Consultant for EmPower Programme

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for EmPower Programme
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations 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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in the Finance Unit of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division. The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of existing business accelerators and initiatives that connect capital with enterprises, particularly focusing on the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global south, with an emphasis on Asia and Africa. The consultant will engage with UN Women and UNEP to align project objectives and methodologies, review relevant literature, and identify financial mechanisms available to MSMEs. The consultant will also analyze public policies affecting these ecosystems and provide actionable recommendations to enhance access to finance and capacity building for MSMEs. The expected duration of this consultancy is four months, and the work will be home-based, allowing for flexibility in conducting research and consultations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: conducting initial consultations with UN Women and UNEP to align on project objectives; reviewing EmPower documents and existing literature; identifying business accelerators and financial mechanisms available to MSMEs; conducting detailed analyses of these entities and providing actionable recommendations; incorporating feedback from UN Women and UNEP to finalize reports; and preparing presentations to communicate findings effectively. The consultant will also be expected to analyze the policy environment surrounding business accelerators and commercial banks, providing insights into enabling or constraining factors that affect MSMEs' access to finance. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive analytical report and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent certification in social sciences, economics, business administration, statistics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in business analysis is required, along with experience in reviewing policy environments and providing policy recommendations. The consultant should have a strong background in designing tools and strategies for data collection and analysis, as well as knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience working with UN bodies, international organizations, or the non-profit sector is highly desirable, along with strong communication skills and knowledge of climate finance and the SME sector.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, economics, business administration, or statistics. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by substantial relevant experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of business analysis, policy review, and the socio-economic factors influencing MSMEs and climate finance.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in business analysis, which includes a deep understanding of the financial mechanisms available to MSMEs and the challenges they face in accessing capital. Candidates should have experience in reviewing policy environments and providing actionable recommendations, as well as a proven track record in designing effective data collection and analysis strategies. Familiarity with gender equality issues and experience working with UN agencies or international organizations will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in additional UN languages would be an advantage, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for four months. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is implied that the consultant should possess a high level of expertise and experience. The recruitment process is conducted by the United Nations, which does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.