Asociado/a Empresarial - Roberto Payán, Nariño [Open to internal and external applicants]
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in over 170 countries, supporting policy development, institutional capacity building, and resilience. In Colombia, UNDP works across all departments, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Country Programme Document 2025-2027 focuses on peace consolidation, social protection, climate action, and facilitating the 2030 Agenda.
Job Purpose
This role supports the UNDP's project in Roberto Payán, Nariño, addressing the economic sustainability challenges faced by small and medium producers, particularly those linked to reincorporation processes, voluntary crop substitution, and conflict victims. The Business Associate will play a key role in strengthening the entrepreneurial and commercial capacities of cacao producer associations. This involves developing value chains to enhance market access and promote differentiated consumption of products from conflict-affected territories, ultimately contributing to sustainable income generation and community recognition.
Responsibilities
Implement business strengthening processes and capacity development for assigned organizations using methodologies to improve performance, competitiveness, and sustainability. This includes executing capacity building through value chain integration, designing and facilitating personalized training, workshops, and mentorship, and developing customized action plans. Promote the integration of organizations with strategic actors and market opportunities to enhance their participation in value chains and economic sustainability. Conduct stakeholder mapping, identify strategic allies, foster collaboration between organizations and anchor companies, and facilitate networking and commercial linkage sessions. Support project management, monitoring, and reporting according to UNDP guidelines, including participating in coordination meetings and submitting progress reports. Assist in creating, sharing, and developing relevant capacities for the project, including participating in training, organizing informational sessions, and supporting the dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.
Work Experience
While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the role implies practical experience in business development, capacity building, and working with producer organizations or value chains, particularly in development or humanitarian contexts.
Skills
Strategic Thinking, Systems Thinking, Human-Centered Design, Partnership Management, Understanding of Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights, Design Thinking, Knowledge of UN Ethics Policies, Results Orientation, Innovative Thinking, Continuous Learning, Adaptability, Determination, Teamwork, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitation.