UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Programme Manager supporting the TCFD and Climate Risk Programme

Result of Service The service will result in the development of new materials and thought-leadership for the financial sector on climate and nature related risks, opportunities, dependencies, and impacts. Outputs will include slide decks for the working group sessions that the consultant will run, as well as responsibility for the reports generated in each working group overseen. Another important role will be facilitating the creation of the climate and nature center that will bring together climate and nature related working groups for UNEP FI members under a single umbrella.

Work Location Working remotely

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 300 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.

Objective area 1: The knowledge and experience gained during the first two phases of the TCFD pilot for banks and the first phase of the TCFD pilot for investors have already been undertaken, has been transferred to UNEP FI member banks that have joined this new TCFD pilot program. Banks and investors participating in this new programme will directly engage with the tools, frameworks, and approaches developed in prior pilot phases. This will be completed through a number (1-2 per quarter) of group interactions between the consultant and the participating financial institutions. These interactions will include assignments for participating institutions to complete to ensure their familiarity with the programme resources. This will allow each institution to actively implement approaches for assessing transition and physical risks in their portfolios.

Objective area 2: In 2-4 focus areas, the UNEP FI Secretariat, with the assistance of external partners, will develop relevant inputs and tools (such as the climate risk board-level dashboard, scenarios, data, methodologies, legal guidance) for banks and investors - or enhancements of existing such inputs and tools – needed to effectively conduct a scenario-based assessment for disclosure of climate-related risks and opportunities have been developed, or a roadmap for their development has been established. The consultant will provide programme management to the engagements between the participating institutions and the partners to ensure that refinements and enhancements are developed in a timely manner.

Objective area 3: Once the results of the workstreams are known, they will then be distributed to industry practitioners around the world. Relevant stakeholders (investors, clients, regulators, and policymakers) will be made aware of the results of these outcomes and materials and the leading role taken by the pilot banks and investors. The consultant will assist in the production and distribution of these final materials. This will lead to a developed approach to TCFD disclosure and coordinated expectations from investors, high-impact industries’ and stakeholders.

Objective area 4: Planning the next phase of the TCFD roadmap 2022, including defining a theory of change concept for the TCFD program, delivering a training programme plan capturing the key themes addressed by the members and relevant topics that need to be addressed now and, in the future, to change the pace and complete what needs to be achieved on climate change. That work includes the organization of workshops and conceptualization of decisions and outcomes as well as coordination with the rest of UNEP FI on climate priorities.

UNEP FI needs a consultant to support the conclusion of the current phase of work, help plan the next phase, and promote coordination across UNEP FI on relevant topics.

Outputs of services:

• Implement a comprehensive promotional strategy to effectively communicate and establish the envisioned structure of the Climate and Nature Action Center.

• Spearhead the development of impactful outputs associated with a selection of the working groups operating under the center's purview.

• Lead the Climate Tools Working Group, overseeing phase 3 of the project involving 23 vendors and 31 financial institutions and 3 mini pilots working on piloting or creating new tools

• Generate tangible outcomes through the working group, such as an updated database, new tools, reports, blog posts, or videos.

• Take charge of the Climate Database Creation and Quarterly Updates, ensuring the new selection of appropriate attributes, data availability, and verification from the vendors such as asset coverages. Including the enrichment of potential tools covering nature and social risks

• Continue to collaborate with partners such as Sustainability Unlocked and ED4S to promote our created knowledge through educational training programs tailored for financial institutions, explore options for long term engagements.

• Proactively engage with the Financial Times to forge strategic partnerships, paving the way for the development of an innovative and forward-looking video series.

• Establish partnerships with relevant working groups focusing on topics like biodiversity finance or climate opportunities.

• Contribute to the TPT Capacity Building Initiative by developing a series of hybrid in-person and digital webinars in collaboration with the Taskforce for Transition Plan.

• Plan and execute in-person sessions for our members in London, Singapore, and New York, in conjunction with our partners.

• Assemble a small team consisting of Yan and Wenmin to support the implementation of the different tasks and objectives.

• Publish a climate risk and best practices for TCFD disclosure guidance for emerging economies

The consultant will:

Implement a comprehensive promotional strategy to effectively communicate and establish the envisioned structure of the Climate and Nature Action Center. - Establish strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, organizations, and media outlets to amplify the center's visibility and broaden its reach. - Organize engaging events, such as conferences or webinars, to showcase the center's working groups and their contributions, fostering collaboration and attracting interest from potential partners and participants.

Spearhead the development of impactful outputs associated with a selection of the working groups operating under the center's purview. - Monitor the progress of each working group's projects, ensuring they are on track, meeting objectives, and adhering to established timelines. - Regularly review and assess the outputs generated by the working groups, ensuring their relevance, impact, and alignment with the center's overarching mission.

Lead Climate Tools Working Group: - Organize and facilitate phase 3 meetings with groups working on testing and development - Develop a detailed plan for each of the phase 3 of the project.

Create tangible outcomes through the working group: - Update the existing database by collecting and incorporating relevant data. - Develop new tools to enhance climate-related analysis and decision-making. - Produce reports summarizing key findings and recommendations. - Create informative blog posts or videos to disseminate knowledge and insights.

Climate Database Creation and Quarterly Updates: - Identify the necessary attributes for the climate database. - Ensure the availability of data from vendors and verify its accuracy and quality. - Regularly update the database with the latest information.

Work with partners to promote the knowledge we generate: - Collaborate with Sustainability Unlocked and ED4S to design educational training programs for financial institutions and explore a long-term partnership - Coordinate the delivery of these training programs to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of the platform.

Explore partnership opportunities with the Financial Times: - Foster future-oriented collaboration opportunities with the Financial Times, envisioning the co-creation of a captivating video series. - Develop a proposal for a video series highlighting climate-related issues and solutions.

Build partnerships with relevant working groups: - Identify working groups focused on biodiversity finance or climate opportunities. - Determine partners and participants for the group and engage them via outreach and contracting. - Initiate discussions and explore possibilities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

TPT Capacity Building Initiative: - Work closely with the Transition Plan Taskforce to deliver a series of webinars. - Determine the appropriate balance between in-person and digital formats for the webinars, develop the agendas, and create a brief output note for participants.

Plan and execute in-person sessions for members - Create and run in-person sessions in London, Singapore, and New York. - Collaborate with partners to ensure successful execution of the sessions.

Oversee a team of program associates: - Assign specific roles and responsibilities to current interns and a junior program associate. - Foster effective communication and collaboration within the team. - Provide guidance and support to team members as needed. - Create weekly meetings for this smaller team.

Build and publish a TCFD guidance report for emerging economies - Conduct research on climate risk and TCFD disclosure in emerging economies. - Engage stakeholders for insights and perspectives. - Publish the guidance through appropriate channels.

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI, and report directly to the Programme Officer Climate Change. The final deliverables shall also be approved by the Head of UNEP FI.

Qualifications/special skills Academic background – Master’s degree in innovation management, business, sustainability or environment, finance, international relations, business administration, or related fields. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 8 years of relevant experience.

Experience – 6 years of experience in banking or in the financial service sector or working in the facilitating of the integration of sustainability in finance. Experience in client engagement and relationship management in banking is desirable.

Skills & knowledge – The consultant(s) should have a proven track record supporting international programmes involving different stakeholder types, particularly financial organizations, and with a particular focus on sustainable finance and climate risks.

Languages Languages – English is the working language of UNEP FI. English is mandatory for this consultancy. 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.