National Consultant to Support Outreach and Business Community Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address the challenges of development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP has a workforce of over 17,000 employees, including experts in various fields, and collaborates with numerous partners to implement projects that promote human development and resilience.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant to Support Outreach and Business Community Engagement will play a crucial role in the UNDP's Resilient Communities through Women Empowerment Project. This position involves working closely with 12 business incubators to enhance outreach efforts and engage the business community effectively. The consultant will be responsible for developing strategies to promote the incubators, facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and potential investors, and ensuring that the initiatives align with the goals of empowering women in business. The consultant will also be expected to provide insights and recommendations based on market trends and community needs, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing outreach strategies to promote the business incubators and their services.
• Engaging with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for the incubators.
• Organizing workshops, seminars, and networking events to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors and mentors.
• Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities for the incubators and their clients.
• Providing training and support to incubator staff on best practices for community engagement and outreach.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of outreach initiatives and making recommendations for improvement.
• Preparing reports and presentations on outreach activities and outcomes for UNDP and other stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in community engagement, business development, or a related field. A proven track record of working with business incubators or similar organizations is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in project management and strategic planning is also essential, along with a strong understanding of the local business landscape and economic development issues.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in business administration, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of business incubation processes and community development principles, as well as experience in conducting training and workshops.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in community engagement, business development, or project management. Experience working with women entrepreneurs or in gender-focused initiatives is highly valued. Familiarity with the local context in Moldova and previous work with UNDP or similar organizations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and English is mandatory. Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contract-based role with a specific duration aligned with the project timeline. The consultant will be expected to work full-time and may be required to travel within Moldova to engage with various stakeholders. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and the consultant will be responsible for their own taxes and insurance. UNDP encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of nationality, and the recruitment process is open to both national and international candidates.