UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)– Net-Zero Banking Alliance Communications Consultant

Result of Service To further engage the members of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance on communications, ensuring high visibility of the initiative, key milestones, its members, and their progress. Supporting coalition building through targeted communications. Liaising on communications campaigns with partners and members. Specifically, - Net-Zero Banking Alliance members have the communications strategy, assets and tools to effectively communicate on any upcoming news, launches and events - Alliance members have a communications steer to help them position and respond in a complex landscape - The Alliance is able to communicate with one message and voice, via the chairperson and steering group - The Alliance has all assets on hand and updated (strategy, key messages, speeches, op-eds, press releases, social media a ssets, website, promotion packs, webinars, etc). - The Net-Zero Banking Alliance is positioned within the wider context of UNEP FI initiatives, in particular the Principles for Responsible Banking and a coordinated communications plan is in place for UNEP FI to communicate on the Alliance

Work Location Working remotely

Expected duration 11 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 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 carries out its mission to help the financial industry align with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and with that take on the crucial role it must play in achieving a sustainable future.

UNEP FI provides the secretariat for the industry-led, UN-convened Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). The Alliance brings together over 122 banks from 41 countries with over US$72 trillion in assets, which are committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. A communications consultant is required to help generate awareness, visibility and knowledge of the Alliance across the industry, to provide a unified voice and messaging for the Alliance members, to launch and announce key initiatives and developments, and support the Steering Group and Alliance chair. The role will include creation of key documents, member engagement, promotion packs, social media activity, industry-wide alignment of the initiative and website updates. UNEP FI currently does not have the internal capacity to undertake these communication activities, and hence outside expertise is required for this purpose.

Output expectations: - Provide support, concept development, and partnership for new NZBA comms lead - Communications reps from over 122 banking members o Liaise with the NZBA governance on messaging & strategy o Creation of key documents, messaging o Keep members informed - Media engagement o Q&A briefing documents - Promotion packs with key information for members for COP28 - Coordination with UNEP FI communications colleagues - Editing: edit a number of UNEP FI papers including the Leadership Council Background Paper 2023 and summary paper if required

Specific tasks and responsibilities: 1st deliverable - Assessment of 2022 Progress Report and summary of needed improvements for next year; handoff notes for new NZBA lead 2nd deliverable –Approved communications strategy for 2023 (under ownership of NZBA comms lead) 3rd deliverable –publication of UNEPFI bank policy paper 4th deliverable –Dissemination of assets at and around COP 28, in line with GFANZ, UNEP FI colleagues and NZBA members 5th deliverable –Publication of NZBA Progress Report and 2023 Leadership Council paper 7th deliverable –Delivery of communications campaign for the launch of the NZBA and CCCA collective progress reports (under leadership of NZBA comms lead), assets at and around COP 28, in line with GFANZ, UNEP FI colleagues and NZBA members.

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head UNEP FI. The consultant will report to the Membership & Regional Coordination Manager and Climate Change Lead, as daily supervisors. They will work closely with communications colleagues including the UNEP FI comms lead and the Banking comms lead.

Qualifications/special skills Academic background: A University degree is required relevant to communications, marketing, design, public / media relations, business, finance, environment, sustainability, or equivalent education and experience.

Experience: o At least seven years’ experience ideally gained in the financial services sector, in external communications, corporate communications, press office, marketing or related field. Sustainable finance is an advantage, as is knowledge of the banking industry. o Experience of working with the financial sector (banking, insurance and/or investment). o Experience working with the financial press. o Experience working with multiple stakeholders and managing relationships across various stakeholders. o Experience of working on campaigns, PR/media relations, websites and event communications. o Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including social media and online media. Experience in designing and implementing communications strategies. o Experience in writing, editing and producing communications /marketing materials. o Creative and resourceful strategist with a track record of proactivity.

S kills & Knowledge: oAbility to engage senior stakeholders, knowledge of financial landscape and ability to craft, design and create external communications strategy and communications assets of all types (key messages, press releases, social media, website updates, webinars) o Creative and enthusiastic professional with excellent oral and written communications skills, with ability to communicate clearly and succinctly. o Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to develop and execute results-focused communications plans across a mix of channels including events, email, webinars, and online and social media. o Basic understanding of back-end web development is desirable. o Ability to produce communications materials with high-quality visuals. o Knowledge of the finance industry is required; knowledge of sustainable finance and environmental issues would be an asset. o Ability to prioritise multiple activities concurrently in an organized and timely manner with attention to detail. o Highly motivated and able to work independently as well as in a team. o Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain good working relations across diverse stakeholders in a multicultural, geographically dispersed and online environment.

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.