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 financingEnterprises 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 a