Consultant for Market Development and MSME Finance Mobilization

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority 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, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and keeping the global environment under review. The organization brings emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees dedicated to various environmental initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Market Development and MSME Finance Mobilization is crucial for the success of the ProCongo project, which aims to foster green economic growth and reduce deforestation in the Congo Basin. The consultant will be responsible for mobilizing blended finance and developing tailored market solutions that strengthen nature-positive micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. This role involves establishing and coordinating a coalition of investment stakeholders, deepening market intelligence, and tailoring financial and market products to the local context. The consultant will also develop a feasibility evaluation and prioritization framework, co-develop action plans with financial institutions, and produce public-facing outputs that highlight the feasibility and impact of selected financial mechanisms. The expected duration of this consultancy is 12 months, during which the consultant will work closely with the UNEP Climate and Nature Finance Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the market development and MSME finance mobilization workstreams for the ProCongo project.
• Establishing and coordinating a coalition of investment stakeholders to mobilize blended finance for nature-positive MSMEs.
• Deepening market intelligence and tailoring financial and market products to the local context, with a target of developing five specific products.
• Developing a feasibility evaluation and prioritization framework informed by case studies and scalable precedents in the region.
• Co-developing recommendation action plans with financial institutions and investment partners, including conducting feasibility assessments.
• Producing public-facing outputs such as a position paper, interactive database, website, and knowledge pieces that highlight the feasibility and impact of selected financial mechanisms.
• Reporting to the Programme Management Officer in the UNEP Climate and Nature Finance Unit and working under the overall supervision of the Head of the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resource management, international development, management, economics, or finance. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 2 years of working experience in private equity, venture capital, and financial/market analysis, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies, is required. Additionally, experience in finance for nature-positive and climate-resilient SMEs, as well as conducting research on green economic growth in these markets, is essential. Candidates should also be computer literate in standard software applications and possess excellent writing and communication skills, good analytical skills, and the ability to work independently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as natural resource management, international development, management, economics, or finance. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in areas such as private equity, venture capital, and financial/market analysis, with a specific focus on emerging markets and developing economies. Candidates should have experience in finance for nature-positive and climate-resilient SMEs, as well as conducting research related to green economic growth in these contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also an official language of the UN, and proficiency in French would be beneficial for communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with an expected duration of 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 request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.