Consultant for EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes 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 and is guided by the policies established by its Member States. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries worldwide. The organization employs thousands of individuals dedicated to various environmental initiatives, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable development. UNEP's Mid-Term Strategy for 2022-2025 emphasizes gender equality and a rights-based approach as essential components for achieving environmental sustainability, aiming to enhance the capacity of countries and stakeholders to adapt to climate change and transition to low-emission economic development pathways.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in the Finance Unit of the Mitigation Branch within the Climate Change Division. The primary function of this position is to support the EmPower programme, which aims to accelerate gender-responsive and human rights-based climate action across Asia and the Pacific, particularly in Viet Nam. The consultant will conduct initial consultations with UN Women and UNEP to align project objectives and methodologies, review existing literature and reports, and identify suitable provinces in Viet Nam that meet agreed criteria. The consultant will also identify financial institutions and mechanisms that support women-led nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) in accessing financing for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. The ultimate goal is to enable these enterprises to develop and expand sustainably while enhancing their resilience to climate change. The consultant will provide tailored support to 200 women-led NMSMEs, ensuring they can navigate the loan application process and secure financing from commercial banks or microfinance institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting consultations with UN Women and UNEP, reviewing relevant documents, identifying suitable provinces in Viet Nam, and mapping financial institutions that adhere to adequate ESG standards. The consultant will also identify financial mechanisms and loan schemes available to MSMEs, specifically targeting 200 women-led NMSMEs with financing needs for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. The consultant will support these enterprises through coaching, mentoring, and hands-on assistance throughout the loan application process. Performance indicators will be established to evaluate the efficiency and quality of the deliverables, ensuring that the consultant meets the expectations set by UNEP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or certification in a relevant field such as social science, finance, economics, business development, renewable energy, or sustainable development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of experience working with MSMEs, particularly focusing on nano and micro-enterprises in Viet Nam, is required. Candidates should have experience managing livelihoods projects targeting small entrepreneurs and facilitating access to finance for MSMEs, with familiarity in loan products and credit procedures. Proven experience working with women-led enterprises, especially in rural or underserved areas, is essential, along with knowledge of gender-responsive approaches and climate finance.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree or certification in a relevant field such as social science, finance, economics, business development, renewable energy, or sustainable development is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by sufficient qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience working with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong focus on nano and micro-enterprises in Viet Nam. Experience in managing projects targeting small entrepreneurs and facilitating access to finance for MSMEs is crucial. Familiarity with loan products, credit procedures, and financial institutions is necessary, as well as demonstrated experience in working with women-led enterprises and understanding gender-responsive approaches.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and will be home-based in Viet Nam. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, adhering to the United Nations' policy of not charging applicants at any stage of recruitment. The consultant will work closely with regional and country team members of UN Women and UNEP, providing tailored support to women-led enterprises to ensure they can access financing for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.