One Ocean Finance Lead

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 has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 financial institutions, has been shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and promoting sustainable practices in the financial sector.

Job Overview:
The One Ocean Finance Lead position is crucial for advancing UNEP FI's mission to integrate sustainability into financial market practices. The consultant will co-lead the design of the One Ocean Finance Facility, which aims to mobilize capital for a sustainable ocean economy. This role involves engaging a diverse range of financial institutions, including banks, insurers, and investors, to develop and implement investment strategies that address ocean health and sustainability. The consultant will work closely with UNEP FI's membership and the broader financial sector to ensure that the Facility's investment plan reflects the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders, particularly in the ports and shipping sector, as well as the insurance industry. The position requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the Facility's objectives align with global sustainability goals, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including co-leading the delivery of Pathway 5 of the One Ocean Finance Facility design, collaborating with the Nature Co-Lead and UN agency partners. Key responsibilities include designing and delivering financial-stakeholder engagement initiatives, targeting approximately 50 financial institutions through webinars and consultations, and collating structured inputs from the financial sector into the investment plan. The consultant will also lead UNEP FI's engagement with the ports and shipping sector, maintain dialogue with relevant stakeholders, and integrate plastics-related finance workstreams under the blue economy banner. Additionally, the consultant will produce feedback reports, represent UNEP FI in external forums, and contribute to communications outputs related to ocean finance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in environmental management, sustainable finance, economics, international relations, marine science, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least 9 years of relevant experience. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in sustainable finance is required, with a proven track record of working at the intersection of financial institutions and environmental policy. Direct experience with UNEP FI workstreams, particularly in plastics and circular economy finance, is strongly preferred. Experience engaging with the ports and shipping sector and the insurance industry on sustainability topics is also essential, along with familiarity with UN multi-stakeholder facility design.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as environmental management, sustainable finance, economics, international relations, or marine science is required. A bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant experience, specifically a minimum of 9 years in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of professional experience in sustainable finance, demonstrating a strong understanding of the financial sector's role in environmental policy. Experience with UNEP FI workstreams and direct engagement with the ports and shipping sector or the insurance industry on sustainability issues is highly desirable. Familiarity with multi-stakeholder facility design within the UN system is considered an important asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and work closely with various teams within UNEP. The role requires excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a collaborative approach to working with a geographically dispersed team. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.