Climate Finance Expert

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 shaping the global environmental landscape for over 50 years. It operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works closely with governments, local authorities, and industries to promote policies and practices that foster sustainable consumption and production patterns. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable finance for over three decades, helping financial institutions align with global sustainability goals.

Job Overview:
The Climate Finance Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the feedback and review process for banks' climate targets and actions. This position requires an in-depth analysis of the climate targets set by signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) to ensure alignment with the Guidance for Climate Target Setting for Banks. The expert will provide constructive feedback and support to financial institutions, facilitating their progress towards sustainability commitments. The role involves regular updates to the Banking and Climate Teams regarding trends, challenges, and best practices identified during the review process. The consultant will also contribute to consolidated data and insights for collective progress reporting, ensuring that the feedback and support mechanisms are effective and beneficial for all stakeholders involved. Additionally, the expert may engage in capacity-building activities in North America and Europe, leveraging insights gained from interactions with banks during the annual review process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for evaluating banks' climate targets and implementation plans, providing feedback on their commitments, and preparing written reports following annual feedback meetings. They will input assessment results into a central database to track collective implementation status and follow up on banks' progress. The expert will identify cases where banks need to take additional actions to meet their commitments and refer unresolved issues to UNEP FI's banking governance body. They will assist in operationalizing the new independent review process, conducting reviews of banks' self-assessment templates, and managing any challenges that arise during this process. The consultant will also identify and document case studies and good practices to enhance the peer learning program and contribute to the biennial PRB collective progress report. Furthermore, they will maintain records of challenges faced by banks in executing their climate strategies and coordinate with colleagues in the Banking team to share relevant information and support processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of the climate mitigation agenda for the financial services sector, including emerging trends and best practices related to net zero commitments for commercial banks. A deep understanding of climate mitigation concepts, including physical and transition risks, carbon accounting, and climate commitment frameworks, is essential. Familiarity with key sustainable finance regulations applicable to financial institutions in Europe, such as CSRD, CSDDD, CRD, and EU Taxonomy, is required. Knowledge of voluntary and regulatory sustainability disclosure frameworks, as well as the evolving landscape of financial services regulations, is also necessary. Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs and authorities, are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in economics, finance, environment, international relations, social sciences, development, or a related field is required. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree, provided the candidate has at least 10 years of relevant experience in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience in sustainable banking or a related field, preferably within a banking institution. Experience in implementing international sustainable banking best practices and standards is required, along with a background in advisory or consulting roles. Experience in reporting to C-level executives and/or Boards in financial institutions is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for 12 months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Review Team Lead and Head of Climate Accountability. The role may involve supporting climate capacity-building activities in North America and Europe, depending on capacity. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.