UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) China policy consultant

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Contract

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Result of Service

The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) now committed to by more than 340 banks collectively holding almost USD 100 trillion in assets, or half of the global banking sector. Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, as well as civil society organizations, and financial authorities to catalyze integration of sustainability into policy engagement and regulatory practice. UNEP FI is seeking a China Policy Consultant to support regulatory engagement in China in order to (i) support UNEP FI and PRB members in the region in understanding and implementing the dynamic regulatory environment, (ii) amplifying UNEP FI’s voice to showcase international best practice on sustainable finance policy in China and (ii) work with UNEP FI China team and our local consultants and strengthen the voice of UNEP FI members on policy and regulatory issues through regulatory engagement.

Work Location

Peoples Republic of China, working remotely

Expected duration

12 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 450 banks, insurers and investors. For over 28 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 is seeking a consultant to support regulatory engagement in China in order to (i) support UNEP FI and PRB members in the region in understanding and navigating the dynamic regulatory environment, (ii) amplifying UNEP FI’s voice to showcase international best practice on sustainable finance policy and (ii) work with UNEP FI China team and our local consultants and strengthen the voice of UNEP FI members on policy and regulatory issues. Objectives: In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of the UNEP FI APAC Policy Lead and the UNEP FI APAC Regional Coordinator, and in close cooperation with the PRB team, the consultant will support UNEP FI’s outreach and communications to the PRB membership and the wider finance industry. Specifically, the China Policy Consultant will lead regulatory engagement in China in order to (i) support UNEP FI, PRB (and PSI members as relevant) in the region in understanding, navigating and implementing the regulatory environment, (ii) enhance UNEP FI’s voice and enhance readiness on sustainable finance in China and bringing international best practice and (ii) work with UNEP FI China team and our local consultants and strengthen the voice of UNEP FI members. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s policy work: • Monitoring and assessing of relevant regulatory developments in China, with a focus on (prudential) banking / insurance regulation and the enabling environment (corporate disclosure, due diligence, taxonomy, bond standards etc.) at national and regional level: o Mapping of key sustainable finance files and stakeholders such as Peoples Bank of China (PBOC), China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), stock exchanges and others as relevant o Drafting internal and external briefing papers, thought leadership papers etc. o Highlighting connections between voluntary and mandatory frameworks as relevant for China, and demonstrating how this analysis can be applied in the implementation of the PRB by Chinese member banks. o Establish regular and effective communication to members on policy developments • Building a Chinese network and stakeholder ecosystem o Hosting (public and closed-door) events and webinars, with a focus building connections with regulators and policy makers o Organizing direct bilateral engagement with regulators, supervisors, banks and other relevant stakeholders from civil society and/or academia • Enhancing UNEP FI’s voice to support readiness and highlighting international best practice on sustainable finance policy : o Enhancing readiness of Chinese regulatory authorities on sustainable finance on key topics through closed-door sessions and event. o Bringing UNEP FI voice into regulatory advisory forums, consultation responses etc. o Regulatory capacity building and technical support to create systematic connections and making international best practice relevant for the Chinese context • Supporting PRB and other UNEP FI members in China with regulatory implementation through working closely with UNEP FI China team and local consultants. o Providing technical sessions on key sustainable finance topics o Hosting regular webinar and/or events Outputs and Deliverables: • Develop an overview of China policy engagement priorities and engagement plan • Deliver a mapping of voluntary and mandatory sustainable finance frameworks, e.g. on disclosure • Deliver briefing papers and/or blog posts on relevant sustainable finance policy issues in China • Organize a half day/full day events directed at policy-makers and regulators in close collaboration with UNEP FI China team • Deliver blogs, case studies, communications material relevant to the project; The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head UNEP FI and report directly to the Policy lead, UNEP FI. The consultant will work closely with the APAC Policy Lead and APAC Regional Coordinator at UNEP FI.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree in finance, law, public administration, international relations or a related field. A first degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has at least 7 years of relevant experience Professional Experience: At least five (5) year’s working experience in finance, policy advocacy, banking supervision, sustainable finance

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Mandarin is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: An interest and experience in banking policy engagement and/or advocacy practice is essential. Knowledge of banking policy and regulatory frameworks, political cycles and dynamics in China is desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and Chinese, strong interpersonal skills and ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. The consultant should have the ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed team working across functions. A hands-on, pragmatic approach is desirable as well as good consensus building skills and experience.

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.

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Added 3 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org