UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Global Policy Analyst

Result of Service UNEP FI requires policy analyst to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and UNEP FI Signatories to:

• Take stock of existing and priority policy and regulatory work ongoing and planned. Draw on and connect UNEP FI external engagements as necessary to support analysis.
• Map key stakeholders to be contacted and approached
• Develop a landscape analysis of global policy progress on sustainable finance.

a. in collaboration with close external partners as needed and relevant. b. particular focus on banking and insurance. c. across financial regulation (e.g. disclosures, standards and tools, governance, prudential) d. across regions e. and global policy platforms (e.g. G20, IPSF, NGFS, OECD etc.)

• Review regional regulatory updates/recommendations.
• Analyze UNEP FI members ‘input to UNEP FI strategic policy priorities and incentives to engage at policy and regulatory level.
• Regular reporting to the Membership and Regional Co-ordination Manager and Global Policy Manager as required.
• [in a second step] Further support the set up and running of the UNEP FI global policy stream as relevant.

The consultant will also work closely with UNEP FI thematic leads and regional coordinators.

Work Location North America preferred; Possibly Geneva home based with option to work remotely.

Expected duration The expected duration is 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 400 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. Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially over the recent years. Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions. It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems. Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. Most importantly, they complement and build on financial sector leadership and initiatives such as the Principle for Responsible Banking, the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance and other key voluntary financial sector commitments aimed at aligning financial processes and flows with the sustainability goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to an ambitious and successful team working on this important and dynamic agenda. This is a newly created role in a nascent UNEP FI Global Policy team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the UNEP FI’s public policy strategy.

Every initiative will be required to deliver real world sustainability outcomes, for example by engaging regulators to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulation or reimagining business practices that prioritise sustainable impact. Working with UNEP FI’s network of banks and insurers through collaborative working groups or developing joint tools, will enable leading investors to work with others to catalyse change across the entire finance industry. Investors will be able to draw on UNEP FI’s work helping financial institutions address the SDG financing gap and manage sustainability impacts.

The consultant will work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and Signatories to deliver

• A landscaping and gap analysis of UNEP FI existing policy-related initiatives across all work streams
• A mapping of key global policy progress affecting sustainable finance and institutions in particular banks, insurers (underwriters) and investors.
• Formulate recommendations to inform the development of UNEP FI´s global policy and regulatory engagement strategy.
• Produce relevant material to support the analysis and presentation to relevant stakeholders.
• General communications support on policy e.g. website, newsletter etc.
• Support the development and set up of UNEP FI global policy strategy.
• Support to stakeholder outreach on policy engagement e.g. webinars and UNEP FI global policy advisory group.
• Capacity building support to facilitate effective adoption and ownership of the UNEP FI global policy strategy with Signatories, amongst teams and in relation to external partners.

The consultant will also work closely with UNEP FI thematic leads and regional coordinators.

Specific tasks and responsibilities:

The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks:

• Take stock of existing and priority policy and regulatory work ongoing and planned. Draw on and connect UNEP FI external engagements as necessary to support analysis.
• Map key stakeholders to be contacted and approached
• Develop a landscape analysis of global policy progress on sustainable finance.

a. in collaboration with close external partners as needed and relevant. b. particular focus on banking and insurance. c. across financial regulation (e.g. disclosures, standards and tools, governance, prudential) d. across regions e. and global policy platforms (e.g. G20, IPSF, NGFS, OECD etc.)

• Review regional regulatory updates/recommendations.
• Analyze UNEP FI members ‘input to UNEP FI strategic policy priorities and incentives to engage at policy and regulatory level.
• Regular reporting to the Membership and Regional Co-ordination Manager and Global Policy Manager as required.
• [in a second step] Further support the set up and running of the UNEP FI global policy stream as relevant.

Outputs and Deliverables:

• Workplan and timeline for delivering the overall landscaping and gap analysis.
• Brainstorm sessions on the development of a policy programme and initiate the mapping of existing and planned initiatives (internal perspective).
• Written feedback on the consultation as well as recommendations
• Report/slide deck on outcomes of engagements with key stakeholders, experts, including Signatories of UNEP FI, involved in the development and application of financial policies in their own institutions. In particular highlight key themes, gaps and tentative recommendations to feed into the UNEP FI global policy strategy.
• Material for capacity building sessions for policy engagement with Signatories.
• General support for communications, material, webinars, events etc. related to the UNEP FI global policy stream.

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and will be reporting directly to the Programme Officer responsible for Global Policy.

Qualifications/special skills Skills: - Proven track record of contributing to policy change in sustainability, finance or a related field. - Proven experience of working on responsible investment / sustainable finance would be highly advantageous. - Excellent written communication skills, with experience of writing in a concise, credible and persuasive manner. - Excellent verbal presentation skills. - Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills. - A collaborative and consultative approach to others. - Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills; 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. - Reliable and delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes. Colleagues, external partners and constituents/clients trust the candidate because they follow through on commitments towards others. Well-organized self-starter with proven ability to move multi-stakeholder processes and initiatives forward at a good pace. Can motivate others and develop inclusive structures and processes that cater to the needs of clients/constituents and create ownership. Team player understands work as contributing to an overall objective, not an end in itself. Can adapt behavior and style of communication to different cultural contexts. - Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve.

Academic Qualifications: Master’s Degree in the following areas: environmental or sustainability studies, economics, social sciences, business administration, marketing/communications, business development; international relations, administration or finance studies. First level degree accepted provided relevant years of experience are provided.

Experience: Seven years of professional experience and expertise in sustainable banking or sustainable finance. Ideally two years of professional experience in the field of financial health and inclusion, and in stakeholder engagement and management.

Language: Fluent in English, as this is UNEP FI’s working language. Beyond English, fluency in other languages, especially other official UN languages, is highly desirable

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.