Regional Program Coordinator (Europe)

Overview

Coordinate sustainability initiatives for financial institutions in Europe.

You have:

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, sustainable development, finance, international relations, economics, business administration 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.

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.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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

The role involves relationship management with financial institutions, communications, membership development, policy monitoring, regulatory engagement and contribution to relevant policy platforms, outreach, event management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization and co-ordinating with UNEP FI’s Secretariat to achieve UNEP FI’s mission to accelerate the development of financial institutions that integrate sustainability and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The incumbent will also coordinate with UNEP Europe Office and UNEP Brussels Liaison Office to the European Union as relevant in order to further implement the work plan in collaboration with the goals of UNEP at large.

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Head of Unit, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the incumbent will be responsible for the annual Programme of Work in the European region, in the following tasks:

1. Facilitate and promote leadership on sustainability by financial institutions in Europe. Engage the broader membership in work programme implementation and help monitor members’ progress in implementing industry frameworks and targets.

2. Support technical capacity building for the roll out of guidance/methodologies/tools in Europe, with specific tools targeted towards EU and non-EU countries in the region.

3. Expand membership and signatories to/endorsement of the Principles for Responsible Banking and Principles for Sustainable Insurance. Facilitate activities with the community of UNEP FI members in the region for awareness raising and knowledge sharing across financial institutions, as well as outreach to potential new members.

4. 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.

5. Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.

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

7. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.

8. Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.

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

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

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

Impact of Results :

The incumbent will be responsible for the annual Programme of Work in the European region. The role involves relationship management with financial institutions, communications, membership development, policy monitoring, regulatory engagement and contribution to relevant policy platforms, outreach, event management, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization and co-ordinating with UNEP FI’s membership in the Europe Region. The incumbent would support each member to benefit from being part of the world’s largest network of financial institutions working to put sustainability at the heart of their business strategies. The incumbent could assist signatory members to access a powerful platform that will enable them to share knowledge with peers in the region and fellow practitioners around the globe, as well as learn about the latest trends and how to apply best practices in sustainable finance. Additionally it would allow them to take part in a rich and innovative work-programme and join working groups in developing new tools and methodologies to help their organizations integrate sustainability considerations into systems of practice, and also contribute to the quickly evolving global sustainable finance agenda and benefit from UN expertise and participation in UN fora.

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 one of the following: environment, sustainable development, finance, international relations, economics, business administration 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. Experience working with the private finance sector, including with banks, institutional investors, and others are desirable. Skills in developing work programs for a variety of private or public stakeholders are 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 - UN 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.

Potential interview questions