ToR For the role of the African Development Bank in delivering Renewable Energy Access for all in Africa using Kenya as a Case Study

Country: Kenya

Organization: Christian Aid

Closing date: 28 Jul 2023

1. Introduction

Christian Aid is an international development organization working globally with partners to implement integrated and innovative programs to end poverty by addressing the underlying causes. Christian Aid's mission is to tackle the symptoms and root causes of poverty, challenge power structures which put people in poverty and deprive them of dignity and speak truth to power by building the voice and agency of communities to speak for themselves. Our work to ensure that provision of reliable, affordable, renewable energy access for all is a key part of that, as energy is seen as an enabler for people to access a whole range of human rights including education, healthcare and work opportunities.

To provide energy access for all whilst phasing out of fossil fuel production, Christian Aid is advocating for a shift in public finance out of polluting fossil fuels and into distributed renewable energy which will reach last mile communities. Our goal is ensuring transformative policies, practices, and investments (including investment policies and choices of financial institutions) that support a rapid shift away from fossil fuel dependency towards sustainable renewable energy alternatives, while guaranteeing universal access to clean and affordable renewable energy services. The fossil fuel industry benefits from a range of subsidies by MDBs, while financial flows to fossil fuels remains high across the world. Shifting public finance provided by national, regional, and global institutions will lead to a transformation of the global energy system from one based on fossil fuels to one rooted in renewable energy. In Africa it will allow energy policy to expand energy access to the poorest and more remote communities more cheaply and efficiently through distributed renewable energy while respecting human rights and promoting gender equality. We are working towards the overall goal of achieving secure, affordable, and sustainable renewable energy access for all by 2030, in line with SDG7, Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement, through projects promoting renewable energy and shifting the finance of development banks into sustainable renewable energy.

To understand better the impact of AfDB and other MDBs’ investment in renewable energy and phase out of fossil fuels and enable evidence-based policy engagement, Christian Aid seeks to undertake an analysis of the role of AfDB investment in renewable energy and its impact on communities’ access to clean energy using Kenya as a case study. The analysis will be used to highlight the socio-economic benefits of investing in distributed renewable energy in ways that respect human rights, end energy poverty and put the world on 1.5 degrees pathway. The analysis will help inform Christian Aid and partners’ engagement with AfDB and other Multi-lateral Development Banks at national, regional, and global levels in advocating for increased investment of public finance in renewable energy.

Christian Aid is therefore seeking a consultant to undertake research on AfDB financing of renewable energy in Africa and the socio-economic benefits of such investments in comparison to the fossil fuel industry.

2. Overall Objective

The overall objective of the consultancy is to undertake an analysis of AfDB financing of renewable energy and its socio-economic impact on communities using Kenya as a case study. The study will also assess the existing or lack of enabling policies to guarantee rights-based investment in renewable energy.

Scope of work and specific tasks of this consultancy are:

1. Conduct an analysis of AfDB’s sovereign and non-sovereign renewable energy financing mechanisms/instruments in comparison to fossil fuel mechanisms since 2015.


2. Carry out a comparative analysis of sovereign and non-sovereign financial flows to renewable energy vs fossil fuel powered sources of energy in Africa since 2015.


3. Illustrated by an example (s) agreed on at inception, assess the socio-economic impacts of AfDB’s renewable energy projects on communities.


4. Identify key potential policy barriers and enablers to increased public financing for renewable energy in Africa at national and regional levels.


5. Develop a policy brief on the role of AfDB in delivering renewable energy access for all and policy recommendations for unlocking financing for distributed renewable energy.

3. Methodology and Technical Approach

For the research report, it is expected that the consultant will undertake a desktop study to frame this work, with information from AfDB websites and country reports, policy briefs, research, and other sources. It is also expected that the consultant will have key informant interviews with bank officials and other stakeholders. The consultant is expected to identify the most suitable methodology to undertake the comparative analysis, identify indicators for the case study, to mine data, and is also expected to provide all sources of data for the report.

4. Outputs and Deliverables

1. An inception report with a clear methodology and workplan.


2. A research report with a comparative analysis and case studies. The report should be no more than 35 pages long.


3. A 12-page policy brief.


4. An annex of key informants consulted and their contact details.

5. Time frame

The assignment will require a Level of Effort (LoE) not exceeding 35 working days from the date of signing the contract.

6. Consultant (s) Profile

The consultant (s) must have the following qualifications and experience to be eligible for this assignment:

• The consultant or team of consultants should have a degree in public financial management, climate change, renewable energy, social sciences, or any other relevant degree.


• Demonstrable evidence of research and policy analysis skills and competencies.


• Demonstrable experience and expertise in Multilateral Development Bank financing mechanisms especially for renewable energy and climate change.


• Evidence of previous experience in related tasks and expertise in conducting similar analysis.


• Understanding and experience working on climate change and energy projects or investments.


• Policy and advocacy experience targeted at the African Development Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

7. Ethics and Safeguarding

It is the responsibility of the consultant (s) to strictly adhere to Christian Aid’s Safeguarding Policy. The consultant has the responsibility to ensure that any persons hired, used, or consulted during the process are made familiar with the policy and commit to abide by it during execution of this work. The consultant (s) must sign the policy prior to engagement in the assignment.

All interested Consultants should submit the following:

1. A cover letter outlining how the consultant (s) meets the selection criteria and their understanding of the ToR and methodology.


2. A detailed technical proposal outlining key expertise, approach, methodology and tools, including work plan and potential stakeholders to be consulted, if any.


3. A financial proposal with breakdowns of fees and costing for each of the proposed activities.


4. Profile of individual consultant or team and their roles in the delivery of the assignment.


5. Names and contact information of at least three referees who can be contacted regarding relevant experience.


6. Links or reports of assignments of similar nature undertaken, or previous work conducted by consultant (s).

How to apply

Applicants should submit a technical and financial proposal with subject line clearly marked “Consultancy: The role of AfDB in delivering renewable energy access for all in Africa” before COB 28th July 2022 via email to nairobirecruitment@christian-aid.org.