UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Implementation Support Coordinator Banking and Climate

Result of Service Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of banks of varying business models, locations and sizes in implementing global finance sector principles to catalyze integration of sustainability into financial market practice. UNEP FI is supporting implementation through the framework of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) now committed to by more than 210 banks collectively holding USD 53 trillion in assets, or one third of the global banking sector.

The services will also help promote sustainability into all aspects of the financial sector’s operations and services. Finally, the services will help the Initiative to broaden its outreach both within UNEP / UN and external to banks, governments, regulators, private sector and multi-stakeholders, including supporting institutions.

Work Location Working remotely

Expected duration 10 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’s Banking Team is responsible for the initiative’s work with its over 300 member banks in more than 80 countries around the world. This includes overseeing and supporting the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking.

The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) On 22nd September 2019, UNEP FI member banks representing USD 47 trillion and with that over a third of the global banking industry officially signed and launched the Principles for Responsible Banking together with UN Secretary General Guterres. The Principles for Responsible Banking guide the change towards a new, sustainable global banking industry that takes on a key role in helping society to achieve its goals for a sustainable future. With these Principles, banks commit to strategically align their business with and scale up their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate. The Principles are supported by a strong implementation framework that defines clear accountabilities and requires each bank to set, publish and work towards ambitious targets and report publicly on their positive and negative impacts and progress in implementing their commitments. Banks that are not in line with their commitments can be removed from the list of signatories.

The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) The industry-led, UN-convened Net-Zero Banking Alliance brings together over 120 banks worldwide from over 41 countries, collectively representing more than US$ 70 trillion - around 40% of global banking assets - committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. Combining near-term action with accountability, this ambitious commitment sees banks setting an intermediate target for 2030 or sooner, using robust, science-based guidelines which specify a temperature outcome of no more than 1.5°C by 2100, based on no/low overshoot scenarios and taking into account best available scientific knowledge. The Alliance reinforces, accelerates and supports the implementation of decarbonisation strategies, providing an internationally coherent framework and guidelines in which to operate, supported by peer learning from pioneering banks.

The Alliance is convened by the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative. In addition, the Alliance also executes coordinated advocacy and alignment as the banking element of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the climate-focused element of the Principles for Responsible Banking. It is partner organization of the Race to Zero.

UNEP FI requires an Implementation Guidance consultant for Banking and Climate to:

Regarding the Principles for Responsible Banking: - Support the management of target setting workings groups, especially in the area of climate adaptation, including project management and multistakeholder management as well as leading sub-tracks for the adaptation work - Support the banking team in the management of its over 300 signatories, particularly providing implementation support to banks that are struggling to meet their commitment within the required timeframe, as well as banks that are considered frontrunners to fast-track them in their target setting process - Support the set up and day to day implementation of a data management system for data gathered in the individual review process to analyze progress data of banks

Regarding the Net-Zero Banking Alliance: - Develop a protocol for the review of members’ portfolio and sectoral decarbonization targets that they have committed to setting at 18 and 36 month milestones after joining. - Track compliance of members against their target setting commitments. - Review and assess members’ targets and provide feedback to the members. - Follow up with members that do not meet milestones and require forbearance. - Support the team in providing data for collective progress reporting.

In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of the UNEP FI Banking Lead, in close cooperation with the Banking, Climate and NZBA Teams the consultant will carry out the following project tasks as shown below. The consultant will Support UNEP FI’s banking membership on their climate mitigation and adaptation implementation.

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

• Lead on establishing and implementing the accountability mechanism for the NZBA, including tracking members’ targets, evaluating following up, and providing feedback on them to members. Manage the data gathered from members relating to their targets and assist with formulating key messages around progress.
• As NZBA is the flagship climate mitigation initiative of the PRB, support the coordination between the NZBA and the PRB, ensuring that processes are streamlined and efficient.
• Support the delivery of peer learning and capacity building activities for NZBA and PRB banks.
• Together with members of the climate team and Implementation Guidance team, coordinate a Working Group of banks to co-develop a guidance how to set adaptation targets for banks
• Together with members of the Banking team develop and update materials and content for the regional workshops
• Assist banks in implementing the PRB (with a special focus on customized support services for watchlist banks as well as frontrunners)
• Support the delivery of key webinars including bi-annual CSAB engagements with the banking membership.
• Support the preparations for and activities in the lead-up to CoP28 in the UAE, including materials relating to NZBA progress, events, panels, communications and publications.

Outputs and Deliverables:

• Documented processes for accountability of NZBA members’ targets at the 18 and 36 month milestones.
• Feedback delivered to NZBA banks both in the PRB and not in the PRB (numbers to be confirmed)
• Database of NZBA members’ targets maintained including records of evaluations and actions taken by the Secretariat.
• Supported the communication of NZBA members’ progress externally and to the NZBA Steering Group.
• A guidance document to set adaptation targets in line with the PRB requirements.
• Supported the content development for climate change mitigation target setting regional workshops as well as adaptation targets, delivered in partnership with the Regional Coordinator team.
• Provided support calls with all assigned watchlist banks
• Contributed to developing a Theory of Change for PRB banks
• New and updated climate modules for the PRB Academy (in collaboration with training team and external partners)
• Assisted the Banking Team with webinars, including bi-annual Civil Society Advisory Body (CSAB) engagements with the banking membership.

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and to report directly to the Programme Officer at UNEP FI, leading the Banking Team.

Qualifications/special skills Academic achievements: Master’s degree in international relations, environmental studies or related field. First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 5 years of relevant experience.

Professional Experience: Experience in sustainable banking and management of international stakeholder groups. Strong knowledge of environmental and climate issues and the respective global agendas. At least 3 years of experience in project management. Previous experience working at UN agencies is an asset.

Skills: Strong writing and communication skills and proven ability to manage several processes simultaneously. Well organized and able to plan processes and foresee steps required to achieve agreed outcomes. Reliable - delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes.

Languages Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Excellent writing skills are required. Knowledge of other 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.