Capacity Building for efficient utilisation of Biomass for bioenergy and food security in the greater Mekong subregion

The specialist will (i) review and formulate models and structures for private sector participation, including possible PPPs; (ii) consult with bioenergy and eco-agri companies in the private sector to identify best-practice projects in private sector participation and PPPs, and to get their views on how successful projects might be structured (e.g., for biofuels, contract farming); (iii) for the biofuel initiative, review nonfood feedstock applicability under various factors in the GMS, assess public and private sector initiatives in bioenergy or energy crop development including integrated eco-farming systems for food security, conduct a detailed technical and cost analysis of options for the processing (crushing, expelling, purifying, etc.) of the oil and the use of oil cake for compost and soil amendments, conduct gender-sensitive capacity-building activities and interventions, and design and implement a biofuel pilot project; (iv) for cookstove initiative, examine output-based approaches to delivering services; (v) recommend an inclusive supply chain for eco-products and organic products to (a) collect a critical mass of products, and (b) increase value for producers; and (vi) recommend a shortlist of project models and structures for private sector participation for possible inclusion in the investment project.