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 300 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 needs a Senior Advisor to advise the organization on governance matters related to the UNEP FI Leadership Council, develop content for discussion with the Council meetings, and develop an engagement plan with governance body members in 2025. UNEP FI does not have the relevant professional expertise internally. 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

Home based / Working remotely

Expected duration

1 month

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 32 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 Governance Advisor to advise the organization on governance matters related to the UNEP FI Leadership Council, develop content for and lead discussions in the Council meetings, and develop an engagement plan with governance body members in 2025. UNEP FI does not have the relevant professional expertise internally. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s governance work: • Advise on UNEP FI governance activities, including on engagement with the governance body, touchpoints and outputs. • Advise on UNEP FI Leadership Council activities, background paper, and develop engagement plans with touchpoints, strategy and direction for 2025. • Host the UNEP FI Leadership Council meeting and related podcast. Outputs and Deliverables: • UNEP FI Leadership Council meetings hosted. • Background paper for UNEP FI Leadership Council reviewed. • Background materials for UNEP FI Global Steering Committee reviewed. • Engagement plan for Leadership Council developed, including podcast content development. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to him.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree or equivalent in economics, political science, international relations, business, public relations, or a related field. Professional Experience: At least ten (10) year’s working experience in policy, business strategy and economics. Up-to-date proficiency with governance best practices, communications and diplomacy. Experience working with UN systems is an advantage.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to advise on complex governance and finance topics; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Knowledge of policy, economics and UN processes is desirable. The contractor 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. An interest in sustainable finance is desirable.

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.