Background

Caribbean Export is advancing a comprehensive initiative to support the green transition, supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway – Third Regional Private Sector Development Programme and other partners. This initiative focuses on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable business practices to foster economic diversification and resilience. The Caribbean’s abundant natural resources, such as solar, wind, and marine energy, position the region as a potential leader in renewable energy. Between 2015 and 2022, renewable energy capacity increased by 51%, with 64% of electricity generation coming from renewables by 2022. However, with electricity demand projected to rise by 2.3% annually by 2050, the transition must accelerate.

A cornerstone of this green transition initiative is a grant funding program, funded by the European Union, designed to support businesses committed to adopting green technologies. At the same time, Caribbean Export in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, will be developing an online energy audit tool, to fill the gap in accessible energy efficiency (EE) and resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP) services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tool when complete, will serve as additional support, providing MSMEs with critical insights into their energy practices and enabling them to align with green transition goals. The online tool, coupled with energy audit services and RECP training programs, will be supported by Business Support Organizations (BSOs) across the region.

This strategic approach is further strengthened with this request for services to conduct an in-depth analysis of green funding initiatives across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. The analysis will identify barriers, propose interventions, and draw lessons from other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with successful green transition models. These findings will inform policymakers and ensure that grant funding is directed to areas with the highest potential for success.

Objective

The main objective of this consultancy is to design a grant programme that:

• Promotes sustainable business practices across CARIFORUM’s private sector.
• Aligns with both national and international green transition goals.
• Encourages applicants to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into their business proposals.
• Maps and engages key stakeholders in the green sector to identify grant opportunities and foster strategic partnerships that enhance the impact and reach of the program.

LOGISTICS AND TIMING

Commencement date and period of implementation of tasks
The expected start date for the consultancy is February 1, 2025, and conclude on April 15, 2025.

Required Documentation

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the consultancy.
• A financial proposal detailing the consultancy fees, in EURO.
• Contact information for at least two professional references.
• Signed Application Declaration in paragraph 14.

All applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] and copied to Mr. Wayne Elliott, Manager – Technical Programmes at [email protected], no later than 4:00 pm AST on January 3rd, 2025.