Result of Service

The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) now committed to by more than 340 banks collectively holding almost USD 100 trillion in assets, or half of the global banking sector. Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, as well as civil society organizations, and financial authorities to catalyze integration of sustainability into policy engagement and advocacy practice. 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

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 28 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 consultant to assist with the development of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Guidance for policy engagement and advocacy. Objectives The 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. Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, as well as civil society organizations, and financial authorities to catalyze integration of sustainability into policy engagement and lobbyism practice. 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. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s policy work: • In collaboration with the PRB Secretariat and Signatories, develop a PRB policy engagement and advocacy guidance in line with Principle 4 of the PRB: Stakeholder engagement. Including identifying engagement processes and practices, policy areas and priorities for banks’ engagement that are key to achieve the objectives of the PRB; Engaging PRB Signatories on their policy advocacy and engagement activities; Engaging policy authorities and key stakeholders as relevant to the project; Deliver final guidance on responsible policy advocacy, and a blog for communications purposes, as relevant. • In collaboration with the Policy team, develop analytical briefs and communications blogs targeted at policy makers and banks on the following indicative topics: (1) Evolution of banking sustainable finance policy environment in the APAC region. (2) Evolution of banking sustainable finance policy environment in the LAC region. Outputs and Deliverables: • Deliver a PRB Policy engagement and advocacy guidance. • Deliver a blog, and communications material relevant to the PRB guidance project. • Deliver up to 2 policy briefs and blogs on issues of banking and policy as relevant to the policy team. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report to Policy Lead, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s PRB team.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree or equivalent in finance, law, public administration, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 7 years relevant work experience could be taken in lieu of advanced degree. Professional Experience: At least five (5) year’s working experience in finance, policy advocacy, banking supervision, sustainable finance or related field.

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 industry lobbyism and/or advocacy practice is essential. Knowledge of banking policy and regulatory frameworks, political cycles and dynamics with the industry is desirable. 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.