Result of Service

Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, asset managers, insurers, and multi-lateral development banks and agencies in implementing global finance sector principles to catalyze integration of sustainability into financial market practice. The frameworks UNEP FI is supporting implementation include 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, and the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), established 2012 by UNEP FI and today applied by one-quarter of the world’s insurers (25% of world premium). UNEP FI has an Ecosystems workstream that includes research and engagement with financial institutions on nature-positive financing, disclosures on TNFD, financing of nature-based solutions, and financing the sustainable blue economy; all of which require capacity building and research advancement through these services. 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

3 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. UNEP FI is looking for a Junior consultant to coordinate all industry-related work on nature and biodiversity with regards to capacity building and work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and Signatory banks to: - Support capacity building and facilitate the activities of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA). - Contribute to the written deliverables of the BCA (with specific focus on the communities stream, investing in IPs and LCs). - Support the roll out of TNFD support activities such as TNFD preparer forums – Supporting the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative where needed. -Support upcoming work around nature opportunities including but not limited to nature-based solutions, NBSAPS, and nature bonds. – Support the UNEP FI Nature team on any other matters as necessary. – Support in awareness raising and capacity building and coordinate the expanding body of work on this topic under this thematic. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s nature work: i. Supporting the development of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) BCA’s mission is to support the realization of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in particular by supporting target 19C ‘Leveraging private finance, promoting blended finance, implementing strategies for raising new and additional resources, and encouraging the private sector to invest in biodiversity, including through impact funds and other instruments. This role involves supporting the activities of the BCA, including writing a monthly newsletter, representation in the BCA Secretariat, development and coordination of BCA knowledge products, communications, and coordination of the community advisory panel. ii. Scope and out and develop project plans and workstreams around nature opportunities, primarily focusing on nature-based solutions, biodiversity credits, NBSAPs, nature bonds, nature in the boardroom, and other nature finance partnerships Iii. Other project support the UNEP FI Nature team on any other matters as necessary. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Nature Lead, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Nature Team.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A First degree in economics, finance, environmental sciences, business, or a related discipline. An advanced university degree is desirable and could be taken in lieu of first degree provided the selected candidate has no years of experience. Professional Experience: 2 years of work experience related to financial sector, biodiversity, and climate change.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with digital technology; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Experience in the environmental non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research on sustainable finance. This experience should be relevant for examining biodiversity risks, nature-related policies, and the role of the financial sector in financing nature protection and conservation. Ability to summarize information and work across sectors and industries. International and inter-cultural work or educational experiences. Experience working with financial institutions. Exceptional writing and editing skills. Pro-active with independent working ability, combined with good problem-solving skills and personal resilience to work effectively in a complex setting.

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.