advancing Circular Technologies for Infrastructure and Value-Chain Enhancement (ACTIVE) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by ADRA in partnership with Windle International Somalia and READO, seeks to strengthen Somalia’s economic resilience by integrating renewable energy solutions into productive sectors, particularly agriculture, fisheries, and livestock value chains. The project aims to increase access to reliable renewable energy systems that support productive use, enhance food security, and stimulate private sector investment.Despite increasing investments in renewable energy technologies, Somalia currently lacks a comprehensive national policy framework that clearly defines the strategic direction, institutional roles, regulatory environment, and investment priorities required to scale renewable energy deployment. A national renewable energy policy is therefore critical to provide guidance for government institutions, development partners, and private sector actors working to expand sustainable energy solutions across the country.This consultancy will support the development of a National Renewable Energy Policy for Somalia, providing a strategic framework to guide renewable energy development, enhance climate resilience, and promote productive use of energy across key economic sectors.The policy development process will align with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP), the National Transformation Plan (NTP), Somalia’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, while supporting broader national priorities related to economic growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development.The project’s implementation will take place across seven regions: Banadir Regional Administration, Hirshabelle State, Jubbaland State, Galmudug State, Southwest State, Puntland and Somaliland. The project’s core objective is to strengthen Somalia’s energy-food nexus by ensuring that renewable energy investments are demand-responsive, commercially viable, and sustainable in the long term.1. Overall and Specific Objectives of the Assignment:The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive National Renewable Energy Policy for Somalia that establishes a clear strategic framework for expanding renewable energy deployment, strengthening energy access, and supporting climate-resilient economic growth.The specific objectives of the consultancy are as follows:1. Assess the current renewable energy landscape in Somalia, including policies, regulatory frameworks, market conditions, and institutional arrangements. 2. Identify policy, regulatory, and investment gaps that constrain the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. 3. Develop a national policy framework that promotes renewable energy expansion across key sectors, including productive use applications in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, water systems, and rural enterprises. 4. Strengthen the enabling environment for renewable energy investment, including public-private partnerships, financing mechanisms, and regulatory incentives. 5. Ensure alignment with national development priorities and international climate commitments, including Somalia’s National Development Plan, National Transformation Plan, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 6. Facilitate inclusive stakeholder engagement with federal and state government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society to ensure policy ownership and sustainability. 7. Scope of WorkThe consultant will undertake the following tasks:4.1 Review of Existing Policies and Institutional FrameworksThe consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of existing national strategies and policies related to energy, climate change, agriculture, and economic development. This will include:* Somalia National Transformation Plan * National Energy Policy * Climate adaptation strategies and NDC commitments * Relevant sector policies (agriculture, fisheries, livestock, water resources)The review will identify overlaps, inconsistencies, and implementation gaps affecting renewable energy development.4.2 Renewable Energy Sector DiagnosticThe consultant will conduct a diagnostic assessment of Somalia’s renewable energy sector, including:* Renewable energy resource potential (solar, wind, biomass) * Existing renewable energy infrastructure and projects * Energy access levels across rural and urban areas * Barriers to renewable energy adoption * Private sector participation in the energy sector * Institutional roles and governance arrangementsThis assessment will form the evidence base for policy recommendations.4.3 Stakeholder ConsultationsThe consultant will organize consultations with key stakeholders to gather input and build consensus around policy priorities.Key stakeholders include:* Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) * Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation * Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources * Ministry of Livestock * Federal Member State governments * Private sector energy companies * Financial institutions * Civil society organizations * Development partners (EU, World Bank, AfDB, IFC)Consultations will take place at both federal and sub-national levels to ensure the policy reflects Somalia’s decentralized governance structure.4.4 Drafting of the National Renewable Energy PolicyBased on the findings of the diagnostic and stakeholder consultations, the consultant will develop a comprehensive draft National Renewable Energy Policy that includes:* Vision and strategic objectives for renewable energy development * Institutional roles and governance arrangements * Regulatory and licensing frameworks * Investment promotion strategies * Incentives for private sector participation * Integration of renewable energy into productive sectors * Climate resilience and environmental sustainability considerations * Gender equality and social inclusion provisions * Monitoring and evaluation framework4.5 Policy Validation and FinalizationThe consultant will organize validation workshops with key stakeholders to review and refine the draft policy.Following validation, the consultant will produce a final National Renewable Energy Policy document incorporating stakeholder feedback and recommendations.4.6 Policy Implementation RoadmapThe consultant will develop a practical implementation roadmap outlining:* Priority actions * Institutional responsibilities * Financing strategies * Policy implementation timelines * Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.1. Expected DeliverablesThe consultant will deliver the following:DeliverableDescriptionInception ReportMethodology, work plan, and stakeholder engagement strategyRenewable Energy Sector Diagnostic ReportAnalysis of the renewable energy landscape and policy gapsDraft National Renewable Energy PolicyInitial draft policy frameworkStakeholder Consultation ReportSummary of consultations and stakeholder inputsFinal National Renewable Energy PolicyRevised policy document incorporating validation feedbackPolicy Implementation RoadmapStrategic roadmap for policy implementation1. Required Qualifications and ExperienceEducational Qualifications:The consultant or consulting firm must demonstrate:* A Master’s degree or higher in renewable energy, public policy, environmental economics, energy systems, or related fields * At least 7–10 years of experience in energy policy development * Proven experience developing national or sectoral energy policies * Experience working in fragile or developing contexts, preferably in the Horn of Africa * Strong knowledge of renewable energy markets and regulatory frameworks * Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations * Excellent analytical and policy drafting skills1. Duration and LocationThe consultancy will be conducted over a 5-month period.The consultancy must be conducted in Somalia.1. Application ProcessInterested consultants or consulting firms should submit the following:* Cover letter * CV(s) of key personnel * Technical proposal outlining methodology and work plan * Financial proposal with detailed cost breakdownHOW TO APPLYFor the full Terms of Reference (TOR) please visit ADRA Somalia website www.adrasom.org. Interested consultants/firms that meet the requirements should submit their applications not later than 28th March 2026 via email to [email protected] with Use subject line: National Renewable Energy Policy Development