UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Banking and Nature specialist

Contract

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Result of Service

Through these services, the Banking and Nature specialist will coordinate and provide technical oversight on the development of technical guidance documents to support the UNEP FI banking membership in taking action on Nature. The overarching goal of this work is to drive the uptake of the Global Biodiversity Framework by the banking industry, thereby catalyzing the integration of nature considerations into financial market practices. The Banking and Nature Specialist will focus on: • Developing Technical Guidance: Creating detailed, actionable guidance documents for banks, enabling them to integrate nature and biodiversity considerations effectively into their financial decision-making processes. This involves addressing various aspects such as risk assessment, sector policies target setting, client engagement, mobilizing finance, and alignment with global biodiversity goals. • Research and Analysis: Conducting extensive research to inform the guidance, including understanding the current landscape of banking practices related to nature and biodiversity. • Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with key UNEP FI stakeholders, through group and bilateral meetings to understand their ambitions and perspectives on nature-related financial practices. Including presenting and discussing findings with the members of the PRB Nature Target Setting Working Group.

Work Location

Working remotely

Expected duration

9 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 30 years UNEP FI has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP FI requires a Banking and Nature specialist consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to develop of technical and practical guidance documents to support the UNEP FI banking membership in integrating nature considerations into financial practices. In specific this person would provide technical support, including writing of guidance documents, for the PRB Nature Target Setting Working Group. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The Banking & Nature Specialist will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities (indicative responsibilities to be further scoped) Technical Guidance Development: • Coordinate the drafting and development of technical guidance documents for nature and biodiversity integration in the banking sector. • Ensure that the guidance is comprehensive, actionable, and aligns with global frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Principles for Responsible Banking. Research and Analysis: • Conduct extensive research on sustainable banking, biodiversity, nature-related financial issues. • Analyze current trends, regulations, and best practices to inform the technical guidance. Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement: • Collaborate with internal teams, external experts, and stakeholders to align the technical guidance with industry needs and best practices. • Engage with key stakeholders including financial institutions, environmental NGOs, and policy makers to gather input and feedback. Project Management: • Coordinate the project timeline for the development and dissemination of technical guidance documents, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards. • Oversee the documentation, reporting, and communication related to the project. Policy Alignment and Feedback Integration: • Align the technical guidance with relevant international standards and practices, ensuring consistency and relevancy. • Continuously solicit and incorporate feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders to refine and enhance the guidance. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Nature Team.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree in finance, public administration, biology, ecology, environmental or climate science or management. Professional Experience: At least 5 years working experience in finance, nature and/or consulting. Research experience and track record in drafting complex technical documents with a broad number of stakeholders.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: • Demonstrated experience in integrating nature-related considerations within banking operations (e.g., ESG risk, sustainability strategy, product development) • Strong technical, scientific and project management background. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, including a proven track record in writing guidance documents and other publications. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; attention to detail.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.