The Caribbean region, characterized by its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) status, faces numerous challenges, including high dependence on imported fossil fuels, small market sizes, limited economies of scale, and vulnerability to external shocks. These constraints impact economic resilience, business competitiveness, and sustainability efforts, particularly in the context of energy consumption and efficiency. Recognizing these challenges, the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in collaboration with Business Support Organizations (BSOs), will implement a project to advance energy efficiency (EE), Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP), and Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) across the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed structural weaknesses within Caribbean economies, particularly the reliance on foreign tourism and commodities. Economic activity in the region declined by 9.9% from 2019 to 2020, surpassing the 6.8% contraction experienced by Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as a whole. For instance, in Barbados, the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP plummeted from 17.5% in 2019 to just 2.8% in 2021. The hardest-hit sectors included tourism, retail, and services, disproportionately affecting women-led businesses and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These economic vulnerabilities have reinforced the urgency for Caribbean nations to adopt strategies that reduce dependence on imports, create resilient jobs, and add value through local manufacturing and services.

Access to affordable and clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource use are critical enablers of business competitiveness. The integration of resource-efficient practices and circular production methodologies can significantly lower costs, enhance productivity, and align Caribbean businesses with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Notably, EE standards are being developed under the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), covering buildings, appliances, and lighting. However, the uptake of EE, RECP, and VSS strategies remains limited due to technological gaps, lack of access to finance, and insufficient awareness, particularly among MSMEs. Many businesses perceive these measures as complex and financially burdensome, hindering widespread adoption.

To address these challenges, this initiative aims to develop and implement an online energy audit tool and training programs to support MSMEs in adopting EE, RECP, and VSS strategies and technologies. The project will focus on enhancing awareness, facilitating access to information, and providing technical support to businesses, helping them transition towards sustainable and cost-effective operations. By doing so, the initiative seeks to transform MSMEs’ perception of sustainability measures from burdensome obligations into viable business opportunities.

The initiative will also include advocacy efforts to promote EE, RECP, and VSS adoption, fostering a more resilient and competitive Caribbean business ecosystem. The digital platform established under this project will serve as a scalable solution, offering iterative upgrades, sector-specific insights, and country-level business cases to ensure long-term impact beyond the project’s implementation phase.
Given the region’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and its susceptibility to climate-related disasters, transitioning to renewable energy and energy-efficient practices is both an economic and environmental necessity. Natural hazards such as hurricanes, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, pose a significant threat to energy infrastructure. Without resilient energy solutions, these events can result in severe disruptions and financial losses.

Through this initiative, Caribbean Export and its partners aim to bridge the gap in MSME support, fostering a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and competitive private sector in the Caribbean.

Contracting Authority
The contracting authority for this assignment is the Caribbean Export Development Agency (hereinafter
Caribbean Export/the Agency).

Beneficiary Countries
Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago

Overall Objectives
The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of the Caribbean Green Energy
Adoption and Energy Efficiency Toolkit for MSMEs. The Program Officer will provide technical expertise in
energy efficiency (EE), renewable energy (RE), and circular economy practices, ensuring that MSMEs can
effectively integrate these principles into their business models. The consultant will work closely with the
Caribbean Export Development Agency and partner Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to promote green energy adoption and support MSMEs in their transition toward sustainability.

Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the Consultancy are:

• Advise and coordinate the development and implementation of the Online Energy Audit Tool for MSMEs to assess energy efficiency and adopt sustainable business practices.
• Provide technical advisory and support in the design and execution of training programs on EE, Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), and Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP).
• Support the marketing and outreach strategy for MSMEs, ensuring awareness and engagement in green energy adoption.
• Facilitate policy alignment and capacity building among regional governments, BSOs, and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to promote energy-efficient business environments.
  Support project reporting and the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring alignment with the program’s expected outcomes.

Scope of Work
The Program Officer will:

• Lead the development, customization and deployment of the Energy Audit Tool by ensuring it aligns
  with international energy efficiency standards and is user-friendly for MSMEs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Caribbean Export, beneficiary BSOs and MSMEs regarding
  energy management strategies and sustainability practices.
• Oversee the development of training materials and facilitation of both virtual and in-person workshops focused on EE, RECP, and VSS adoption for MSMEs.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to integrate clean energy solutions, including solar, wind, and
  storage technologies, into MSME operations.
• Engage with policymakers and private sector stakeholders to advance policy recommendations for a
  just energy transition.
• Support the project’s data collection and analysis, providing reports on MSME energy adoption trends and sustainability performance.

Contract Duration
12 months, with payment based on deliverables

Location
The Programme Officer will operate on a hybrid basis, combining remote work with in-person duties at the Head Office in Barbados as required.

Submission Guidelines
Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.
• Signed Application Declaration in Clause 10.

Submit proposals by email to [email protected].

Deadline for submission: 4 September 2025 at 4:00 PM AST

Click below to download the full Terms of Reference for this consultancy.