Result of Service

Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Finance Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, the consultant will deliver the specific outputs as follows: I. Conduct initial consultations with UN Women and UNEP to align on project objectives and methodology. II. Review EmPower documents, existing literature, and practitioner reports. III. Identify suitable provinces in Viet Nam that meet mutually agreed criteria. IV. Identify financial institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintech and other relevant stakeholders in the selected provinces, implementing adequate ESG standards in their lending practice. V. Identify financial mechanisms and loan schemes offered by commercial banks to MSMEs in the selected provinces. VI. Identify 200 women-led nano, micro, small and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) across the 4 selected provinces that have financing needs for the purchase of renewable energy and low carbon technologies. VII. Support these 200 women-led NMSMEs to access loans, through coaching, mentoring, hand-holding and other. Performance indicators: Efficient completion of the deliverables as stipulated and evaluated by UNEP for completeness and quality.

Work Location

Home-based (Viet Nam)

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications/special skills

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. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 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. Experience in managing livelihoods projects targeting nano, micro and small entrepreneurs or the informal sector. Proven experience in facilitating access to finance for MSMEs, including familiarity with loan products, credit procedures, and financial institutions (commercial banks, MFIs, etc.). Demonstrated experience in working with women-led enterprises, particularly in rural or underserved areas, with a strong understanding of gender-responsive approaches. Experience in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies as applied to small business development is highly desirable. Excellent knowledge of Viet Nam. Strong communication skills. Knowledge about gender equality, the empowerment of women and violence against women. Knowledge about climate finance. Experience working with UN bodies / international organizations / non-profit sector highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required. Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.