Terms of References
for the GGFR Short Term Consultant in Kazakhstan
1. Background
Global flaring of associated gas is estimated at 150 billion cubic meters to 170 cubic meters per year. In an effort to reduce the waste of a valuable and finite energy resource - natural gas, and GHG emissions associated with gas flaring, the international community launched the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. The Partnership’s main objective is to support oil producing countries and companies in their efforts to reduce flaring and venting of associated gas.
In April 2005, Kazakhstan joined the GGFR and started active cooperation with the Partnership on reduction of the associated gas flaring in the country. The official level of flaring in 2007 was about 2.7 bcm, while according to satellite data it was nearly 5.3 bcm. The Government of Kazakhstan established the flare-out deadline (2010), obliged operators to develop flare reduction programs, and introduced environmental and resource conservation penalties for flared gas. The authorities approved associated gas utilization programs prepared by oil companies operating in the country.
During the GGFR Steering Committee in Amsterdam on December 3, 2008, the Work Plan for gas flaring reduction activities in Kazakhstan for the year 2009 was discussed with Kazakhstan representatives, and afterwards approved by the GGFR Steering Committee members. Currently, the GGFR Core Task Team (CTT) and country counter partners are working on implementation of the 2009 Work Plan.
2. Objectives of Consultant’s Assignment
The objective of this assignment is to assist the GGFR Core Task Team (CTT) with implementation of the Partnership’s Work Plan for Kazakhstan in the year 2009. Assistance to GGFR will include, but will not be limited to participation in preparation and execution of the GGFR missions to Kazakhstan, follow up activities on realization of agreed activities, and liaison with GGFR partners, government agencies, oil companies and other key organizations working in the country.
3. Scope of Consultant’s Services
1) In cooperation with the staff of the World Bank’s Astana office Consultant will participate in the preparation of GGFR missions in Kazakhstan: inform the Partnership’s members in the country about planned missions, arrange in advance and participate in all mission meetings with key representatives of partner organizations, and prepare all required information for mission members.
2) Consultant will contact country partners and carry out the follow up on timely execution of activities agreed between the GGFR CTT and GGFR partners, government agencies, oil companies and other key organizations working in the country.
3) On behalf the GGFR CTT, Consultant will liaise with the GGFR partners, government agencies, oil companies and other key organizations working in the country, to discuss the progress of the Work Plan implementation and other issues of gas flaring and venting reduction.
4) When needed, Consultant will visit oil fields and potential GGFR project sites to discuss potential projects implementation and other issues related to gas flaring reduction, with local partners.
5) Consultant will monitor web news, local press and other media sources regarding the situation with gas flaring and venting reduction in Kazakhstan, and provide regular information updates to the GGFR CTT.
6) Consultant will periodically communicate with GGFR CTT and projects TTLs to report on implementation progress, identify problem areas, and suggest solutions.
4. Deliverables
1) Monthly report to the GGFR CTT on activities related to the GGFR Work Plan implementation, project progress, implementation issues, etc.
2) Inputs to reports prepared by GGFR missions to Kazakhstan, inputs to GGFR reports, reviews and documents related to gas flaring and venting reduction in the country
3) Other outputs as requested by the GGFR CTT members
5. Skills and Experience
The Consultant will be expected to have a sound knowledge of oil and gas industry in general, and, particularly, of associated gas flaring and venting reduction. Previous experience in this area is preferred.
In addition, the following skills and previous experience in exercising them arebeing sought:
- Liaison with Government Organizations
- Analytical Capacity
- Project Management
- Proficiency (both written and spoken) in English, Russian and Kazakh
6. Working Arrangements
The Consultant will report to the GGFR Program Manager atthe World Bank HQ in Washington DC.The Consultant will coordinate his work with the Country Manager, World Bank Office in Astana, Kazakhstan.
7. Assignment Duration and Timing
The Consultant will be based in the World Bank office in Astana, will potentially travel to areas of oil and gas production in different regions of Kazakhstan. The assignment will be part time, and carried out over a period of 60 working days, starting October 15, 2009, through June 30, 2009.