UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – TCFD and Climate Risk Programme Associate

Result of Service

The service will result in the delivery of UNEP FI’s 2023 Climate Tool Working Group, the hosting and planning of several workshops, and engagement in the programme and with the members. The consultant will also support on the development of new training materials and delivery of several capacity building programs. In addition, the ultimate result of the service is the publication of a report summarizing the latest findings of the climate risk tool working group, the update of UNEP FI’s existing Climate Risk Landscape report, and the development of best practices for project management. The service will facilitate collaborations and external meetings, the planning and execution of a new working group within the programme, and the development of a work plan for 2023 and 2024.

Work Location

Geneva, Switzerland

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 450 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. Purpose: UNEP FI climate risk programme needs a consultant to support the conclusion of the current phase of work, help plan the next phase, and promote coordination across UNEP FI on relevant topics. Objectives: 1 Objective area 1: The knowledge and experience gained during the first two phases of the TCFD pilot for banks and the first phase of the TCFD pilot for investors, which has already been undertaken, has been transferred to UNEP FI member banks that have joined this new TCFD pilot program. Banks and investors participating in this new programme will directly engage with the tools, frameworks, and approaches developed in prior pilot phases. This will be completed through a number (1-2 per quarter) of group interactions between the consultant and the participating financial institutions. These interactions will include assignments for participating institutions to complete to ensure their familiarity with the programme resources. This will then allow each institution to actively implement approaches for assessing transition and physical risks in their portfolios. 2 Objective area 2: In 2-4 focus areas, the UNEP FI Secretariat, with the assistance of external partners, will develop relevant inputs and tools (such as scenarios, data, methodologies, legal guidance) for banks and investors - or enhancements of existing such inputs and tools – needed to effectively conduct scenario-based assessment for disclosure of climate- related risks and opportunities have been developed, or a roadmap for their development has been established. The consultant will provide programme management to the engagements between the participating institutions and the partners to ensure that refinements and enhancements are developed in a timely manner. 3 Objective area 3: Once the results of the pilot are known they will then be distributed to industry practitioners around the world. Relevant stakeholders (investors, clients, regulators and policy makers) will be made aware of the results of these pilots and the leading role taken by the pilot banks and investors. The consultant will assist in the production and distribution of these final materials. This will lead to a developed approach to TCFD disclosure and coordinated expectations from investors’, high impact industries’ and stakeholders. 4 ARIC objectives: Using in-house expertise and with the assistance of third-party experts developing relevant inputs and tools (including risk assessment guidance and tools to identify and scale investment opportunities in adaptation and resilience) for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and the financial intermediaries they work with. The consultant will provide programme management for the engagements with participating institutions from the ARIC and partners, possibly with the development of links with the UNEP FI climate risk program for banks and investors. Publicising the work of the Collaborative is also highly important, so the consultant should also contribute to development of communications materials. Specific tasks and responsibilities: 1. Internal Knowledge System Management: · Overhaul the existing Climate Risk program's internal knowledge-sharing mechanism. · Establish and implement management and governance protocols to ensure optimal functionality and accessibility. Process optimization. 2. Research Coordination: · Liaise continuously with external researchers and the UNEP FI climate team. · Monitor research timelines and quality benchmarks, ensuring all projects meet set standards and deadlines. 3. Stakeholder Collaboration: · Engage with tool vendors and financial institutions to drive Phase 3 outcomes. · Foster collaboration and consensus between UNEP FI, tool vendors, and financial institutions to achieve shared goals. 4. Workshop Management: · Plan, organize, and lead workshops with a focus on: · Understanding climate risk factors, · Performing in-depth risk assessments, · Interpreting and implementing TCFD disclosures, · Designing climate risk management solutions for national finance entities. 5. 2024 Tool Working Group Leadership: · Guide the strategy, content creation, and deployment plan for the 2024 Tool Working Group. · Ensure alignment with overarching organizational objectives. 6. Webinar and Tool Demonstration Organization: · Coordinate tool demonstration sessions and subsequent peer discussion webinars. · Ensure engagement and foster a constructive dialogue among participants. 7. Capacity Building: · Act as a key player in devising and executing capacity-building sessions tailored for diverse stakeholders. 8. Content Creation: · Research, draft, and publish two in-depth blog posts, highlighting key developments and insights from the Climate Risk program. 9. Program Planning for 2024: · Oversee the registration and launch processes for the Climate Risk program’s 2024 projects. · Lead strategic discussions, ensuring alignment with short-term and long-term visions. 10. Reporting: · Contribute to the research, drafting, and release of the 2024 Climate Risk Landscape report. · Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure the report's accuracy and relevance. · Create and distribute content from our latest publication using different formats like Executive Summary and Graphics. Outputs and delieverables: · Oversee the improvement of the Climate Risk program's internal knowledge-sharing system, ensuring robust management and streamlined governance structures. · Lead coordination efforts with external researchers and the UNEP FI climate team, guaranteeing punctual and high-quality delivery of research projects. · Collaborate closely with vendors and participants to champion the successful culmination of Phase 3 outcomes, promoting enhanced synergy between UNEP FI, tool vendors, and financial institutions. · Spearhead the planning, organization, and co-hosting of comprehensive workshops targeting: · Climate risk factors, · Comprehensive risk assessments, · TCFD disclosures, and · Tailored climate risk management techniques for national financial bodies. · Direct the planning and structuring process for the 2024 Tool Working Group, focusing on its content creation and efficient rollout. · Facilitate and organize the tool demonstrations and post peer discussion webinars, ensuring active participation and meaningful dialogue. · Actively participate in the successful delivery of capacity building session · Produce and disseminate two insightful blog posts capturing the essence and updates from the Climate Risk program's initiatives. · Ensure the timely and successful registration, kickoff, and strategic planning for the Climate Risk program’s 2024 agendas. · Play an integral role in the conception, drafting, and dissemination of the 2024 Climate Risk Landscape report. · Craft and disseminate content related to our latest publication, ensuring adaptation to diverse formats such as LinkedIn posts, whitepapers, webinars, and infographics, to guarantee comprehensive regional outreach based on the 2023 analysis. The Consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the UNEP FI Climate Change Lead. The Consultant will be working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s TCFD lead.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: master’s degree in finance, international relations, business administration, or related fields, and / or proof of relevant skills and knowledge with credible certifications in the areas of sustainable finance, ESG disclosures and sustainability-related risk management. A first-level university degree in combination with nine (9) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional Experience: At least seven (7) years’ experience in the environmental or non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research. This experience should be relevant for financial reporting, internal control, climate risks examination, and the role of the financial sector in climate action. International and inter-cultural work experiences within the UN system is desirable.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: The consultant should have a proven track record supporting international organizations on financial reporting and internal management topics. Ability to summarize information and work across sectors and industries. 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.