THE GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO

 Utilities Sector Reform Project

Credit No.3484 – LSO 

Consulting Services 

Expressions of Interest

 ADVISOR TO LESOTHO ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY 

The Government of Lesotho has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Utilities Sector Reform Project and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit to payments under the contract for an ADVISOR to Lesotho Electricity Authority (LEA). 

The establishment of the LEA is planned for 3^rd quarter of 2002 and is provided for in the recently promulgated Lesotho Electricity Authority Act 2002.  The LEA will comprise a small team of specialists in economics, law and engineering reporting to the Chief Executive.  In order to facilitate the efficient operation and development of the LEA during its initial phase, two (2) years' funding has been obtained to secure the services of an individual as ADVISOR to provide strategic, informed advice to the LEA generally, and to the Chief Executive in particular.  The ADVISOR, who will be directly responsible to the Chief Executive of LEA, will be required to work with the LEA on a resident basis for a period of two years (or such other period as may be agreed) beginning in the 4^th quarter of 2002.

The overall objectives of the ADVISOR will be to provide strategic input and guidance to LEA in all areas of regulatory policy development and implementation.  Key aspects of this will include, ensuring that LEA’s activities take due account of stakeholder views, including those of customers, relevant Ministries, licensees and investors; and recognising the importance of LEA’s early actions in creating precedent for subsequent regulatory policy and behaviour.  The setting and periodic review of tariffs, rates and charges is a key function of the LEA and it is anticipated that assistance with the first regulatory price control review will be a major element of the ADVISOR 's work.  The ADVISOR will also contribute to the development of LEA in identifying and meeting organisational and professional needs of the organisation. In particular, it will be important to ensure that the LEA is able to perform its statutory duties in a cost-effective, efficient, timely and professional way, with appropriate use of external advice and assistance.

The ADVISOR will be an individual of eminent personal standing with academic and professional qualifications in a relevant discipline. He or she will have had successful senior experience over a period of least ten years in the restructuring or regulation of energy or other utility markets.  The minimum academic qualification is a university degree and the minimum professional qualification is membership of a professional body representing their discipline.  Appropriate disciplines include but are not restricted to: economics, science, politics, business, history, engineering and law.

The Government of Lesotho now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the required advisory services for a period of two years. Interested consultants must provide full information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (complete Curriculum Vitae including qualifications, experience, description of similar assignments performed, experience in similar conditions, references etc.).  A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in Section V, “Individual Consultants” of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers- January 1997 (revised September 1997 and January 1999).

An expanded version of this advertisement is available in the United Nations Development Business [Insert addition].  Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below. 

Expressions of interest/Applications must be delivered to the addresses below by 15 July 2002.

One copy to:                                       One copy (for information) to:

The Principal Secretary                       Director

The Ministry of Natural Resources        Privatisation Unit

P.O. Box 772                                      2^nd Floor Lesotho Bank Mortgage Division Building

Maseru 100                                       Kingsway

LESOTHO                                          P/Bag A 249

                                                        Maseru 100

                                                        LESOTHO

Tel.  :  (+266) 322 334                         Tel.  : +266 317 902

Fax. :   (+266) 310 520                        Fax: +266 317 551

e-mail:                                               e-mail: dirpp@adelfang.co.za