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 deliver a Thought Leadership analysis on the state of the integration of nature-related risks and opportunities into banking regulation and supervision. Through these services the Initiative will be able to: • Review the range of regulatory and supervisory developments on incorporating nature risk and impact into banking regulation and supervision at the global level (e.g. NGFS, Basel Committee) and in key jurisdictions (state of play), covering among other topics: o Prudential regulation: (i) Prudential supervisory expectations on the assessment and management of nature-related financial risks; (i) nature-related supervisory assessments, scenario analysis and/or stress testing; (iii) prudential disclosures; o Taxonomies: The extent to which nature and biodiversity are integrated into green taxonomies, either as environmental objectives (with technical screening criteria / thresholds) or Do-No-Significant-Harm criteria; o Regulatory enabling environment appliable to financial institutions as corporations as well as their (corporate) clients: (i) emerging mandatory nature-related (corporate) disclosure measures; (ii) environmental due diligence obligations, (iii) conduct-related aspects of banking regulation such as anti-greenwashing rules and how they apply to nature incorporating nature; o Other aspects of nature-related policy and regulation as relevant. The Individual Contractor shall be under the direct supervision of the Global Policy Lead and Nature Lead as required.

Work Location

Working remotely, Geneva or Brussels

Expected duration

6 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 requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to deliver a Thought Leadership analysis on the state of the integration of nature-related risks and opportunities into banking regulation and supervision. 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: • Perform a stocktake and landscape analysis of regulatory and supervisory developments on incorporating nature risk and impact into banking regulation and supervision at global level (e.g. NGFS, Basel Committee) and in key jurisdictions (state of play), cover among other topics: o Prudential regulation: (i) Prudential supervisory expectations on the assessment and management of nature-related financial risks; (i) nature-related supervisory assessments, scenario analysis and/or stress testing; (iii) prudential disclosures; o Taxonomies: The extent to which nature and biodiversity are integrated into green taxonomies, either as environmental objectives (with technical screening criteria / thresholds) or Do-No-Significant-Harm criteria; o Regulatory enabling environment appliable to financial institutions as corporations as well as their (corporate) clients: (i) emerging mandatory nature-related (corporate) disclosure measures; (ii) environmental due diligence obligations, (iii) conduct-related aspects of banking regulation such as anti-greenwashing rules and how they apply to nature incorporating nature; o Other aspects of nature-related policy and regulation as relevant; • Identify best-practice and available methodologies that are being employed by policymakers, regulators and supervisory authorities in each of the above areas to better integrate nature risk and impact into banking regulatory frameworks; • Provide an ‘outlook’ on emerging regulations / requirements in key jurisdictions and globally • Develop guidance and recommendations that can help advance nature-related aspects for banking regulation and supervision globally and in key jurisdictions; • Identify and engage regulatory and supervisory authorities globally and at country/regional level for input as necessary and relevant (e.g. NGFS, ECB, EBA, DNB, MAS, BdF etc.) for example conducting interviews; • Accordingly identify potential work areas and engagement opportunities for UNEP FI in the field of nature-related policy and banking regulation; • Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders as appropriate and necessary. Outputs and Deliverables: • A comprehensive landscape analysis with key policy recommendations (max 30 pages incl annexes) • One blog post for publication • One webinar to present. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Policy team as well as UNEP FI’s Nature Team Nature Lead.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree in finance, public administration, environmental or climate science or management. Professional Experience: At least 7 years working experience in project management, finance, and nature. Experience in doing research and drafting or publishing thought leadership papers.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Experience in banking regulation, supervision and nature-related policy issues is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; 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.

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.