Biomass and Biochar Technology Specialist

The subject regional capacity development technical assistance (R-CDTA) aims to improve utilization of biomass in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam (CLV). This will be achieved through: (i) harmonization of sustainable standards, certification systems, and other mechanisms to enhance regional cooperation on bioenergy development with food security ensured; (ii) implementation of pilot projects to demonstrate mechanisms for scaling up biomass investment projects for bioenergy or food security; (iii) capacity-building support for project stakeholders; and (iv) knowledge products and awareness campaign. The mechanisms for scaling up demonstrated under the R-CDTA are expected to lead to ensuing ADB investment projects in Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam.
 
TA components:
I.Inception phase: mapping existing implementation structures for efficient utilization of biomass for bioenergy and food security.
II.Component 1: Enhanced regional cooperation on bioenergy development that safeguards and fosters food security.
III.Component 2: Pilot testing of scaling up climate-friendly biomass investment prpojects
IV.Component 3: Capacity for efficient utilization of biomass enhanced.
V. Component 4: Knowledge products on the efficient utilization of biomass for bioenergy and food security developed and disseminated.

The specialist will be in charge of:
 
(i)review biomass availability, including seasonality, pricing, quality, and competing demand (if any) and the biomass and charcoal briquetting sector, and logistics issues surrounding feedstock supply for small-sized projects;
(ii) design and conduct a beneficiary needs assessment of traditional biomass, feedstock, and charcoal briquetting supply agents and benefit streams, and conduct a comparative analysis of various biomass conversion technologies, including financing models, delivery mechanisms, and program modalities (e.g., compost making, biochar);
(iii) provide benchmarks for technical performance and carbon credit potentials;
(iv) develop a framework for the application of these technologies, including aspects related to institutional needs, financing needs, and information, awareness, and capacity-building needs, and conduct gender-sensitive capacity-building activities;
(v)conduct gender-sensitive capacity-building activities and interventions; and
(vi)design a biomass conversion pilot project for composting, biochar, etc., where deemed appropriate.

• Extensive knowledge about biomass and biochar use for bioenergy, including the charcoal briquetting sector and various conversion technologies
• Technical Background
• Knowledge about the existing biomass use initiatives in GMS region as well as the existing institutional framework in GMS countries
• Experience in design of biomass conversion pilot projects is an advantage
• Experienced in capacity building activities on biomass and biochar
• Previous work experience within international donors funded projects
• Previous work experience on ADB funded projects is an advantage
• His/her experience should include assignments in Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• Citizenship of one of ADB’s member countries is obligatory! (see www.adb.org/about/membership.asap)