Recruitment of Individual Consultant (PPP Expert) to Support LREEAP in the Deployment of Mini‑Grids through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP)

Project: Lesotho Renewable Energy & Energy Access Project

KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINING

LESOTHO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY ACCESS PROJECT (LREEAP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION – IC)

Assignment Title: Mini-Grids PPP Expert
Financing: International Development Association (IDA) & Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Project: Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)
Contract Type: Individual Consultant (Time-Based)
Duration: 8 Months
Duty Station: Maseru, with field visits as required
Issued Date: June 4, 2026

1. 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 periurban areas through grid extension and deployment of renewableenergy 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 leastcost through the Electrification Master Plan (EMP). These mini-grids will be implemented through a PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) model and procured through competitive bidding consistent with World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised 2017–2023). Through the results of the previous studies, the project has identified seven (7) areas to be electrified through mini-grids. The areas have been divided into two lots as follows;

Lot No.	Site Name	District	Latitude	Longitude
1	Molikaliko	Mokhotlong	-29.0921	28.9981
	Malefiloane	Mokhotlong	-29.3521	29.1718
	Linakaneng	Mokhotlong	-29.4736	28.9528
2	Semenanyane	Thaba-Tseka	-29.3347	28.6819
	Bobete	Thaba-Tseka	-29.4173	28.6670
	Methalaneng	Thaba-Tseka	-29.3800	28.6000
	Lesobeng	Thaba-Tseka	-29.7577	28.3585

The Ministry of Energy and Mining is seeking to engage an individual consultant (PPP Expert) to support the use of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the sustainable investment, operation, and maintenance of mini-grid infrastructure. To date, LREEAP has completed the following:

• Feasibility studies for 10 priority mini-grid sites with related data;
• Transaction advisory activities covering Bid strategy, and Financial model review
• Preliminary Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment
• Environmental and Social Management Plans

1. Objective of the Assignment

An Individual Consultant will provide specialized PPP advisory services to structure, negotiate, and facilitate agreements between the public sector and private investors/operators for the deployment of Mini grid solutions to seven (7) mini-grid concession areas. The role will involve technical, financial, and legal advisory to ensure bankable, transparent, and sustainable PPP arrangements. While the client has completed the different consultancies listed in the Background section with different consultant, the PPP Expert shall remain agnostic on the different assumptions including demand, system sizing, financial and subsidy from different documents. The expert shall work with the client for best possible assumptions.

1. Scope of Services

The Consultant will provide technical and transactional support to LREEAP throughout the procurement of minigrid developers. The assignment includes the following key tasks:

1. Finalization of Procurement Instruments

• Fasttrack the completion of all procurement instruments required for the selection of minigrid developers within three weeks of engagement.
• Ensure all documents are complete, coherent, marketready, and fully aligned with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and the approved PPP structure.

1. Design of Bid Evaluation Framework.

• Given that technical and financial proposals will be based on bidders’ demand assumptions and own system sizing approaches — the Consultant shall develop a structured bid evaluation methodology capable of assessing technically diverse proposals on a consistent and transparent basis. This shall include clear evaluation criteria covering technical credibility, financial sustainability, proposed tariff levels, and long-term operational viability. The evaluation framework shall be submitted for client review and approval prior to the launch of the tender and shall form an integral part of the bid documents

1. Support During the Selection Process

• Market Sounding: Facilitate early engagement with potential developers through targeted outreach, prebid meetings, and clarification sessions to test market appetite and encourage participation.
• Bidder Support: Provide timely and accurate responses to bidder inquiries to ensure a transparent, efficient, and wellmanaged procurement process.

1. Support to the Evaluation Committee

• Assist in establishing an evaluation framework consistent with the World Bank Procurement Regulations and the approved evaluation criteria.
• Conduct due diligence to verify the legal, technical, and financial capacity of shortlisted bidders.
• Prepare a comprehensive evaluation report with justified recommendations for the preferred minigrid developers.

1. Support During Contract Negotiation and Signing

• Support the preparation and finalization of concession agreements to be executed with selected developers.
• Lead and support LREEAP during contract negotiations up to the signing of the PPP agreements, ensuring alignment with the PPP structure, risk allocation, and Bank requirements.

1. Education Qualifications and Experience

The Individual Consultant must demonstrate strong technical, financial, and legal expertise, supported by substantial experience in public–private partnership (PPP) advisory services. The required qualifications and experiences are set out below.

• Advanced Degree: Master’s or PhD in Engineering or Commercial Law or Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years in structuring and implementing PPP projects, preferably in the energy sector.
• Similar Assignments: At least two successfully completed assignments of similar nature and complexity as a PPP transaction advisor in recent years.
• Renewable Energy Expertise: Proven track record in renewable energy or mini-grid PPP transactions in emerging markets.
• Financial & Legal Knowledge: Strong skills in financial modelling, risk assessment, and PPP legal frameworks.
• Concession Agreements: Full knowledge and practical experience with concession agreements.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

1. 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.

1. Submission of CVs and Expressions of Interest

Interested candidates should submit the documents listed below electronically.

Required Documents

1. A cover letter outlining the candidate’s relevant experience.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages).
3. Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications.
4. At least two references from similar assignments.

Electronic Submission Only

Applications must be submitted electronically by 19th June 2026 at 12:00 SAST. Please send them to Zulane.leponesa@gmail.com and copy lmokhutsoane@yhaoo.com.

Please use “PPP Specialist – Mini-grid Project” as the subject line of the email.

Contact Address;

The Project Coordinator
Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP)
Ministry of Energy and Mining
Maseru, Lesotho

1. Additional Information

• Candidates who wish to obtain the full Terms of Reference may request it by email using the addresses provided above.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.