Terms of Reference (ToR) for Development of a Comprehensive Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) for the Diocese of Lodwar

BACKGROUNDThe Solar Pledge East Africa (SPEA) project is a pilot initiative implemented by horizont3000 and launched in June 2023 in Kampala. The project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and aligns with Laudato Si as well as the National Development Plans of Uganda and Kenya.The SPEA project focuses on three core areas;1. Awareness raising on climate action and the energy nexus; 2. Capacity building for dioceses in renewable energy planning and solar system operation and maintenance; 3. Upscaling and installation of renewable energy systems.The three-year SPEA pilot is implemented in partnership with the Archdiocese of Gulu (Uganda) and the Diocese of Lodwar (Kenya).PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCYBuilding on insights from the Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) recently developed for the Archdiocese of Gulu, this consultancy seeks to develop a comprehensive Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) for the Diocese of Lodwar. Importantly, this strategy will;* Adapt the validated Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) for the Archdiocese of Gulu to the institutional, socio-cultural, and operational context of the Diocese of Lodwar; * Define a long-term Operation and Maintenance (O&M) framework aligned with diocesan frameworks to ensure long-term reliability and sustainability of energy systems; * Establish a Renewable Energy Strategy outlining practical actions and investment pathways to increase clean energy uptake in diocesan institutions.OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENTThe consultant will, in close collaboration with the Diocese of Lodwar and with support from the Regional Office when required, develop a DESS that:* Customizes existing energy mainstreaming guidelines to reflect the operational realities, governance structures, and stakeholder priorities within the Diocese of Lodwar, with integrated approaches to gender, climate change, and environmental concerns. * Establishes an O&M strategy that fits within diocesan organizational frameworks, ensuring that energy systems are maintained effectively over their lifecycles. * Provides a forward-looking Renewable Energy strategy that identifies actionable measures, resource needs, and implementation pathways to increase the use of renewable energy.SCOPE OF WORKThe consultant will be responsible for the following tasks;Desk Review and Stakeholder Consultation* Review existing documents, including the GIZ Energy Mainstreaming Guidelines, the Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) of the Archdiocese of Gulu, relevant diocesan plans, and national/international best practices on energy, gender mainstreaming, climate change, and sustainability. * Documents to be reviewed among others include; Guidelines for mainstreaming energy /GIZ/MEMD (or other relevant documents from Kenya) * Organogram of the Diocese of Lodwar * Financial mechanism of the Diocese * Relevant existing policies regarding gender, environment and climate change * Engage with key stakeholders including; the diocesan leadership, technical and energy staff, gender focal points, community representatives to capture insights, needs, and opportunities. Relevant stakeholders could be; Ministry of Energy, County Government of Turkana, Management of the Diocese, Management of Caritas, and other Donor organizations etc.);The consultation phase shall explicitly include;* Preparation and facilitation of a structured, participatory stakeholder consultation workshop at diocesan level with relevant stakeholders from the Diocese of Lodwar * Facilitate an inception and planning meeting at diocesan level including subsequent key informant interviews. * Systematic documentation and synthesis of consultation outcomes to inform the strategy development.Development of a Renewable Energy Strategy* Define a clear strategic vision, objectives, priority actions, indicators, and investment areas for renewable energy uptake within diocesan institutions; * Develop an implementation roadmap that is realistic, participatory, and scalable.Adaptation of Energy Mainstreaming Guidelines* Customization: Tailor the DESS to the diocesan context of Lodwar, ensuring that the adapted framework embeds gender considerations and addresses climate change and environmental sustainability. * Contextual Integration: Ensure that the adapted guidelines align with the unique socio-cultural and institutional dynamics of diocesan operations ensuring tailored connection to the existing diocesan structures.Development of an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Strategy* Assessment: Evaluate the current organizational frameworks, capacity, and practices in place for maintaining energy systems within the diocese. * Strategy Formulation: Develop an O&M strategy outlining roles, responsibilities, maintenance schedules and capacity-building * Development of a sustainable financing mechanism to support long-term O&M of renewable energy systems; that are practical, inclusive, transparent and aligned with diocesan financial systems. The proposed mechanism must be operational and identify sources of funding, such as contributions by institutions, diocesan budget allocation and external support.Integration and Validation* Consolidated Document: Compile all three components into a single, comprehensive Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS) document that holistically addresses energy mainstreaming, O&M, and renewable energy components. * Validation: Facilitate a stakeholder validation workshop to review the draft DESS, incorporate feedback, and finalize the strategy.(Please Note: The venue, invitations, meals and refreshments will be handled by the project team)DELIVERABLESThe consultant will submit the following outputs:1. Inception Report: * Detailed methodology, work plan, and schedule for completing the assignment. 2. Draft Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS): * Comprehensive Renewable Energy strategy inclusive of: 1. Adapted Energy Mainstreaming Guidelines with integrated gender, climate change, and environmental concerns. 2. Operation & Maintenance (O&M) strategy. 3. Stakeholder Validation Workshop Report: * Summary of feedback and recommendations from the validation session. 4. Final Diocesan Energy Sustainability Strategy (DESS): * A consolidated and refined document incorporating stakeholder feedback and final adjustments.INDICATIVE TIMELINE (UP TO 8 WEEKS)Expected DeliverableActivityWeekInception ReportContracting, inception, and desk reviewWeek 1Stakeholder consultations and consultation workshopWeek 2Draft DESS DocumentDrafting of the DESSWeek 3-4Stakeholder Validation WorkshopReview and revisionsWeek 5-6Final DESS DocumentFinalisation and submission of the DESSWeek 7Final submission date: April 24, 2026CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEThe ideal consultant should possess;* Master of Public Administration / Masters of Business Administration, Master’s in Sustainable Development / Master’s in Environmental Management or any other related fields. * A strategy consultant or firm with proven experience in Renewable Energy, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, or related fields. * Demonstrated experience in developing energy strategies, particularly within the public or faith-based sectors will be an added advantage. * In-depth knowledge of energy mainstreaming, renewable energy, and O&M best practices. * Proven ability to integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender, climate change, and environmental sustainability into strategic frameworks. * Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and report-writing skills. * Familiarity with the operational context and organizational frameworks of diocesan institutions.REPORTING AND COORDINATIONThe consultant will report directly to the Project Manager/Regional Coordinator and will work closely with the diocesan energy officer, Technical Advisor and relevant diocesan representatives. Regular progress updates and consultations will be required throughout the assignment.CONSULTANT FEES (BUDGET)The consultant will be paid a total fee of 180,000 KES for the successful completion of this assignment. This amount is inclusive of all professional fees, travel, statutory taxes, communication costs, and other incidental expenses related to the consultancy.HOW TO APPLYInterested consultants are invited to submit the following:* A technical proposal detailing their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan. * A financial proposal, outlining the daily rate and a total estimated cost. * Curriculum Vitae (CV) or organizational profile (if a firm), highlighting relevant experience and past projects. * At least two references or samples of similar work completed in the past.Submissions should be sent to: [email protected] with cc to: [email protected] and [email protected] by CoB on February 27, 2026.Subject line: “Diocese of Lodwar - Strategy Consultant-2026”