UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) PRB policy consultant

Result of Service 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. 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 lobbyism practice.

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, insurers and investors, governments, regulators, private sector and multi-stakeholders, including supporting institutions.

Work Location Working remotely

Expected duration 8 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 needs a consultant to assist with the development of PRB Guidance for policy engagement and advocacy.

In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of Elodie Feller, UNEP FI Policy Lead, in close cooperation with the PRB Team the consultant will carry out the following project tasks as shown below. The consultant will Support UNEP FI’s outreach and communications to the PRB membership and the wider finance industry.

The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s policy work:

• In collaboration with the UNEP FI Secretariat and PRB Signatories, identify policy areas and priorities for engagement that are key to achieve the objectives of the PRB;
• Engage PRB Signatories on their policy advocacy and engagement activities;
• Engage policy authorities and key stakeholders as relevant to the project;
• Develop guidance and recommendations for PRB Signatories on policy engagement and advocacy activities, in line with their PRB commitments;
• In collaboration with the UNEP FI Secretariat help develop UNEP FI approach and governance to policy engagement;
• Deliver final guidance, blogs and communications material as relevant;
• Assist with general communications for the policy and PRB teams.

Outputs and Deliverables:

• Deliver a PRB Policy engagement and advocacy guidance and recommendations;
• Deliver blogs, case studies, communications material relevant to the project;
• Key principles for UNEP FI policy engagement activities.

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of Mr.Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Elodie Feller, Policy Lead, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s PRB team, under Simone Dettling.

Qualifications/special skills Education: A master’s degree in finance, international relations, public administration, or a related field. A first degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 7 years of relevant experience.

Professional Experience: At least five (5) year’s working experience in finance, policy advocacy, banking supervision, sustainable finance.

Skills & Knowledge: An interest and experience in banking policy engagement and industry lobbyism practice is desirable. Knowledge of banking policy and regulatory frameworks, political cycles and dynamics with the industry. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, 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.

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.