Result of Service

The objective of the consultancy is to conduct research and analysis regarding financial mechanisms to support small producers of agave and mezcal, as well as on agave-mezcal value chain. Also, in case it will be required, support coordination on webinars, workshop, and seminaries relevant on those topics. Responsibilities and activities to be performed by the consultant will include, but are not limited to: – Provide advice to UNEP Mexico Office in the implementation of the Project “Promoting sustainability in the agave-mezcal value chain through restoration and integrated management of biocultural landscapes in Oaxaca” in cooperation and coordination with Mexican partners of the Federal and State Governments, and other organizations such as development banks, financial institutions, local producers of agave and mezcal, potential investors and other organizations. – Conduct research and analysis of academic literature, government reports, and news media related to the agave-mezcal value chain and financial markets. – Conduct interviews with agave farmers, mezcal producers, stakeholders and strategic project actors on regards the financial needs and elements in the agave-mezcal value chain. – Provide guidance on the design and implementation of workshops and other activities related to financial education and loans management, benefiting small producers of agave and mezcal. – Provide technical guidance for design and implementation of surveys to identify the financial needs of the producers in the agave-mezcal value chain. – Produce a georeferenced directory on local producers of agave and mezcal and their diverse financial needs. – Participate in meetings related to the organization and establishment of small producers’ cooperatives including legal and fiscal requirements. – Organize meetings with financial and non-financial intermediaries, funds, banks, and key actors in the financial sector. – Help to design and organize activities and workshops related to the financial schemes for the project “Promoting sustainability in the agave-mezcal value chain through restoration and integrated management of biocultural landscapes in Oaxaca” for its implementation. – Monitor the effective implementation of meetings and workshops with partners and stakeholders, timelines and obtaining expected results, integrating inputs and feedback for the implementation of the project. – Provide relevant information to UNEP’s Mexico communication team for the dissemination of the project and its advancements and results. – Advice to review agreement/legal instruments, if required, for the project’s implementation. – Drafts inputs for a wide range of meeting notes, internal minutes, documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, presentations, communication/dissemination products, etc. as required. – Performs administrative duties, as required (e.g., operational travel programme; monitoring accounts and prepare supporting documents for payment to vendors and individual contractors for services; organizing and coordinating seminars, conferences, and translations). – Prepare technical documents to inform the findings of the applied interviews and surveys. – Develop Directories of agave and mezcal producers in Oaxaca. – Reports of meetings and workshops with partners, stakeholders, and relevant actors of the project and elaborate the respective minutes and reports of these meetings, interviews and workshops. – Scheduled project activities completed successfully. – Inputs for communicate relevant information regarding the progress of the project, nationally and locally. – Reports on national, local and site level workshops and other meetings convened as needed. – As may be required, provide inputs to UNEP Task Manager, UNEP’s Mexico Office, and to the Finance Specialist. – Maintain an excellent working relationship with the team of UNEP Mexico Office, the National Coordinator, Pronatura, UNEP Task Manager, stakeholders, and key partners. – Maintain regular communication with local, state, and national project partners interested in furthering the project outcomes.

Work Location

Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UN Environment acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. UN Environment aims at inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, Panama is supported by UNEP Mexico´s Country Office, located in Mexico City and, since 2020, the Representative Office of UNEP in Mexico acts as Focal Point to support UNEP´s Programme of Work in Guatemala. UNEP´s Mexico Country Office collaborates with the Mexican and Guatemalan governments and other stakeholders in areas ranging from low carbon and resilient growth, resources efficiency, environmental governance, to projects on ecosystems and climate change, and supports Mexico in its transition to a low carbon and green economy. To accomplish this, UNEP´s Headquarter and its Regional and Country offices work with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society The Mexican Government – through its Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) – and UNEP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12 September 2011 and a second one in December 2014. Moreover, in August 2020, the United Nations System in Mexico signed a Cooperation Framework with the Mexican Government, which considers four priorities areas including “Green Economy and Climate Change”; a working group which is coordinated by UNEP and with the participation of around 11 UN agencies and programmes. UNEP Mexico collaborates with the Mexican government and other national stakeholders in areas ranging from climate change, resources efficiency, environmental governance, to projects on ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of chemicals and plastic pollution, and supports the country in its transition to a Net Zero and green economy. In this extent, UNEP implements in Mexico around 20 projects and initiatives. The Project ‘Promoting sustainability in the agave-mezcal value chain through restoration and integrated management of biocultural landscapes in Oaxaca’ seeks to foster sustainable practices in the agave-mezcal value chain in the Oaxaca Mezcal Region through an integrated landscape management approach that privileges non-monoculture cultivation, species protection and the maintenance of ecosystems services. The project will achieve its objectives by strengthening the national regulatory and governance framework, the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation, Integrated Landscape Management (ILM), and by establishing a Sustainable Agave-Mezcal Value Chain and the management of associated knowledge. The project will be implemented for a period of 5 years starting 2023, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and executed by Pronatura Sur A.C. and the Latin America and the Caribbean Office of UNEP through its Country Office in Mexico. Other important participants in the project are the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Ministry of Agriculture (SADER), the National Commission on Biodiversity (CONABIO), the National Commission on Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), the Ministry of Finance (SHCP), the Ministry of Wellbeing (Bienestar), and the Government of Oaxaca through its Secretariat of the Environment, Energy and Development (SEMAEDESO). The institutional arrangements of the project consider that UNEP Office in Mexico to develop financial mechanisms to support small producers of agave and mezcal. Among several consultancies, a Junior Consultant in AgriFood Sector will be hired during several periods during the execution of the project, and it will provide support to UNEP Mexico Office. The incumbent will be supervised by the UNEP Mexico Representative Officer in Mexico City and will work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time basis in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico, in the project’s office.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: – Bachelor’s degree in Business, Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Agriculture, International Affairs, Sustainable Development, or related studies is required. PROFESSIONAL: – At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience on administration, finance, environmental, agriculture and sustainable development topics. (required) – Experience in the finance aspects of the agricultural sector will be an asset. – Experience working on projects’ implementation. (desirable). – Experience working in internationally funded projects (desirable). – Previous work experience with senior government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities . (desirable)

Languages

– Fluent in Spanish (required) – Confident level of English is (required).

Additional Information

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: – Proven ability to manage social media networks. – Proven ability to manage Photoshop, Illustrator and Windows Movie. – Be computer literate in standard software applications. – Knowledge of Excel and other database programs. – Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. – Excellent liaison, coordination, and organization skills. – Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. – Ability to deliver timely and high-quality results under tight deadlines. – Excellent coordination skills, and an ability to follow instructions, work under pressure as a part of a team, or independently as required. – Excellent attention to detail.

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.