Senior Policy Consultant for the Chilean Taxonomy Implementation (Project Lead)

Job Posting Organization:
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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been instrumental in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP's Economy Division aims to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, and practices that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, ensure efficient use of natural resources, and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. UNEP FI, the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda for over 30 years, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, UNEP FI promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Consultant for the Chilean Taxonomy Implementation (Project Lead) is required to lead the technical guidance and work in tandem with local experts and key stakeholders to fulfill the sustainable finance taxonomy project for Chile. The overall outcome of this role is to prepare the Chilean banking sector for the implementation of the Chilean Sustainable Finance Taxonomy through targeted capacity building, pilot testing, and generation of practical implementation guidance that supports regulators and financial institutions ahead of full adoption. The consultant will be responsible for establishing foundational structures, tools, and initial evidence for piloting the Chilean Taxonomy in the banking sector, ensuring that the project objectives are met effectively. This includes delivering comprehensive reports, capacity-building programs, and assessments of how banks incorporate green loan classifications into their operational management. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders, including the Banking Association of Chile, to ensure market readiness and facilitate the pilot process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of activities under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region. Key responsibilities include defining the high-level process for the piloting phase of Chile’s Taxonomy, identifying potential bank participants, developing robust selection criteria for participating banks, and establishing a working group to conduct the pilot process. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing an inception report and work plan, conducting capacity-building programs for participating banks, and testing and assessing the Chilean Taxonomy in the banks’ portfolios and processes. Specific tasks include conducting surveys and interviews to assess sustainability management practices, performing gap analyses, categorizing green credit products against the Taxonomy, and developing a standardized reporting framework for financial institutions. The consultant will ensure ongoing monitoring and compliance with the Taxonomy’s requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management, Engineering, Sciences, Law, Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, or Finance studies. A Master’s Degree in the same fields is also required. Additionally, candidates should have at least six years of professional experience in sustainable finance, with a focus on European Union sustainable finance policy frameworks. Experience in analyzing and formulating financial strategies or macroeconomic policies is desirable, along with hands-on experience in implementing the EU Taxonomy or similar initiatives within financial institutions. Familiarity with sustainable finance regulatory frameworks and sustainability disclosure regimes is also essential. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional analytical and reporting skills, the ability to lead complex projects, and outstanding communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Management, Engineering, Sciences, Law, Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, or Finance studies. A Master’s Degree in these areas is also required, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable finance and regulatory frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of professional experience in sustainable finance, particularly with a focus on the European Union sustainable finance policy frameworks. Candidates should have experience in analyzing and formulating financial strategies and macroeconomic policies, as well as hands-on experience in implementing the EU Taxonomy or similar initiatives within financial institutions. Experience in engaging with financial regulators and providing guidance on the practicalities of Taxonomy implementation is also desirable, along with a strong familiarity with sustainable finance regulatory frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while fluency in Spanish is desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will be essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and delivering capacity-building programs.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for five months. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP FI team and relevant national stakeholders to ensure the effective integration of the Chilean Taxonomy into existing regulatory and supervisory frameworks in the banking sector. The role is crucial for enhancing market readiness and building capacity within the banking sector before the full implementation of the Chilean Taxonomy, whether voluntary or mandatory. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.