Result of Service

UNEP FI requires an ocean and finance specialist consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to support leading the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative’s network, raising awareness on ocean finance topics and creating an enabling environment for financial institutions to achieve ocean-positive outcomes. The consultant would also develop a resourcing plan and take the necessary steps as needed based on this plan. UNEP FI wants to increase the integration of marine considerations into financial decision making; UNEP FI is looking for a consultant to: • Identify an appropriate impact strategy for UNEP FI to continue its ocean workstream. • Create a landscape overview of the proposed approach of UNEP FI and Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative (SBE FI) members regarding ocean, using a double materiality lens, and considering both creating understanding, assessing and disclosing nature-related impacts, and dependencies and risks and opportunities, as well as aligning portfolios with SDG 14 – Life below water, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. • Lead the network of the SBE FI for the purpose of risk assessment and management, disclosure and portfolio alignment with the sustainable blue economy and the GBF. • Raise awareness, mainstream and build capacity on sustainable blue economy finance by attending or organising events or training sessions as needed. • Work towards creating an enabling environment for financial institutions and support relevant stakeholders to achieve ocean-positive outcomes. • Develop a resourcing plan and proposed next steps for UNEP FI’s team to help achieve the mission and vision of the SBE FI. • Facilitate contacts with of recommend potential donors to support the ocean workstream.

Work Location

Working remotely

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 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP FI requires an ocean finance specialist consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to support the implementation efforts of the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative’s strategy, as well as to deliver a resourcing plan and make steps to engage with potential funders. Specific tasks and responsibilities: UNEP FI wants to increase the integration of marine considerations into financial decision making; UNEP FI is looking for a consultant to: • Identify an appropriate impact strategy for UNEP FI to continue its workstream on ocean. • Create a landscape overview of the proposed approach of UNEP FI and Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative (SBE FI) members regarding ocean, using a double materiality lens, and considering both creating understanding, assessing and disclosing nature-related impacts, and dependencies and risks and opportunities, as well as aligning portfolios with SDG 14 – Life below water -, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. • Support leading the network of the SBE FI for the purpose of risk assessment and management, disclosure and portfolio alignment with the sustainable blue economy and the GBF. • Raise awareness, mainstream and build capacity on sustainable blue economy finance by attending or organising events or training sessions as needed. • Work towards creating an enabling environment for financial institutions and support relevant stakeholders to achieve ocean-positive outcomes. • Develop a resourcing plan and proposed next steps for UNEP FI’s team to help achieve the mission and vision of the SBE FI. • Facilitate contacts with of recommend potential donors to support the ocean workstream. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to UNEP FI’s Nature Lead.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in finance, public administration, environmental or climate science or management or related fields. A master’s degree could be taken in lieu of 1st level degree provided the selected candidate has 8 years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: At least ten (10) years’ work 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 ocean from a finance perspective. • Strong technical, scientific and project management background. • Strategic thinking and relevant network in marine space. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; 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.