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, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in addressing environmental issues on a global scale. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to promote the integration of environmental considerations into the decision-making processes of governments and businesses worldwide. The organization is guided by its Mid-Term Strategy for 2022-2025, which emphasizes gender equality and a rights-based approach as essential components of environmental sustainability and climate action.

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 enhance access to low-carbon technologies and climate finance for women-led nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) in Viet Nam. The consultant will conduct initial consultations with UN Women and UNEP to align project objectives and methodologies, review relevant documents, and identify suitable provinces and financial institutions that adhere to adequate ESG standards. The consultant will also identify 200 women-led NMSMEs in selected provinces that require financing for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, providing them with coaching and mentoring to facilitate access to loans. The expected duration of this consultancy is 12 months, and the work will be home-based in Viet Nam, allowing for flexibility in engagement with local stakeholders and financial institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting consultations with UN Women and UNEP, reviewing existing literature and reports, identifying suitable provinces in Viet Nam, and mapping financial institutions that implement adequate ESG standards. The consultant will also identify financial mechanisms and loan schemes available to MSMEs, specifically targeting 200 women-led NMSMEs that require financing for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Additionally, the consultant will provide tailored support to these enterprises, including coaching, mentoring, and assistance with loan applications. Performance indicators will be established to evaluate the efficiency and quality of the deliverables as stipulated by UNEP. The consultant will also engage with local partners and financial institutions to compile a comprehensive list of available loan products and facilitate capacity development activities to strengthen the financial literacy and technical readiness of the enterprises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or certification equivalent in a relevant field such as social science, finance, economics, business development, business administration, renewable energy, sustainable development, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 7 years of experience working with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is required, with a strong focus on nano and micro-enterprises in Viet Nam. Experience in managing livelihoods projects targeting nano, micro, and small entrepreneurs or the informal sector is essential. Proven experience in facilitating access to finance for MSMEs, including familiarity with loan products and credit procedures, is also required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working with women-led enterprises, particularly in rural or underserved areas, and possess a strong understanding of gender-responsive approaches. Experience in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies as applied to small business development is highly desirable, along with excellent knowledge of Viet Nam and strong communication skills. Knowledge about gender equality, the empowerment of women, and climate finance is also important, as is experience working with UN bodies, international organizations, or the non-profit sector.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree or certification equivalent in a relevant field such as social science, finance, economics, business development, business administration, renewable energy, sustainable development, or a related discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support the objectives of the EmPower programme and engage with various stakeholders in the field of climate finance and sustainable development.

Experience:
Candidates must 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. This experience should include managing livelihoods projects that target nano, micro, and small entrepreneurs or the informal sector. Proven experience in facilitating access to finance for MSMEs is crucial, as is familiarity with loan products, credit procedures, and financial institutions such as commercial banks and microfinance institutions. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience working with women-led enterprises, particularly in rural or underserved areas, and possess a strong understanding of gender-responsive approaches. Experience in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies as applied to small business development is highly desirable, as it aligns with the objectives of the EmPower programme.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners is essential. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, as it may enhance collaboration and communication within the diverse international context of the United Nations and its various programs.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, and the work will be home-based in Viet Nam. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it requires a high level of expertise and experience in the relevant fields. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.