The Programme Management Officer, Finance Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, and 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.
Responsibilities:
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.
Building on its institutional policy, guided by Member States, UNEP’s Mid-Term-Strategy for 2022-2025 states that “gender equality and a rights-based approach are key to ending all forms of discrimination and ensuring progress towards environmental sustainability” and explains how UNEP will increase responsiveness to gender equality and human rights and gather good practices within the organization.
UNEP’s strategic objectives comprise “Climate stability: Countries increasingly transition to low-emission economic development pathways and enhance their adaptation and resilience to climate change.”
Under this objective, UNEP works to contribute to Programme of Work Outcome 1B: “Countries and stakeholders have increased capacity, finance, and access to technologies to deliver on the adaptation and mitigation goals.”
Through the EmPower program, UNEP supports access to low-carbon technologies for decarbonization, enhances resilience, and increases access to climate finance. The EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Program background: The program seeks to accelerate gender-responsive and human rights-based climate action across Asia and the Pacific with a focus on Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Building on the first phase of the project, UNEP and UN Women are scaling up the work in its second phase, which started in 2023.
EmPower Phase II leverages a variety of tools, methodologies, and empirical data to implement existing plans and policies for gender-responsive, human rights-based climate action.
The project expands the scope for women and other marginalized and gender-diverse groups to shape decisions and build resilience, including through new access to finance, technology, and renewable energy as a driver of better livelihoods.
For this, further support is needed to unlock finance for low-carbon technologies for women-led as well as other socially inclusive enterprises to build climate-resilient livelihoods and to bring women’s leadership to the forefront of climate action and the just energy transition.
The program aims to contribute to the following long-term impact: people in the Asia-Pacific experience greater gender equality and the full enjoyment of their rights, including equal access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, reducing their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
Assignment Background: It is estimated that there were approximately 358 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide in 2023.
Requirements:
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.
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 Vietnam.
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 / the non-profit sector is highly desirable.
