UNEP Finance Initiative - Insurance and Nature Junior Consultant

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 over 34 years ago, UNEP has been instrumental in advocating for the global environment and operates in numerous countries worldwide. The organization is committed to integrating sustainability into financial market practices through partnerships with over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, thereby shaping the international sustainable finance agenda. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership within UNEP, focuses on promoting sustainable finance and aligning the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is seeking a Junior Consultant to support the technical and coordination work of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) Working Group for Nature. This role is crucial in advancing the integration of nature-related risks into insurance underwriting and risk frameworks. The consultant will engage with a diverse range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, asset managers, and insurers, to promote sustainability in financial operations. The position requires a proactive approach to methodology development, member consultation, and research tailored for PSI members, contributing to the broader goal of integrating sustainability into the financial sector. The consultant will also uphold UN core values, ensuring that human rights, gender equality, and inclusivity are central to their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support UNEP FI’s insurance and nature workstream. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the technical development of methodologies on nature-related risks for the PSI Working Group for Nature, advancing innovative approaches for the insurance sector.
• Contributing to research initiatives and translating findings into actionable insights and practical recommendations for PSI members.
• Managing consultation periods for methodology development, engaging members for feedback, and coordinating the piloting of draft approaches.
• Driving engagement with Working Group members and technical advisors, particularly focusing on enhancing participation across Latin America.
• Overseeing the day-to-day management of the Working Group, facilitating leadership meetings, and reporting updates to the PSI Secretariat and UNEP FI Nature Team.
• Keeping Working Group members informed through regular updates and communications.
• Supporting the preparation of nature and insurance-related events, including significant moments like CBD COP1
• Ensuring all communications reflect UNEP and UN core values, including a human rights-based approach and gender equality.
• Supporting the implementation of UNEP FI’s 2026–2029 Social Action Plan by incorporating relevant measures into their work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in environmental management, geography, finance, economics, risk management, international relations, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least three years of relevant experience. This experience should be pertinent to examining risks, policies, and the role of the insurance sector in nature preservation.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. However, a bachelor’s degree may suffice if accompanied by three years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should ideally encompass disciplines related to environmental management, finance, or risk management, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of sustainable finance and environmental issues.

Experience:
At least one year of experience in the environmental non-profit sector, financial services sector, commercial consulting, or applied academic research on sustainable finance is required. This experience should be relevant to examining risks, policies, and the role of the insurance sector in nature preservation, demonstrating the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the objectives of UNEP FI.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required, as English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate and collaborate in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of four months. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP FI Senior Manager, Insurance and Nature, and will report to the Head of UNEP FI. The role is designed to be full-time, and the consultant is expected to engage actively with various stakeholders, ensuring that all outputs align with UNEP FI’s Social Action Plan and UN core values. Importantly, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.