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 210 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 has an Ecosystems workstream that includes research and engagement with financial institutions on financing for a sustainable blue economy and sustainable land use and will expand its focus on sustainable finance for food systems. 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

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 400 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 is looking for a consultant to coordinate all industry-related work on nature and biodiversity with regards to capacity building and work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and Signatory banks to: · Support capacity building and facilitate the activities of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA). · Contribute to the written deliverables of the BCA (with specific focus on the communities stream, investing in IPs and LCs). · Support the “Investing in Nature” webinar series continuation, particularly focusing on creating session primers and visuals. · Support the roll out of TNFD support activities such as TNFD pilots with program members. · Developing and contributing to climate-nature thought leadership projects · Support the UNEP FI Nature team on any other matters as necessary. Purpose: UNEP FI needs a consultant to work in the Nature and Climate Risk teams to focus on awareness raising and capacity building and coordinate the expanding body of work on this topic under this thematic. Objectives: In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of Nature Co-Lead, in close cooperation with the wider nature team the consultant will carry out the following project tasks as shown below. Specific tasks and responsibilities: I. Supporting the development of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) BCA’s mission is to support the realization of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in particular by supporting target 19C ‘Leveraging private finance, promoting blended finance, implementing strategies for raising new and additional resources, and encouraging the private sector to invest in biodiversity, including through impact funds and other instruments. This role involves supporting the activities of the BCA, including writing a monthly newsletter, coordination of the steering committee, leading Forum communications and supporting the Community Advisory Panel. A key deliverable will include a charter and principles for how biodiversity credits can benefit the IPs&LCs themselves to raise awareness amongst the finance community of the important role of IPLCs in nature-related finance, as well as set the stage for increasing engagement between IPs&LCs and investors on a more even playing field. II. Supporting UNEP FI’s TNFD Piloting As a co-founder of the TNFD, UNEP FI plays a key role in the establishment, development, and finalization of the framework. Apart from providing technical support, as well as embedding and supporting high-level voices in the governance structure, UNEP FI has been one of the implementation partners of the TNFD pilot programme for the financial sector. UNEP FI allows participating financial institutions to test the versions of the TNFD framework and provide feedback, thereby ensuring the framework’s relevancy to the wider private financial sector. The consultant will support future and ongoing TNFD piloting rounds and support associated deliverables. III. Supporting Nature-based Solutions and Climate-Nature Risk Centre activities UNEP FI’s Climate-Nature Risk Centre aims to leverage UNEP FI’s extensive network of climate and nature experts to provide hands-on experiences, examples of peer best practices, and guidance to help financial actors understand, assess, quantify, disclose and manage environmental risks. UNEP FI’s NbS work NbS represent an exciting emerging area of conservation finance and blended finance, which is closely linked to net-zero commitments and growing expectations on biodiversity finance for financial institutions. The consultant will support the Risk Centre in nature-based solutions workstreams and other climate-nature themes within the program. Other support includes new exploration of nature and climate risks, nature thought leadership with UNEP FI partners, new work on climate co-benefits, including just transitions. Outputs and deliverables: - Supporting the development, coordination and outputs of the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) and Communities Advisory Panel (CAP) - Support UNEP FI’s TNFD Piloting Produce materials (primers and visuals) for the “Investing with Nature” webinar series continuation. - Support the development and capacity building of Risk Center The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Biodiversity Credits Alliance (BCA) and working in close coordination with Nature Lead.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A First degree in natural sciences, climate change, biodiversity, environmental sciences, business, finance, or a related discipline. An advanced university degree could be taken in lieu of first degree provided the selected candidate has no years of experience. Professional Experience: A minimum of 2 years of work experience related to financial sector, biodiversity, and climate change.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI.

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with digital technology; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Experience in the environmental non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research on sustainable finance. This experience should be relevant for examining biodiveristy risks, nature-related policies, and the role of the financial sector in financing nature protection and conservation. o Ability to summarize information and work across sectors and industries. International and inter-cultural work or educational experiences. Experience working with financial institutions. 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.