UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Senior EU Policy consultant

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 FI Secretariat to support with policy developments and projects in the EU, and Europe more broadly. Through these services the Initiative will be able to ccontribute substantial support to the UNEP FI Secretariat on EU policy developments for sustainable finance in collaboration with other UNEP FI initiatives.

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 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. Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially over the recent years. Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions. It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems. Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. UNEP FI has been re-appointed on the EU Platform for Sustainable Finance (2023-2024) to provide support and advisory to the European Commission on the usability of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the broader EU sustainable finance regulatory framework. UNEP FI is also an observer on the International Platform for Sustainable Finance (IPSF) and on the EU High Level Experts Group for sustainable finance in low and middle-income countries. UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to support with policy developments and projects in the EU, and Europe more broadly. Specific tasks and responsibilities UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to: • Initiate an analysis of the EU sustainable finance policy environment relevant to banking and engage EU banking members to assess existing and emerging policy priorities including needs for regulatory readiness and other support; • Continuously monitor and assess EU policy developments relevant to the sustainable banking framework and enabling policy environment and provide regular briefings and presentations to the policy team and UNEP FI members as relevant; • Regular briefings and presentations on EU sustainable finance policy developments; • Organize regular update calls with relevant stakeholders including other UNEP FI initiatives such as the PRB, NZBA, the Impact team, the Climate and Nature Risk Center etc. • Contribute to organization of events, webinars and necessary communications material; • Contribute inputs as part of UNEP FI commitments into the EU PSF; • Develop a policy brief with concrete recommendations for an ambitious EU policy environment for sustainable finance in the upcoming EU policy cycle; • Contribute with inputs as part of UNEP FI commitments into the EU PSF; • Ensure timely and structured reporting to Donors in relation to the EU policy programme; • Develop a policy brief with concrete recommendations for an ambitious EU policy environment for sustainable finance in the upcoming EU policy cycle; • Deliver an analysis of the EU sustainable finance policy environment relevant to banking and engage EU banking members to assess existing and emerging policy priorities including needs for regulatory readiness and other support; • Lead on relevant policy consultation responses in the EU and engage with EU banks as relevant and necessary; • Ensure timely and structured reporting to Donors in relation to the EU policy programme; • Contribute UNEP FI input to the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance (EU PSF) and the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF) in close collaboration with experts and the UNEP FI Secretariat. Outputs and Deliverables: • A written analysis of the EU sustainable finance policy environment and documented engagements with EU banks to identify priorities; • A policy brief with concrete proposals for an ambitious policy environment for sustainable finance; • Regular briefings and presentations on EU sustainable finance policy developments; • Lead on and coordinate relevant policy consultation responses in the EU; • Support with deliverables as part of UNEP FI commitments into the EU PSF; • Timely reporting to Donors; • High quality communications material for engagement with policy makers and banks; • Support and progressive lead of (selected) UNEP FI EU policy engagements. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the UNEP FI Policy Lead.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree in the following areas: finance, law, economics, business administration, marketing/communications, international relations. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 9 years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience and expertise in banking regulation, supervision and/or sustainable finance. Ideally initial professional experience in the field of banking, and in stakeholder engagement and management.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: An interest and experience in banking policy engagement and sustainable finance is desirable. Knowledge of banking policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g., prudential frameworks), political cycles and dynamics with the industry. Self-starting personality, with strong project development and management abilities. 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.

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.