Emplois au PNUD - 54922- International Consultant on Microcrediting

International Consultant on Microcrediting

Lieu :

Home-based with a trip to Astana, Kazakhstan

Type de contrat :

Individual Contract

Date de commencement :

01-May-2015

Date limite de candidature :

01-Apr-15 (Minuit New York, États-Unis)

Niveau du poste :

International Consultant

Durée du contrat initial

May 2015 –July 2015 (32 days home-based, 3 days in Astana, Kazakhstan)

Langues requises :

Anglais Russe

Durée prévue de la mission :

Le PNUD s’engage à recruter un personnel divers en termes de genre, de nationalité et de culture. Nous encourageons de même les personnes issues des minorités ethniques, des communautés autochtones ou handicapées à postuler. Toutes les candidatures seront traitées dans la plus stricte confidentialité. Le PNUD ne tolère pas l’exploitation et / ou les atteintes sexuelles, ni aucune forme de harcèlement, y compris le harcèlement sexuel, et / ou toutes formes de discrimination. Tous/tes les candidats/tes selectectionnes /ées devront ainsi se soumettre à de rigoureuses vérifications relatives aux références fournies ainsi qu’à leurs antécédents.

Historique

According to global opinion, the micro-crediting is one of the tools to reduce poverty and improve living standards of people. At the same time, some efforts are made to use micro-crediting as a tool either to improve living standards of the local communities and conserve biodiversity of the project areas through development of alternative livelihood activities.

However, there are lot of different existing microfinance organizations in Kazakhstan, the market is short of demand for microcredits, particularly in rural area. Second-tier banks and microcredit organizations provide microcredits, however, crediting conditions and documents required are rather tough and affect the involvement rate of potential credit users.

Recently, there is a tendency towards increase in micro-crediting in rural area, however, biodiversity conservation is still underestimated. The proportion of credits delivered for biodiversity-compatible livelihoods is low, compared to portion of credits for agriculture and entrepreneurship development.

In 2008, within the frameworks of the UNDP/GEF projects entitled “Complex conservation of priority wetlands as natural habitat of migratory birds”, three-year microcredit program was implemented. This program made it possible to demonstrate practice of interrelation of microfinance sector development as a tool for biodiversity conservation and mutual effective cooperation of organizations on improvement of living standards of rural communities through provision of access to available microcrediting in three project areas (Tengiz-Korgalzhyn, Alakol-Sasykol and Ural River Delta) near to three PAs.

In 2010, new “Tabigi Orta” micro-credit program for 2010-2015 was developed. This program covered settlements around 10 existing reserves, 11 national parks and 4 nature rezervats.

Today, within the frameworks of these micro-credit programs for the period of 2008 to 2014, 75 projects of the total amount of US$1 200 000 or KZT170 455 400 were delivered. The projects were implemented by the rural people that got a benefit from PA existed near to their villages and were involved directly in the process of socio-economic development of the area in conservation context.

Taking into account this practice, the project “Improving sustainability of the PA system in desert ecosystems through promotion of biodiversity-compatible livelihoods in and around PAs” under the Outcome 3 “Community involvement in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in and around PAs is enhanced”, the “Eco Damu” micro-credit program for 2014-2024 was developed.

However, by implementing micro-credit programs for rural communities of the project areas mentioned above, the project wants to have independent opinion on effectiveness of the programs and opportunities for improvement. In addition, there is a low awareness of international practice in the area of microcrediting. In order to improve implementation of microcredit programs, it is required to hire international consultant on microcrediting.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Aim:

Analyze existing microcredit programs, provide recommendations to improve the microcredit programs and schemes using best international practices in the area of microcrediting as well as to attract additional financing for microcrediting rural population.

Scope of work:

International consultant, during his/her work will closely cooperate with the capacity building expert and the expert on economic mechanisms of biodiversity management.

During his/her, work the international consultant will report to National UNDP biodiversity projects manager (NM) and expert on economic mechanisms of biodiversity management.

The tasks of international expert will include:

Preparation of the review of successful microcrediting practices and schemes in other countries, and experience of the Credit Unions establishment. Selection of best practices relevant to Kazakhstan;
Revision and analysis of the microcredit programs implemented in cooperation with the UNDP;
Revision of the potential of legal framework of Kazakhstan to integrate microcrediting schemes; identification of opportunities and barriers to introduction. Preparation of analytical report;
Preparation of recommendations to improve microcredit programs and attract additional financing to this sector from different sources;
Preparation of educational program and facilitation in arrangement of study tour to study successful microcrediting practices, schemes and areas.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standard;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and GEF;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change, flexibility, and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to work under pressure and with multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams and possess excellent inter-personal skills;
Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills;
Remains calm, in control, and good humoured even under pressure;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
Ability to establish priorities for self and others, and to work independently.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Academic qualifications:

Degree in the area of international law, economics, finance and other related areas.

Experience:

At least 5 years of work experience in microcrediting and related areas;
Knowledge and experience with programming development, monitoring and evaluation;
Work experience in CA countries;
Experience in preparing analytical reports;
Work experience in Credit Unions and International Organizations

Language requirements:

Excellent knowledge of English, knowledge of Russian is an asset.

Important note:

In order to download Terms of reference and required templates please refer to UNDP Kazakhstan website.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications to the e-mail address: assel.zhakupbekova@undp.org with the copy to: talgat.kerteshev@undp.org

Confirmation of Interest and avaliability with Submission of Financial Offer form
UN Personal History Form P-11.