Manager Climate Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)

Mid Senior Programme & Policy Finance & Economy Environment

Overview

Lead and oversee the Secretariat for the UNEP FI Net Zero Banking Alliance.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in business administration, management, economics, finance, international relations, environmental or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Skills in developing work programs for a variety of private and public stakeholders in the banking sector is desirable.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about P-3 contracts and their salaries.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a partnership between UNEP and the Global Financial sector to mobilize private sector finance for sustainable development.

UNEP FI works with more than 460 banks, insurers, and investors and over 160 supporting institutions- to help create a financial sector that serves people and the planet while delivering positive impacts. UNEP FI aims to inspire, inform, and enable financial institutions to improve people’s quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

The initiative supports implementation of programmes at a regional level across Africa & the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean and North America.

UNEP FI convenes financial institutions to advance knowledge and practice in areas including, climate, nature, pollution & circular economy, the SDGs & impact and social issues. Also this initiative convenes three finance sector ‘net-zero” alliances, and is working with key stakeholder to help member align portfolios with science-based greenhouse gas emissions pathways through interim targets:

1. Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (‘AOA’): Launched in 2019, with more than 70 institutional asset owners
2. Net Zero Banking Alliance (‘NZBA’): Launched in 2021 with over 115 banks, with the majority of NZBA members are PRB signatories that are setting ambitious climate targets
3. Net-Zero insurance Alliance (‘NZIA’) Launched in 2021, convening 30 leading insurers representing about 12% of world premium, working together to establish the transition to net-zero insurance.

In this context, the UNOPS objective is to provide full operational support to UNEP for the project entitled “UNEP Finance Initiative”

Functional Responsibilities

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Heads of Climate Change and Banking, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the incumbent will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Secretariat of the UNEP FI – facilitated Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), in the following tasks:

1. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

2. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.

3. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

4. Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

5. Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

6. Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

7. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

9. Leads the further establishment of the UNEP Secretariat to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), including team development, and the execution of core Secretariat tasks.

10. Oversees & coordinates the execution of NZBA’s annual work-plans, via the Alliance’s work-streams on implementation, sectors, and outreach.

11. Supports the governance of the Alliance, by implementing, facilitating and documenting meetings, exchanges and interactions as required of the NZBA Steering Group, and any related sub committees, at both expert and principals level.

12. Oversees, analyzes, aggregates and helps publish banks’ setting of intermediate decarbonization targets, in line with established requirements and timelines.

Impact of Results : The incumbent will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Secretariat of the UNEP FI – facilitated Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). Focus will be on supporting the implementation and operationalization of the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) and the further professionalization of the NZBA Secretariat. The incumbent will support bringing together a global group of banks, which are committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050, combining near-term action with accountability. NZBA is the flagship climate initiative under the Principles for Responsible Banking to accelerate science-based climate target setting and develop common practice. As the banking alliance within the global efforts on net zero across the finance industry brought together under GFANZ, the NZBA is open to all banks globally, including banks that are not UNEP FI members and Principles for Responsible Banking signatories. The Alliance reinforces, accelerates and supports the implementation of decarbonisation strategies, providing an internationally coherent framework and guidelines in which to operate, supported by peer-learning from pioneering banks.

Other expected results include Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programmes/projects. Provides thorough, well reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficient use of resources.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education : Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, finance, international relations, environmental or a related field.

A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience :

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Skills in developing work programs for a variety of private and public stakeholders in the banking sector is desirable.

Languages : Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type : Staff / Fixed Term Appointment (FTA - Staff Contract)
2. Contract level : P3 / ICS10
3. Contract duration : One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org