Nat'l Consultant – Support on Blended Finance Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a workforce of over 17,000 employees worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Support on Blended Finance Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships involves providing technical support and facilitating stakeholder engagement to operationalize blended financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Laos. The consultant will be responsible for organizing stakeholder coordination meetings, conducting discussions with key government counterparts, and engaging with development partners and international financial institutions. The role also includes drafting concept notes and proposals for blended finance mechanisms, coordinating activities for the Climate Finance Network project, and developing partnerships for a microinsurance pilot. The consultant will work closely with the UNDP Economist and the Inclusive Growth Unit (IGU) team to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Blended Finance – Provide technical support and facilitate stakeholder engagement to operationalize blended financing for MSMEs. This includes organizing stakeholder coordination meetings, preparing meeting minutes, and conducting meetings with government counterparts such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
• Engage with development partners and international financial institutions to understand their preferences and negotiate assistance.
• Draft tailored concept notes and proposals for blended finance mechanisms based on stakeholder engagement outcomes.
• Support the UNDP Economist and IGU team in operationalizing the blended financing instrument.
• Climate Finance Network Project – Coordinate and implement project activities that mobilize climate-aligned private capital and strengthen the sustainable enterprise ecosystem.
• Monitor and report on project activities, track progress against workplans, and contribute to donor and internal reporting requirements.
• Draft monthly progress updates capturing achievements, challenges, and upcoming activities.
• Microinsurance Pilot – Coordinate with potential partners for the microinsurance pilot rollout, including relevant ministries, insurance companies, and development partners.
• Organize and attend coordination meetings, prepare meeting notes, and draft partnership concept notes for potential partners. 1
• Develop tailored proposal documents for potential donors regarding the microinsurance pilot rollout.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders including government officials, development partners, and financial institutions. The candidate should have experience in blended finance, climate finance, and partnership development, particularly in the context of MSMEs and sustainable development. Familiarity with the Lao context and understanding of the local financial landscape will be advantageous. The candidate should also demonstrate proficiency in project management and reporting, with the ability to draft high-quality documents and proposals.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in blended finance, climate finance, or project management would be considered an asset. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in finance, project management, or stakeholder engagement, preferably within the context of development projects. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or financial institutions in Laos or similar contexts is highly desirable. Proven track record in managing partnerships and facilitating stakeholder engagement processes is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Lao language is highly desirable and would be considered an asset. Proficiency in other languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is for a contract duration of 120 working days. It is expected that the consultant will work on a full-time basis during this period. The role is open to both national and international candidates, and compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested candidates must submit their proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline.