Terms of Reference
Research Expert for Study on Green Certificates: “Green
and Competitive”

Background Information
Overview
Balkan Green Foundation (BGF) seeks to engage a Research Expert to conduct an in-depth study on the
role and impact of Green Certificates in enhancing export competitiveness for businesses in Kosovo. This
study is carried out with the support of “Energy transition and climate mitigation in Kosovo”, a project
funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Ministry of Economy and LuxDev,
the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

As global markets, particularly in the EU and US, increasingly prioritize sustainable supply chains,
businesses that utilize renewable energy sources and energy-saving practices gain a competitive
advantage. The “Green and Competitive” study should assess how the operationalization of Green
Certificates in Kosovo can support national compliance with EU market standards, particularly those
under the Energy Community framework. This includes mapping Kosovo’s obligations under the Energy
Community Treaty related to renewable energy and Guarantees of Origin, identifying gaps between
current national practices and EU Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Directives, and providing
policy and institutional recommendations to align with the EU Green Deal and enable businesses to
access green-sensitive export markets.

Moreover, the study will adopt a dual focus, conducting sector-specific analysis to prioritize industries
where Green Certificates can strengthen export performance, in key sectors ( textiles, agro-business, ICT,
and manufacturing), while simultaneously developing a business-oriented roadmap detailing practical
steps for Kosovo companies to obtain and utilize Green Certificates to meet international market
demands.
The overall aim of the project is to support Kosovo’s transition to clean energy by promoting the
adoption of Renewable Energy (RE) sources and Energy Efficiency (EE) practices in Kosovo with a strong
focus on empowering vulnerable communities, women, and smaller municipalities. To achieve this, the
project will focus on three key results: promoting green certificates (Guarantees of Origin) to enhance
the competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), advancing energy efficiency through
improved building performance and EE promotion packages, and strengthening the role of the Balkan
Green Foundation (BGF) in driving sustainable development across the Western Balkans.

Information on Balkan Green Foundation
BGF is a regional organization that promotes inclusive and equitable progress within the Western Balkans
in the sustainable development domain. BGF places a strong focus on advocating for solutions that
promote development policies, which are in line with the world’s latest developments, global challenges
and national agendas for EU integration. Local and regional initiatives are undertaken on an ongoing
basis to further convey BGF’s commitment towards regional sustainability, ensuring the strengthening
and advancement of vital policies affecting key sectors, such as energy, environment, and economy.
BGF has been successfully positioned as a key strategic partner for regional and global institutions,
organizations, and communities in promoting sustainable development, transforming innovative
concepts into powerful solutions, and strengthening regional and global partnerships.

2. Objectives of the consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct an analytical study on Green Certificates and their
impact on export competitiveness. The Research Expert will:

• Evaluate market trends and the growing role of sustainability in international trade.
• Identify best practices for the implementation and adoption of Green Certificates.
• Analyze policy frameworks in reference with Kosovo’s Energy Strategy 2022-2030, National
  Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and relevant EU Energy Efficiency Directives and industry
  challenges in Kosovo.
• Provide actionable recommendations to businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Delivers a sector-specific analysis and a practical roadmap for businesses (especially SMEs) to
  access and use Green Certificates to strengthen their competitiveness.
• Present findings in a workshop with the relevant stakeholders.

3. Duration and Timeline

The Research Expert will be engaged for a total of 20 working days within a 3-month period. A detailed
work plan will be developed upon selection.
               Activity                                                Deliverable                                       Timeline
Research & Data Collection               Draft research methodology                       Month 1
Analysis & Report Writing                  Draft report submission                               Month 2
Final Report & Workshop                   Final report & workshop presentation        Month 3

*The methodology and report provided should be of high enough quality to share with donors,
agencies, and interested third parties.
The report must include:
Phase 1: Research and Analysis

• Conduct desk research on Green Certificates and their influence on global trade.
• Review the current and potential role of KOSST (Kosovo’s Transmission System Operator) in
  supporting the implementation and administration of Guarantees of Origin, including institutional capacity, technical infrastructure, and alignment with European practices.
• Identify and analyze existing legal frameworks, with a specific focus on the Renewable Energy
  Law and any secondary legislation that could present barriers or gaps for the issuance of Green
  Certificates.
• Review the feasibility of establishing a national certification authority or a registry for the issuance and tracking of Guarantees of Origin.
• Interview key stakeholders such as export-oriented businesses, Ministry of Economy (MoE), Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund (KEEF), Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC), Metal Industry and Renewable Energy Cluster of Kosovo (MIRECK), American Chamber of Kosovo (AmCham).
• Provide a sector-specific analysis with focus on key industries (textile, agro-business, ICT, manufacturing) most likely to benefit from Green Certificates.
• Identify case studies from similar economies.

Phase 2: Report Development
Develop a draft report including:

• an overview of key findings, market analysis, trends and recommendations;
• visuals such as charts and graphs that simplify complex data and trends;
• Certification benefits and barriers;
• Policy and regulatory recommendations and strategic guidance for businesses;
• Insights gathered from stakeholder consultations;
• Adherence to academic standards for research writing and presentation,
• and finalize and submit the report in English.

Phase 3: Dissemination and Workshop

• Develop a presentation of key findings and recommendations.
• Present the study at the workshop “The Way Ahead to Green and Competitive.”

Roles and Responsibilities
The Research Expert will:

• Carry out the study “Green and Competitive” in accordance with the above-mentioned
  requirements.
• Work closely with the BGF internal researcher and the project team to negotiate and adhere to
  project timelines, ensuring timely completion of assessments;
• Stay informed about project developments, adapting research methodology as needed;
• Continuously contribute to the improvement of the research process based on lessons learned.

Required Qualifications
The assignment will be awarded to an Expert Researcher with the following qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree in Economic Development, Sustainability, Energy, Economics, Public Policy,
  or other related fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in research related to renewable energy, sustainability, or
  economic competitiveness.
• Knowledge of Green Certificates, certification schemes, and EU/US trade regulations.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Fluent in English.

Milestone Payments
The payment structure for the work of the Research Expert is contingent upon the satisfactory delivery
of key milestones and outputs rather than on a set number of days. The payment will be allocated as
followed:

• 30% upon approval of methodology & research framework
• 40% upon submission of the draft report
• 30% after the final report and workshop presentation

Application Process

Groups of interest should submit:

• CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A short proposal outlining the methodology and timeline.
• Samples of previous relevant work.

Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 18.05.2025, by 23:59
Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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