UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Capacity Building Consultant

Result of Service The consultant will design, develop, and deliver tailor made capacity building programs in developing and emerging countries, supporting banks to set SMART targets in line with the Principles for Responsible Banking frameworks and to deliver on those targets. The consultant may also contribute to the development of fundraising proposals to seek funding to further expand such programs in the future.

Work Location Working remotely

Expected duration 8 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) works with its network of more than 450 banks, insurers, and investors to help shape the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global norms and contributing to changing the financial system. 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 supports the development and implementation of frameworks including the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), now committed to by more than 310 banks collectively holding USD 89 trillion in assets, representing almost half of global banking assets, and the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), established 2012 by UNEP FI and today applied by one-quarter of the world’s insurers (25% of world premium).

UNEP FI has developed a capacity building and technical assistance programme to help banks identify portfolio impacts and set and implement targets in areas including climate mitigation and financial inclusion & financial health, and plans to scale this activity up.

UNEP FI needs a consultant to assist with scaling up and further developing capacity building and technical assistance for commercial banks in developing and emerging countries to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss and pollution.

The consultant will design, develop, and deliver tailor made capacity building programs in developing and emerging countries, with the objective of supporting banks to set SMART targets in line with the Principles for Responsible Banking framework and to deliver on those targets, ultimately resulting in increased financial flows to the Sustainable Development Goals. A total number of at least 7 such programs are expected (outputs are for each program: 1) Preparatory report outlining the context of the target country and markets and the suggested capacity building approach; 2) Slide decks 3) Virtual or in-person training workshops, individual assistances, and other activities in line with the approved preparatory report 4) Ex-post recommendation report to banks, when necessary). Performance will be measured by participant evaluations and other KPIs.

If requested by the supervisor, the consultant may also contribute to the development of fundraising proposals, with the objective to seek funding to further expand such programs in the future. Potentially up to two such proposals (outputs) are foreseen for this contract.

The consultant will provide assistance in the following tasks:

- For each capacity program, o conducting desktop research and interviews to map relevant sustainability needs and regional/country context and the target banks’ needs in order to design the programs appropriately. The findings of that mapping to be summarized in preparatory reports; o as a part of the preparatory report, developing a specific plan about the recommended approach and activities (virtual/in-person workshops, practical exercises, individual assistance etc.); o deliver the program individually or in cooperation with other UNEP FI consultants or with other partners; o do follow-up activities to identify any further activities needed (e.g. continuation of the program in the future) and also to monitor any developments facilitated by the program; - If requested by the supervisor, preparation of up to two fundraising proposals.

Outputs and Deliverables:

• At least 7 capacity building programs (preparatory report&plan, slide decks, delivery in virtual or in-person format, follow-up activities as explained above)

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Regional Coordination and Banking Teams and other capacity building consultants.

Qualifications/special skills Education: An Advanced University degree or equivalent experience in finance, banking, economic development, sustainable finance, climate finance, climate technologies, sustainable development, or a related field.

Professional Experience: At least a combined seven years of working experience with financial institutions, sustainable finance and/or in capacity building/trainings. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 9 years of relevant experience.

Skills & Knowledge: Thorough knowledge about commercial banks, environmental and social sustainability issues, international sustainable finance frameworks. Skills and experience in developing and delivering technical support/training, ideally with banks or with other FSI entities. Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders (such as NGOs, international and domestic organizations, authorities) to foster partnerships in target countries. Experience in project preparation and development.

Desirable: Experience in working in developing countries.

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

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.