Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI)
Assignment Title: Mini-Grids PPP Expert
Project: Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)
Financing: International Development Association (IDA) & Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Contract Type: Individual Consultant (Time-Based)
Duration: 8 Months
Duty Station: Maseru, with field visits as required
Kingdom of Lesotho
Ministry of Energy and Mining
Background
The Government of Lesotho (GoL) is implementing the Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP), financed by the International Development Association (IDA) and the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP).
The project aims to increase access to electricity in rural and peri-urban areas through grid extension and the deployment of renewable energy mini-grids, in alignment with the Lesotho Energy Policy 2015–2025.
Under Subcomponent 2B, an allocation of US$14.5 million supports electrification of remote communities via mini-grids identified as least-cost through the Electrification Master Plan (EMP). These mini-grids will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and procured through competitive bidding consistent with World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised 2017–2023).
The project has identified seven (7) areas to be electrified through mini-grids, divided into two lots:
Lot 1 – Mokhotlong District
- Molikaliko (Latitude: -29.0921, Longitude: 28.9981)
- Malefiloane (Latitude: -29.3521, Longitude: 29.1718)
- Linakaneng (Latitude: -29.4736, Longitude: 28.9528)
Lot 2 – Thaba-Tseka District
- Semenanyane (Latitude: -29.3347, Longitude: 28.6819)
- Bobete (Latitude: -29.4173, Longitude: 28.6670)
- Methalaneng (Latitude: -29.3800, Longitude: 28.6000)
- Lesobeng (Latitude: -29.7577, Longitude: 28.3585)
The Ministry of Energy and Mining seeks to engage an individual consultant (PPP Expert) to support the use of PPPs for sustainable investment, operation, and maintenance of mini-grid infrastructure.
To date, LREEAP has completed:
- Feasibility studies for 10 priority mini-grid sites
- Transaction advisory activities, including bid strategy and financial model review
- Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
- Environmental and Social Management Plans
Objective of the Assignment
The Individual Consultant will provide specialised PPP advisory services to structure, negotiate, and facilitate agreements between the public sector and private investors/operators for the deployment of mini-grid solutions across the seven concession areas.
The role includes technical, financial, and legal advisory to ensure bankable, transparent, and sustainable PPP arrangements.
The PPP Expert will work with the client to establish the most appropriate assumptions relating to demand, system sizing, financial modelling, and subsidies.
Scope of Services
The Consultant will provide technical and transactional support to LREEAP throughout the procurement of mini-grid developers. Key tasks include:
a) Finalisation of Procurement Instruments
- Fast-track completion of procurement instruments within three weeks of engagement
- Ensure documents are complete, coherent, market-ready, and aligned with World Bank Procurement Regulations and the approved PPP structure
b) Design of Bid Evaluation Framework
- Develop a structured evaluation methodology to assess technically diverse proposals
- Define clear evaluation criteria, including:
- Technical credibility
- Financial sustainability
- Proposed tariff levels
- Long-term operational viability
- Submit the framework for client approval prior to tender launch
c) Support During the Selection Process
- Conduct market sounding through outreach, pre-bid meetings, and clarification sessions
- Provide timely responses to bidder queries to ensure a transparent process
d) Support to the Evaluation Committee
- Assist in establishing an evaluation framework aligned with World Bank requirements
- Conduct due diligence on shortlisted bidders
- Prepare a comprehensive evaluation report with recommendations
e) Support During Contract Negotiation and Signing
- Assist in preparation and finalisation of concession agreements
- Support and lead contract negotiations up to signing of PPP agreements
- Ensure alignment with PPP structure, risk allocation, and World Bank requirements
Education, Qualifications and Experience
The Individual Consultant must demonstrate strong technical, financial, and legal expertise with substantial PPP advisory experience.
- Advanced Degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, Commercial Law, Supply Chain, or related field
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in structuring and implementing PPP projects, preferably in the energy sector
- At least two successfully completed similar assignments as a PPP transaction advisor
- Proven experience in renewable energy or mini-grid PPP transactions in emerging markets
- Strong financial modelling, risk assessment, and PPP legal framework expertise
- Full knowledge and practical experience with concession agreements
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Selection Method
The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised 2017–2023), using the Individual Consultant Selection (IC) method.
Submission of Expressions of Interest
Interested candidates must submit the following documents electronically:
Required Documents
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
- Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
- At least two references from similar assignments
Submission Details
- Deadline: 19th June 2026
- Email: [email protected]
- Copy to: [email protected]
- Subject Line: “PPP Specialist – Mini-grid Project”
Contact Information
The Project Coordinator
Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)
Ministry of Energy and Mining
Maseru, Lesotho
Additional Information
- Candidates may request the full Terms of Reference via the provided email addresses
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted