Consultant for Improved Cook Stove Project

Current date:     29 August 2012
Starting Date:     As soon as possible (minimum period of 3 months) maximum until the 31st of December
Location:     Hanoi, Viet Nam

Background

SNV is a Dutch development organization committed to eliminating poverty and inequity in emerging markets worldwide by catalyzing Market Based Solutions for the Poor. In Asia, SNV is active in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

SNV provides advisory services, knowledge and innovation, implements projects and programs, and promotes the development of local markets for capacity development.

Leveraging 40 years of experience on-the-ground in emerging markets, SNV counts on more than 1,500 professionals in more than 100 offices in 40 countries in Asia, Africa, the Balkans, and Latin America.

SNV Vietnam is going to implement an Improved Cook stove Project in short time. This is the result of slow but stead moves of SNV Vietnam’s Renewable Energy team. SNV Vietnam has done feasible researches and many activities related to Improved Cook Stove since 2011. SNV Vietnam understands that there is a high demand on a better and cleaner cook stove using Wood as the main fuel.

As the traditional culture of SNV, this project will use a local design and improve it for better quality and future using.  Because of that, SNV Vietnam is hiring an individual consultant who can help us in developing the new model and some related other tasks.

Tasks of consultant

- Looking into the air flow system and combustion chamber of cook stove in general to give clear information about air flow mechanism and what factors affect to the combustion.
- Technical analysis some ICS designs in the market of Vietnam to see weak and strong points of the designs.
- Comparison of design(s) from Vietnam with designs from other (successful) similar projects / designs
- Improve existing designs of ICS selected by SNV and partners, with a focus on the combustion chamber and airflows to increase its efficiency while keeping its user friendly.
- Execute ICS tests (Water Boiling Tests, Controlled Cooking Tests) after the PCIA training in October 2012
- Potentially (co-)guide test centers in starting up testing activities during and after PCIA training
- Further develop and finalize the ICS training manual as well as support the training activities.

Expected outputs and delivers:

- A report showing the technical comparison of different stoves, including lessons learned, including recommendations to the current stove design chosen. This report should lead to design improvements and an improve Approach towards the market.
- Implementation support in the province of Nghe An, where SNV and its partners PED and VWU are executing a pilot.
- Development, finalizing the training documents (manual and presentations) as well as support during training activities.

Skills and qualifications of consultant:

- University graduated or coursing the last academic year in a subject relevant to mechanical engineering, energy technology, industrial design, energy science, or something similar
- Interest in development and fight against poverty and inequality
- Solid knowledge of English
- Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Internet
- Experience with Improved Cookstoves is an advantage.

The consultant should possess the following competencies:

- Results-oriented, responsibility, able to work independently
- Respect for diversity, ability to work in teams, communication, creativity
- Willingness to travel within Vietnam
- Time frame and location

The consultant will be hire until the end of year 2012. The position is based in Hanoi with frequent travelling to Nghe An province. With an already planned PCIA training on ICS efficiencies in October, there is an additional trip of one week to Nghe An/Thai Nguyen province, expected date is from 20th or 22th October and last for 4 – 8 days.           

For execution of the assignment it is expected that the consultant works at SNV office for optimal knowledge exchange. It is not a standalone assignment leading to a report, but daily interaction with the team is required.

Applications

Applications should enclose a CV and a cover letter in English. Please send applications via e-mail to Mr. Hung at [email protected], including "Consultancy Position ICS" in the subject line before 10th September 2012.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis to identify appropriate candidates as soon as possible.
SNV Viet Nam Office
6th Floor, Building B, La Thanh hotel
Hanoi, Viet Nam
Tel.: + 84 4 3846 3791