Programme Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission 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. UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy reform.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant will work closely with subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and UNEP FI Signatories to provide essential support to the Global Policy Co-Lead in coordinating the UNEP FI policy portfolio. The role involves producing regular analyses and mappings of policy and regulatory developments that impact the banking and insurance sectors, identifying opportunities for UNEP FI to engage in progressive policy reform. Key areas of focus include nature-related regulation in the APAC region and real economy policy development in the EU, which is crucial for the financial sector. The Programme Assistant will also be responsible for creating relevant materials to support analyses and presentations to stakeholders, including webinars and blog posts, and will assist in the coordination of ongoing work related to sustainable finance regulatory frameworks at the country level. Regular stakeholder engagement with policymakers, regulators, and supervisory authorities is also a critical aspect of this role, along with providing regular reporting to the policy team and management. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the UNEP FI's public policy strategy and global sustainable finance agenda, working as part of a dynamic and ambitious team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities.
• Conducting regular analyses and mappings of policy and regulatory developments across various regions and themes affecting the banking and insurance sectors.
• Identifying opportunities for UNEP FI to engage in and support progressive policy reform, particularly in areas such as nature-related regulation in the APAC region and real economy policy development in the EU.
• Producing relevant materials to support analysis and presentations to stakeholders, including webinars and blog posts.
• Supporting the coordination of ongoing work related to the development of sustainable finance regulatory frameworks at the country level.
• Engaging regularly with stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and supervisory authorities, and preparing meeting materials and analytical minutes as needed.
• Assisting with the implementation of the UNEP FI global policy programme.
• Providing regular reporting to the policy team and management on progress and developments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in public administration, economics, law, business administration, international relations, sustainability science, administration, finance studies, or marketing/communications. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least four years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of professional experience and expertise in sustainable finance policy and regulatory frameworks, with practical experience in supporting the intersection between sustainable development and finance being essential. Initial professional experience in finance regulation, particularly focusing on banking regulation, as well as stakeholder engagement and management, is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in relevant fields such as public administration, economics, law, business administration, international relations, sustainability science, administration, finance studies, or marketing/communications is required. A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for a Master’s degree if the candidate has four years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of professional experience in sustainable finance policy and regulatory frameworks. Candidates should have practical experience in supporting the intersection of sustainable development and finance, ideally with initial professional experience in finance regulation, particularly in banking regulation, and experience in stakeholder engagement and management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for six months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.