Junior Consultant on Microfinance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in various regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean, where it works closely with 33 countries. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) is located in Panama City, Panama, and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The Junior Consultant on Microfinance will play a crucial role in the effective implementation of meetings and workshops with partners and stakeholders, ensuring that timelines are met and expected results are achieved. This position is specifically focused on the project ‘Promoting sustainability in the agave-mezcal value chain through restoration and integrated management of biocultural landscapes in Oaxaca’. The consultant will be responsible for promoting and utilizing the financial mechanism established with FIRA, which aims to benefit small producers of agave and mezcal involved in the project. The work will be conducted in a home-based modality, requiring full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNEP’s Country Representative for Colombia, contributing to the design and implementation of financial education workshops and managing loans for small producers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Consultant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Visiting and meeting with small producers of agave and mezcal to present the Guarantee by UNEP-Pronatura Sur and FIRA-PROIF.
• Designing and implementing workshops and activities related to financial education and loans management for small producers.
• Collaborating on surveys to identify the financial needs of producers in the agave-mezcal value chain.
• Producing a georeferenced directory of local producers and their financial needs.
• Conducting interviews with agave farmers, mezcal producers, and stakeholders regarding their financial needs.
• Guiding small producers in filling out credit applications for the Pronatura-FIRA financial mechanism.
• Collaborating with UNEP Mexico Office on project implementation in coordination with various stakeholders.
• Participating in meetings to establish small producers’ cooperatives, including legal and fiscal requirements.
• Engaging in discussions related to the development of a “Sustainable badge” for agave and mezcal. 1
• Providing guidance in brand creation for small producers if required. 1
• Assisting in strengthening the designation of origin for Mezcal if needed. 1
• Supplying relevant information to UNEP’s communication team for project dissemination. 1
• Drafting meeting notes, reports, and other documentation as required. 1
• Performing administrative duties such as organizing seminars and monitoring accounts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Business, Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Natural Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, International Affairs, or Sustainable Development. Additionally, two years of professional experience in administration, finance, environmental, agriculture, or sustainable development topics is required. Desirable qualifications include experience in financial aspects of agricultural and forest sectors, working with development institutions and funds, and engaging with local communities or indigenous peoples.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Business, Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Natural Resources Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, International Affairs, or Sustainable Development is required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires two years of professional experience in administration, finance, environmental, agriculture, and/or forest projects, as well as social development and sustainable development topics. Experience in financial aspects of agricultural and forest sectors, working with development institutions, and engaging with local communities is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local producers and stakeholders is essential.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not require information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.