Call for Application : Developing an Impact Investment Framework for the Joint SDG Fund Project

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Saturday 1 Apr 2023 at 23:59 UTC

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Grade : Consultancy Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Harare Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 4-APRIL-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- **CALL FOR APPLICATION** **Developing an Impact Investment Framework for the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund Project** **‘Catalysing Investments in Climate and Sustainable Energy for productive use and the Achievement of the SDGs in Zimbabwe’** **1. PROJECT BACKGROUND** Currently, Zimbabwe is facing an acute energy access gap, whereby access to electricity in rural areas is as low as 28%. This has negatively impacted industrial productivity and other key services including education and healthcare. The utilization of clean and renewable energy is very low compared to traditional sources of energy, which represent a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. The potential for Renewable Energy (RE) to fill the energy gap in Zimbabwe is tremendous. Therefore, RE systems could be harnessed to transform livelihoods through the establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and product value-addition while also providing lighting and clean water for rural service centres, schools, homes and clinics. The gap in accessing clean energy is gender-differentiated, where women and youth disproportionately bear the burden of energy poverty. They also represent the majority of the agricultural labour force – a sector that is especially vulnerable to climate change effects including droughts and floods, which necessitates a strong focus on adaptation. These challenges are aggravated by the lack of access to long-term finance and critical skills required for the development of RE technologies in Zimbabwe. Financing required to deliver a low-emission development trajectory in Zimbabwe is in the range of $7-8 billion as outlined in Zimbabwe’s Low Emissions Development Strategy and most of this financing is anticipated to come through the private sector. Long Description ---------------- **2. SPECIFIC TASKS** UNESCO in partnership with UNDP, UNCDF and UNWOMEN has developed a Joint Programme (JP) in response to the SDG Fund call on ‘Catalysing Investments in Climate and Sustainable Energy for productive use and the Achievement of the SDGs in Zimbabwe’. The JP is the comprehensive approach towards the removal of investment barriers for SMEs, particularly for women and youth in the RE sector by establishing a first-of-its-kind mechanism that enables mobilization and access to funds, technical capacity building of stakeholders to have direct access to funds from the multilateral, bilateral, private sector and leveraging public finance. Furthermore, the JP will build the capacity of women and youth entrepreneurs to influence and access government-controlled financing mechanisms, with particular attention to the nexus of new technologies-social benefits-economic opportunities. In this context, UNESCO and its partners wish to engage an Individual Consultant or a firm, to develop an SDGs Impact Investment Framework for the Renewable Energy Fund in Zimbabwe. The scope of work covers the following areas: Long Description ---------------- • Desk research and analysis related to the Joint SDG Fund project in Zimbabwe and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to it. This should include an assessment of the current context, existing initiatives, relevant public policies, and a review of the project document and an analysis of the social, economic and environmental impacts of renewable energy investments in Zimbabwe. • Preparation of a report outlining the results of the research, analysis, and design process, and recommendations for the implementation of the Renewable Energy Fund's SDGs investment framework. • Designing an Impact Investment framework for the Joint SDG Fund project in Zimbabwe that is aligned with the SDGs and tailored to its specific needs. This should include a comprehensive assessment of the target beneficiaries, gender considerations, regional and local context, and applicable regulations. • Developing a set of indicators and metrics for measuring the progress and impact of the Renewable Energy Fund in Zimbabwe on the achievement of the SDGs. • Assess the needs of stakeholders and recommend technical assistance and capacity building related to the implementation of the SDGs impact investment framework. • Development of a communication and engagement plan to ensure stakeholders’ buy-in, involvement, and support for the Renewable Energy Fund in Zimbabwe. • Facilitating a series of workshops with stakeholders to discuss and refine the design of the Renewable Energy Fund's SDGs investment framework. • Develop the Terms of Reference for the Impact Investment Committee. Long Description ---------------- **3. DELIVERABLES** The Consultancy is expected to run immediately on conclusion of the contract agreement after which the consultant/firm is expected to provide 45 days of services. The indicative time guideline for the Consultancy is provided in the deliverables schedule below: 1\. An inception report detailing the approach to the assignment, methodology, data collection tools, list of stakeholders to be consulted, the high-level structure of the impact investment framework with indicators, and Gannt chart/work plan. **The assignment is expected to be completed in 10 Days;** 2\. Draft Impact Investment framework with indicators and metrics for measuring the progress and the Terms of reference for the Impact Investment Committee. **The assignment is expected to be completed in 10 Days;** 3\. Draft Stakeholder engagement, communication and engagement plan, stakeholder needs assessment and recommendations report. **The assignment is expected to be completed in 10 Days;** 4\. Final Impact Investment framework with indicators and metrics for measuring the progress, Terms of References for the Impact Investment Committee, Stakeholder engagement, communication and engagement plan, stakeholder needs assessment and recommendations report. **This assignment is expected to be completed in 15 Days.** **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) Strategic thinking (M) Building partnerships (M) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE** ------------------------------------------ • Master’s degree in economics, development, finance, accounting, business Administration or a related field. • At least 8 years experience in the finance sector, preferably with development bank, commercial bank, investment funds, micro-finance, investing in emerging or low-income markets, sustainable or impact finance, investment research, venture capital, private equity or development finance; • Specific experience in providing transaction advisory services to the private sector in the sustainable energy sector (specific experience in Renewable Energy would be an advantage); • Specific knowledge and experience in structuring and/or providing financing to sustainable energy projects (specific experience in solar PV projects would be an advantage); • Specific experience with seed funding, matching grants, working capital, debt and equity finance and guarantee funds; • Specific work experience with or in collaboration with development and commercial finance institutions, commercial banks, and micro-finance institutions; **OTHER EXPERIENCE** -------------------- • Understanding of the challenges of the private sector in the Southern Africa region, particularly Zimbabwe, related to access to finance; • Experience in the analysis and review of investment opportunities and the investment landscape across a number of SDGs related sectors particularly Renewable Energy, Youth, Gender and Women Empowerment. • Strong local/international networks: within the financial and corporate industries (private equity and pension funds, banks, non-bank financial institutions, impact funds, relevant philanthropies, development finance institutions), with relevant businesses, investment promotion agencies etc. • Deep knowledge of the investment landscape in Zimbabwe, and close familiarity with needs of global investors; • Excellent advocacy skills relating to finance, and business climate; • Knowledge of the SDGs, the United Nations and experience with the UN and or multilateral Agencies **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- • Passion for social innovation, entrepreneurship, impact investments • Knowledge of major impact investment developments, emerging markets and development economies will be a strong asset; • Experience and understanding of policy, advocacy, evaluation, business, and finance • Strong project management skills (organization and implementation) • Excellent quantitative and analytical skills • Ability to work under the pressure, with minimum supervision and on-distance; • Demonstrated initiative, tact and high sense of responsibility and discretion; • Strong teamwork skills; • Excellent communication skills, written and oral; • Strong computer literacy and proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Excel, etc.); DURATION -------- The contract will run for 45 days from the date of signing the contract. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES --------------------- Interested parties may submit the following documents to [email protected] • A cover letter • CV • Technical Proposal demonstrating full understanding of the TORs, approach and methodology to the task and workplan; • Financial proposal (All-inclusive daily fee): Interested individuals are kindly requested to submit an all-inclusive daily consultancy fee; • Travel: All envisaged international travel costs must be included in the financial proposal in a separate line Please note that all the documents below must be submitted as one PDF file. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org