UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Sustainable Finance Policy Analyst for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC Policy Analyst)

Contract

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Result of Service

UNEP FI requires the Sustainable Finance Policy Analyst for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC Policy Analyst) to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and UNEP FI Signatories to: • Provide general support to the LAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the LAC region; • Support the coordination of on-going work related to sustainable finance taxonomy development in selected jurisdictions and the LAC Common Framework on Sustainable Finance Taxonomies; • Support with the design, set up and implementation of the taxonomy pilots in financial entities’ portfolio for selected jurisdictions and help coordinate on-going work related to sustainable finance taxonomies regulatory adoption; • Develop UNEP FI reports for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Programme and the European Commission (Sustainable Finance Advisory Hub and EUROCLIMA) , per country mandates and sustainable finance programmes in the LAC region; • Support in the development of terms of references (TORs) and works/products requirements/specifications and the identification, selection and recruitment/procurement of consultants or other service providers necessary to execute the policy team portfolio in the LAC region; • Ensure relevant and regular stakeholder engagements including with policy makers, regulators and supervisory authorities, meeting material, analytical minutes of meetings as relevant; • Support with the implementation of the UNEP FI global policy programme; • General support the UNEP FI regional team and PRB Signatories on LAC-policy issues and ccoordination of internal communications on LAC policy; • Support with briefings on LAC policy initiatives and events as relevant; • Provide regular reporting to the policy team and management. • Support the coordination of the sustainable finance taxonomy development process in Brazil in close collaboration with national authorities and the technical partners; • Lead the process of piloting Brazil's Sustainable Taxonomy with the main financial regulators and supervisors (BACEN, CVM, SUSEP, Previc) and finance associations (FEBRABAN, CNSeg, ANBIMA, ABBC, ABRASCA, ABECIP) in the country's financial ecosystem, among others. • Conduct training programmes for the financial sector on relevant topics related to the Brazil’s sustainable finance taxonomy with a focus on the implementation phase to improve the usability of the instrument; • Capture feedback from those involved in the process of piloting the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy and systematising it to serve as input for the constant development of the instrument. • Engage financial institutions to pilot the Brazilian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to improve the practicability and the usability of the Taxonomy; • Coordinate the implementation of a series of workshops, training, webinars, technical assistance and peer to peer exchange to help banks and insurance companies to develop technical knowledge of sustainable finance taxonomy implementation; as well as other regulatory and public policy instruments to promote sustainable finance; • Coordination of materials translations, materials for workshops, technical assistance and peer exchanges and briefing paper to disseminate results and report on outcomes; • Engage Brazil’s financial regulators and supervisors to develop the required regulatory framework, public policy instruments, standards and guidance for the sustainable finance taxonomy implementation; • Engage Brazil’s financial regulators and supervisors to help the development of regulatory enabling environment that promotes sustainable finance; • Support all the required activities related to the Brazil’s sustainable finance taxonomy development, piloting, and implementation.

Work Location

Latin America and the Caribbean

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 400 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's activities in in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region contribute to expand the regional sustainable finance market with the aim to attract private capital towards environmentally sustainable investments. Working on policy and regulatory developments in the LAC region provides an unique opportunity for UNEP FI’s Policy Team to consolidate its position as a leading advocate for sustainable finance globally. In addition, UNEP FI has been mandated by several Member States to support the development of policy and regulatory frameworks in the LAC region including contributes to several Multilateral Policy Platforms on Sustainable Finance. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and successful team working on this important and dynamic agenda. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering the UNEP FI’s public policy strategy and LAC sustainable finance agenda. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks: • Provide general support to the LAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the LAC region; • Produce and share regular analysis and mappings of policy and regulatory developments in the LAC region affecting the banking sector, and identify opportunities for UNEP FI to advocate for progressive policy reform in the region; • Support with the design, set up and implementation of the Taxonomy pilots for selected jurisdictions and help coordinate on-going work related to the LAC Common Framework on Sustainable Finance Taxonomies; • Support with general UNEP FI reporting efforts towards the Global Climate Fund and the European Commission for selected jurisdictions, per country mandates and programmes; • Ensure relevant and regular stakeholder engagements including with policy makers, regulators and supervisory authorities, meeting material, analytical minutes of meetings as relevant; • Support with UNEP FI input to the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group, the 2023 COP on Global Diversity Framework, in close collaboration with the UNEP FI policy team; • Support with the implementation of the UNEP FI global policy programme; • General support the UNEP FI regional team and PRB Signatories on LAC-policy issues and coordination of internal communications on LAC policy; • Support with briefings on LAC policy initiatives and events as relevant; • Provide regular reporting to the policy team and management. • Support the process of piloting Brazil's Sustainable Taxonomy with the main financial regulators and supervisors (BACEN, CVM, SUSEP, Previc) and finance associations (FEBRABAN, CNSeg, ANBIMA, ABBC, ABRASCA, ABECIP) and financial institutions in the country. • Support policy makers, financial regulators and supervisors in Brazil in the implementation phase of the Brazil’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy • Support financial institutions (UNEP FI network) in Brazil in compliance with the existing or upcoming sustainable finance regulatory framework. Outputs and Deliverables: • Provide general support to the LAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the LAC region; • Written feedback of the meetings and relevant stakeholder engagements; • Delivery of at least 2 LAC-policy briefs and/or webinars to engage UNEP FI member banks, policy makers and regulators in connection to the LAC policy and regulatory environment on sustainable finance; • LAC policy input into the UNEP FI global policy programme as relevant; • Communications material for engagement sessions with PRB Signatories, including general support for communications, webinars, events etc. related to the LAC policy programme; • Coordination and progressive lead of (selected) UNEP FI LAC projects and activities. • Produce regular reports and analyses that identify changes and developments in policies and regulations related to financial sustainability in Brazil, with an emphasis on the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy. • Support in coordinating the development and implementation of the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy, ensuring that sustainability principles are incorporated into financial practices. • Planning, executing, and monitoring taxonomy pilots in financial institutions, helping to identify and resolve practical challenges. • Organise engagement sessions with stakeholders, including banks, regulators and policymakers, to discuss and promote the Brazilian Sustainable Taxonomy. • Develop communication materials and presentations for webinars, workshops and events that promote understanding and implementation of the taxonomy. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and will be reporting directly to the Programme Officer responsible for LAC Policy. The consultant will also work as part of the UNEP FI policy team, in close coordination with the Banking team and LAC Regional team.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Master’s degree in the following areas: law, economics, social sciences, business administration, marketing/communications, international relations, administration or finance studies. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 5 years of relevant experience. Professional experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in international organizations, the financial services sector, private sector or NGOs supporting the intersection between sustainable development and finance. Experience in the field of sustainable finance in Latin America and the Caribbean is required. Desirable: Experience in client-facing role in financial services of sustainability-related consulting, experience in the banking, insurance and/or investment industries in Brazil, and experience in managing multi-stakeholders projects.

Languages

Languages: Fluent in English is required. Fluency in Spanish and Portuguese is desirable.

Additional Information

Special skills/Knowledge: • Proven track record of contributing to policy change in sustainability, finance or a related field. • Proven experience of working on sustainable finance would be highly advantageous. • Excellent written communication skills, with experience of writing in a concise, credible and persuasive manner. • Excellent verbal presentation skills. • Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills. • A collaborative and consultative approach to others. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills; 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. • Reliable and delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes. Colleagues, external partners and constituents/clients trust the candidate because they follow through on commitments towards others. Well-organized self-starter with proven ability to move multi-stakeholder processes and initiatives forward at a good pace. Can motivate others and develop inclusive structures and processes that cater to the needs of clients/constituents and create ownership. Team player understands work as contributing to an overall objective, not an end in itself. Can adapt behavior and style of communication to different cultural contexts. • Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve.

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.