UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Nature Policy Consultant

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Contract

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Result of Service

UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP Environmental Policy Unit to support nature-positive finance policy frameworks and measures in selected jurisdictions. Through these services, the Initiative will be able to: • Provide general support to the EPU and UNEP FI Policy and Nature teams at the interface on nature and financial policy developments. • Ensure close collaboration between UNEP FI teams and the UNEP Environmental Policy Units on finance policy and nature-related topics and major events. • Building on ongoing UNEP FI work, produce and share regular analysis and mappings of policy and regulatory developments on nature and biodiversity affecting the banking sector, and identify opportunities for UNEP FI to engage in and support progressive policy reform. • Support with the development of taxonomies, regional frameworks and financial sector policy pilots emerging from the African region, as relevant. • Provide support with the coordination and delivery of UNEP FI outputs under the GEF-8 project for Net-Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) finance, including but not limited to 1) the development of a global guidance on net-zero nature-positive taxonomies; 2) building partnership with regional financial institutions to achieve investment goals through high-impact projects that are NZNP aligned, and develop capacity building activities.; 3) supporting public and private sector financial actors to accurately define and identify NZNP alignment to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; 4) support with the drafting and coordination of UNEP FI reports for the Global Environment Facility. • Develop a briefing paper on “Policy engagement options for biodiversity and climate financing” including case studies from the Regions that will be selected in collaboration with UNEP Regional Offices” which could be showcased at CBD COP16 and/or UNFCCC COP29. • Producing relevant communication, outreach and briefing materials, including but not limited to side events for CBD COP Finance Day and MDB Pavilion with AfDB, CAF and others. • Support the work related to UNCTs and RCOs engagement on integrated national financing frameworks, to be defined in cooperation with UNEP Regional Offices and Regional Subprogramme Coordinators. • Lead development of a project proposal on integrated financing based on the work already undertaken by EPU. • Ensure timely and quality reporting to donors. • Support development of proposals/concepts related integrated financing. • Undertake any other activity as may be assigned by the team. UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to: Outputs and Deliverables: • Provide support with the coordination and delivery of UNEP FI outputs under the GEF-8 project for Net-Zero Nature Positive (NZNP) finance activities; • Coordinate work on nature positive taxonomies in the African region, as relevant; • Contribute to proposal/concept development and implementation; • Contribute the input to G20, COP, IPSF and other platforms on nature-related policy issues; • Stock take / brief on nature positive policies across selected jurisdictions; • Develop a briefing paper on “Policy engagement options for biodiversity and climate financing” including case studies from the Regions that will be selected in collaboration with UNEP Regional Offices” which could be showcased at CBD COP16 and/or UNFCCC COP29; • Deliver series of blogs, and communications material on nature policies as relevant. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and the Head of UNEP EPU and report directly to the UNEP FI Policy Lead and the Nature Co-Lead.

Work Location

Nairobi, Kenya

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 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. In March 2023, UNEP's Law Division established the Environment Policy Unit under the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch. In addition to defining key areas of strategic presence and contributions, the new Unit will position itself as a cross-cutting entity bringing science-policy-law issues together within the Branch, Division, and UNEP. In doing so, the intention is to focus on policy that serves both internal and external to UNEP through (i) serving as an influencer of policy uptake or change by member states, and (ii) an enabler of policy development, implementation, compliance and enforcement. The Unit currently is focusing on issues related to blended and integrated financing covering issues of climate, biodiversity, ocean finances and is focusing on policy and regulatory issues related to financing. UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP Environmental Policy Unit to support nature positive finance policy frameworks and measures in selected jurisdictions.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree in finance, public administration, environmental, climate science, management or related fields. Professional Experience: At least 5 years working experience in project management, finance, and nature. Experience in doing research and formulating policy recommendations as relevant.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Experience in banking regulation, supervision and nature-related policy issues is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; 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.

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 22 hours ago - Updated 3 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org