Consultant - Cold chain and port decarbonization

Result of Service

A completed scoping assessment providing a structured overview of cold chain systems at and serving the Port of Mombasa, including assets and actors, energy-use patterns, infrastructure gaps and indicative emissions hotspots; a prioritized shortlist of context-appropriate decarbonization interventions; and strategic recommendations to inform future technical assistance, pilots, investment and integration of cold chain considerations into port decarbonization strategies.

Work Location

Kenya

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UNEP’s Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain Solutions (SCCCS) Programme supports the development and uptake of resilient, efficient, inclusive and climate-friendly cooling and cold-chain solutions. The Port of Mombasa is undergoing a transition toward a green, low-carbon operational model, driven by Kenya's Nationally Determined Contribution target to reduce emissions by 32% by 2030 and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Green Port Policy. Port-related activities are estimated to generate approximately 532,424 tCO2e, stemming primarily from vessels, cargo handling and logistics systems. Current port decarbonization efforts primarily focus on vessels, cargo handling equipment and land transport systems. Cold chain systems are energy-intensive and critical for export logistics, but remain insufficiently integrated into port decarbonization frameworks. In line with the IMO 2023 Revised GHG Strategy and its system-wide approach to maritime decarbonization. UNEP is recruiting a consultant to conduct a scoping study that will examine cold chain infrastructure as a critical component of green port development and identify practical pathways for reducing energy use and emissions. Based in Kenya, the consultant will report to the Head of the Policy and Planning Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division. For this study, cold chain systems comprise interconnected infrastructure and services for temperature-controlled logistics located within the Port of Mombasa and across the wider supply chain serving the port, including landing sites, processing facilities, logistics hubs and export nodes.

1. Mapping of cold chain systems: Undertake a rapid mapping of cold chain assets and infrastructure across the port ecosystem, including reefer container operations, public and private cold storage, fish and agri-processing facilities (including Liwatoni and the SEZ), refrigerated transport and logistics systems. Identify key gaps such as insufficient cold storage capacity at landing sites, limited ice production and fragmentation across supply-chain segments.
2. Energy use and emissions profiling: Conduct a qualitative assessment of energy consumption patterns, including electricity use, diesel backup generation, operational cooling demand, refrigeration technologies and refrigerants, with emphasis on identifying systems using high global warming potential substances.
3. Systems diagnosis and constraints analysis: Using available data, studies and stakeholder consultations, analyze infrastructure constraints such as unreliable power supply, limited water availability and lack of economies of scale, as well as institutional and market barriers including PPP challenges, regulatory enforcement, technical capacity and maintenance failures.
4. Identification of decarbonization options: Develop and assess a shortlist of indicative, context-appropriate options, which may include renewable-energy integration, solar and battery systems, phase-change materials, energy-efficiency upgrades, thermal storage, low-GWP refrigerants and shared cold-chain hubs. Assess options qualitatively for feasibility, cost implications, emissions-reduction potential, and alignment with export standards and international frameworks.
5. Policy and strategic positioning: Assess how cold chain systems can be better integrated into port decarbonization efforts and policy frameworks, including the KPA Green Port Policy, relevant national climate and energy strategies, and the IMO 2023 Revised GHG Strategy. Identify entry points for policy integration and priority areas for donor engagement, pilots and investment.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in engineering, energy, refrigeration, environmental sciences, logistics, maritime studies or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience with refrigeration technologies, cold storage systems and energy efficiency in cold chains, including refrigerants and cooling-demand profiles is required. Experience working in Kenya or East Africa, with an understanding of infrastructure constraints, supply chains, public-private partnership dynamics and private-sector participation in logistics or energy projects is required. Experience and knowledge in port operations, logistics systems and decarbonization strategies aligned with international frameworks, including the IMO GHG Strategy is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.