IC to Support the Development of Bankable MSMEs and Community-based Enterprises

Description of the Assignment:

A Consultant will be contracted to deliver the following tasks outlined below, specifically to support a pipeline of at least three (3) MSMEs and community-based enterprises with improved capacities that can access financing from local financial institutions. Specifically, the selected Consultant shall be responsible for the following, organized by thematic area and timeline:

Outcome 1. Improved organizational capacities for accessing financing Enterprises will be provided with a series of structured knowledge and pitch training sessions throughout the program. The selected Consultant shall conduct the following:

• Identify and select at least four (4) local MSMEs and community-based enterprises based on a defined selection criteria (see Annex A) and lead the development of a bankable portfolio with projects integrating sustainability, nature- and climate-smart practices, and environmental and social screening utilizing applicable UNDP safeguards, alongside traditional project finance parameters through an investment-readiness programme.
• Conduct baseline assessment of the organizational and financial readiness of each enterprise in the cohort, and use this assessment to determine level and intensity of technical assistance and mentorship provided to each enterprise (see Annex B)
• Define a targeted investment size range per enterprise, informed by consultations with relevant financial sector partners and stakeholders
• Utilize architecture for assessing and monitoring sustainability KPIs utilizing internationally accepted sustainability metrics to enable framework for analyzing and prioritizing potential projects
• Prepare and deliver a structured curriculum outlining specific gaps to be addressed based on the assessment and milestones to be achieved throughout the programme
• Provide technical guidance on identification of financial, legal, and business strategy that ensures multi-stakeholder inclusion and participation
• Support enterprises in preparing technical documentation to strengthen overall bankability and readiness to access blended finance mechanisms

Outcome 2. Network building for financing Enterprises will be connected with relevant stakeholders and within the climate and agriculture finance space and supported to enter into financing agreements with financial intermediaries. Activities include:

• Map and engage key stakeholders/investors/financiers for impact investment/innovative financing scheme, that will match the site’s draft business model and management scheme;
• Establish a stakeholder directory of relevant climate finance actors that will serve as a resource for enterprises beyond the programme period
• Facilitate introductory meetings between the enterprises and identified stakeholders
• Undertake capacity-building activities with communities and participants
• Support preparation of term sheets and relevant documents, and facilitate development of financing agreements between enterprises and financial institutions

Programme monitoring, reporting, and compliance

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation through:

i. Submission of work and financial plan, reviewed and endorsed by the UNDP CO for clearance; ii. Submission of work progress report that is aligned with the approved work and financial plan (WFP) and additional agreements, if any; and iii. Ensure buy in of all relevant stakeholders through the conduct of inception meetings prior to project implementation, and debriefing session prior to project transition; and

• Provide inputs on the development of agency work plans and implementation strategies to ensure opportunities for further portfolio development are captured.
• Ensure compliance of activity implementation with UNDP Gender and Environment and Social safeguards and adequately addresses gender and minority groups (including indigenous peoples) concerns.

The engagement is expected to span a period of five (5) months, with the Consultant providing inputs and support at various stages throughout the engagement period. The Consultant will be responsible for organizing and overseeing the implementation of the programme and its post-activities, including the preparation and management of business and technology scaling aspects.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, innovation, environmental management, or a related field Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in social enterprise development, climate finance, impact investments, or related work in the Philippines or Southeast Asia Experience in curriculum development and capacity building for nature-based solutions, blue economy, and agri-based enterprises in the Philippines in the last two (2) years Demonstrated experience engaging with government agencies, multilateral development banks (MDBs), United Nations agencies, or financial regulators on climate/sustainable finance policy or investment readiness programs Quality, feasibility, and technical soundness of the submitted proposed workplan

Period of assignment/services: a five (5)-month period, with a total of 60 person days, from October 2026 to March 2027, unless revised in a mutually agreed upon timetable between the Consultant and UNDP

Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.

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