Social and Human Rights Lead

Overview

Lead initiatives for social and human rights financing in UNEP FI

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental management, development studies, economics, sociology, human rights, international relations, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in combination with the same preferred fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the environmental/social field areas is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in social and environmental impact assessment/management, and developing strategies/providing recommendations to private/public sector entities on how to address impacts is required.
• Experience and expertise in sustainable finance, business and human rights, or stakeholder engagement is required.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Intermediate knowledge of French is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,022 USD and 216,629 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 - Job-specific

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

UNEP FI works with more than 460 banks, insurers, 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 the implementation of programmes at a regional level across Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and 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 stakeholders to help members 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, 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 premiums, working together to establish the transition to net-zero insurance.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Program Management Officer, the Social and Human Rights Lead will be responsible for the following :

1. Leads the further establishment of the UNEP Secretariat capacity to advance financing for social and human rights issues, including a just transition. This includes resource mobilisation, team development, structure and processes and the execution of core Secretariat tasks to contribute to UNEP FI’s operational and strategic objectives.
2. Oversees and coordinates the execution of social and human rights annual work-plans, including managing a pool of consultants, with an integrated approach to contribute to UNEP FI’s programme for banks and insurers.
3. Develops resources to support global norms, support member implementation, sectoral transformation, outreach, awareness raising, knowledge sharing and systems change in coordination with industry/thematic and policy, communications, finance, HR and regional coordination/capacity building leads.
4. Ensures accuracy and quality control of the social and human rights work stream’s outputs, including alignment with UN messaging.
5. Engages members and key stakeholders across jurisdictions to raise awareness and convene industry, academic, IGO and NGO experts where relevant.
6. Supports the governance of the UNEP FI, by implementing, facilitating and documenting meetings, exchanges and interactions as required of the UNEP FI Secretariat, and any related governance bodies, at both expert and principals level.
7. Oversees, analyses, aggregates and helps develop and promote thought leadership and ambitious, science-based global norms through resources such as publications and monitors progress, in line with established requirements and timelines.
8. Contributes to supporting integration of approaches, methodologies and tools into finance systems and processes to accelerate implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the financial sector, helping to advance global norms, including in areas such as the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
9. Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of social and human rights programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses 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.
10. Prepares and coordinates various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. and ensures quality of outputs.
11. Undertakes field missions and outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on social and human rights topics/activities for different regions and contexts.
12. 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.).
13. Leads and oversees the Secretariat of the UNEP FI – facilitated social and human rights work stream. Focus will be on supporting the social aspects of implementing and operationalising the PRB, PSI and Net Zero alliances and the further professionalisation of the Secretariat on social issues. The incumbent will support banks and insurers on addressing social issues through strategies, operations and portfolio management. The frameworks reinforce, accelerate and supports the implementation of decarbonisation and sustainability strategies, providing internationally coherent frameworks and guidelines in which to operate, supported by peer-learning and relevant expertise. Social issues will be supported in the development of policy & regulatory frameworks such as taxonomies where feasible.

Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, insurers, and multilateral development banks in implementing global finance sector principles to catalyse integration of social and human rights issues into financial market practice. The inclusion of social and human rights consideration in members’ implementation of the frameworks UNEP FI is supporting, including Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and Net Zero Alliances will be supported.

UNEP FI will fulfil UNEP’s gender issues requirements where relevant to the financial sector and develop knowledge and guidance for financial institutions to strengthen management of portfolio impacts on society. The services will also help promote social issues into the financial sector’s strategies, governance, operations, policies, processes and practices. Finally, the services will help the Initiative to raise awareness of the role of finance in addressing social and human rights issues both within UNEP / UN and external to banks, insurers, supporting institutions and other key stakeholders.

Other expected results include developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating assigned programme/projects; providing thorough, well reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc; developing and maintaining effective working relationships; and efficiently managing resources.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in environmental management, development studies, economics, sociology, human rights, international relations, or a related field is required. - A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in combination with the same preferred fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience Required - A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the environmental/social field areas. - A minimum of 5 years of experience in social and environmental impact assessment/management, and developing strategies/providing recommendations to private/public sector entities on how to address impacts is required. - Experience and expertise in sustainable finance, business and human rights, or stakeholder engagement.

Desired

• Experience in developing and managing work programs in the financial sector.
• Experience working in/with banks and a good grasp of their business areas, products & services, and internal structure/processes.

• Experience in developing tools/approaches/guidance materials in collaboration with other experts and stakeholders.

  Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Intermediate knowledge of French is required.
• 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

Contract type: Staff / Fixed Term Appointment (FTA - Staff Contract) Contract level: P-4 / ICS-11 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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