Forest Restoration Incubation Program Manager

Environment

Overview

Manage incubation programs for forest restoration and entrepreneurship

You have:

• A master's degree in business management/administration, sustainable development, or a related field is required
• A minimum of five years’ experience in project management, preferably in the context of entrepreneurship support initiatives is required
• Familiarity with entrepreneurship ecosystems and working with entrepreneurs, ideally in environmental sustainability sectors is desirable
• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs or training sessions is desirable
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders is desirable
• Track record in developing and implementing marketing strategies is desirable
• Understanding and integrating gender-sensitive approaches in program design is desirable
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required

Result of Service Output 1. Creation of Communications materials 1.1. A detailed communication & scouting strategy per country to attract entrepreneurs & mentors Output 2. Call for Application and management 2.1. A report outlining the procedure and outcomes of the calls for mentors and entrepreneurs 2.2. A full list of all entrepreneurs and mentors selected per country Output 3. Matching phase and Onboarding 2.1. A full list of all mentor entrepreneur matches

Work Location Homebased

Expected duration 8 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations 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.

The Sustaining an Abundance of Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Korea Forest Service and UNEP, aims to conserve and restore vulnerable forest ecosystems with high biodiversity value in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. Over the period of 2023-2030, the initiative will engage local communities and governments to implement community-led forest protection and restoration activities (Outcome 1). Additionally, it will establish a monitoring framework and enhance national and local capacity to track the health of forest ecosystems (Outcome 2). Furthermore, the initiative will support the development of community-led restoration businesses and attract private investments to promote sustainable livelihoods aligned with healthy and resilient forest ecosystems (Outcome 3).

Under Outcome 3, this consultancy will implement a call for applications, selection, and matching of entrepreneurs and mentors for the Forest Restoration Incubation Programs in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam. The goal will be to select 100 ventures in total for incubation during year 2 of the Initiative. The specific tasks to be delivered include:

- Creation of Communications materials The marketing and communications activities in this phase will focus on generating/onboarding the required number of entrepreneurs and mentors needed for the program. To achieve this, the consultant will employ a range of targeted tactics which we will be concretely defined after the scoping activities but general tactics will include: 1) Create dedicated web landing pages specifically tailored for mentors and entrepreneurs; 2) Maximize visibility and engagement through digital marketing techniques; 3) Develop a comprehensive media and communication kit including press releases, brochures, and locally relevant leaflets; 4) Leverage the networks of UNEP and identified LSOs (Local Support Organizations including local incubators, local government entrepreneurship programs, etc.). Furthermore, together with the LSOs, the consultant will seek partnerships with amplifiers, such as industry associations, academic institutions, and local community organizations to engage potential mentors and entrepreneurs.

- Call for Application and management The activity, led by the consultant, announces the incubation program to the public, and more specifically to potential participants – both entrepreneurs and mentors. Tasks here include: i) Disseminating the program’s launch and call for applicants through agreed channels to attract participants; ii) Launch online digital platform landing pages so interested enterprises and mentors can upload their applications; iii) Host information sessions online to educate, guide and engage potential entrepreneurs & mentors. While the application phase is ongoing, the consultant supports the LSOs to monitor and keep track of applications to ensure we meet the target numbers as well as right qualify of applications. At the end of the application period, the consultant initiates a thorough selection process, coordinating with the LSOs and UNEP to select final participants.

- Matching phase and Onboarding Once a final set of enterprises and mentors has been selected, they will be taken through the matching process. The consultant will implement an organic matching, giving both mentors and entrepreneurs an opportunity to decide who they will work with, ensuring a good fit of skills and business needs and a more effective mentoring program. Onboarding sessions will welcome participants into the program, remind everyone of the purpose and expectations, provide an overview of the program schedule, and walk through other program details. The consultant will train mentors on their role and best practices to support entrepreneurs.

This consultancy will be under the overall coordination of the UN-REDD Regional Coordinator for Asia Pacific, and under the guidance of the UNEP REDD+ Technical Advisor and the Technical Expert on Finance for the Asia Pacific region.

Qualifications/special skills Education: - A masters’ degree in business management/administration, sustainable development, or a related field is required - Courses or certifications in marketing, communications, or public relations would be desirable.

Experience: - A minimum of five years’ experience in project management, preferably in the context of entrepreneurship support initiatives is required. - Familiarity with entrepreneurship ecosystems and experience working with entrepreneurs, start-ups, or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ideally in the field of environmental sustainability or related sectors is desirable. - Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs or training sessions for entrepreneurs, mentors, or other program participants. Familiarity with entrepreneurship curriculum development is desirable. - Proven ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, local communities, industry associations, academic institutions, and private sector entities is desirable. - Track record in developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies to attract and engage target audiences, including entrepreneurs, mentors, and stakeholders is desirable. - Understanding and experience in integrating gender-sensitive approaches into program design and implementation, with a focus on promoting women's entrepreneurship and inclusion is desirable. - Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation principles and tools to track program progress, measure outcomes, and assess the impact of interventions. Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting is desirable. - Exposure to working in multicultural and diverse settings, preferably with experience in Southeast Asian countries or similar contexts, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability is desirable.

Skills: - Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and other stakeholders in the restoration entrepreneurship ecosystem. Ability to articulate the goals of the initiative, build relationships, and raise awareness about opportunities in the sector is required. - Experience in managing call for applications and selection process, including disseminating program launches through various channels, launching online platforms for application submissions, hosting information sessions, and coordinating with partners to ensure the desired number and quality of applications is desirable. - Ability to create compelling communications materials, including web landing pages, press releases, brochures, and leaflets, to attract and engage entrepreneurs and mentors. Proficiency in digital marketing techniques to maximize visibility and engagement is desirable. - Strong networking skills for partnership opportunities. Ability to engage industry associations, academic institutions, and community organizations to attract potential mentors and entrepreneurs is desirable. - Effective organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure smooth program implementation is desirable. - Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation principles to track the progress and impact of the program, assess participant satisfaction, and identify areas for improvement is desirable.

Languages - Fluency in written and spoken English is required

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.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org