UNEP Finance Initiative - UNEP FI Africa and Middle East Regional Analyst

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 over 500 banks, insurers, and investors through its Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) to promote sustainable finance. UNEP FI has been shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and fostering a global network of leading financial institutions. The organization operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to integrate sustainability into financial market practices and decision-making processes.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Africa and Middle East Regional Analyst position is designed to support the UNEP FI’s Regional Lead for Africa and the Middle East in mobilizing sustainable finance across these regions. The role involves engaging with a diverse range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, asset managers, insurers, and multi-lateral development banks, to implement global finance sector principles aimed at integrating sustainability into financial practices. The consultant will play a crucial role in promoting the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), which are essential frameworks for guiding financial institutions towards sustainable operations. The position requires a proactive approach to outreach, relationship management, and capacity building, ensuring that sustainability becomes a core aspect of financial sector operations in Africa and the Middle East. The consultant will also be responsible for maintaining partnerships, coordinating events, and facilitating knowledge sharing among stakeholders to advance sustainable finance initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the AME Regional Lead in coordinating activities across the MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa regions; developing and implementing outreach and coordination plans; maintaining a pipeline of potential members and supporting institutions; facilitating relationships with UNEP FI members; managing regular communications with members; raising awareness of sustainable finance; supporting the adoption and implementation of PRB and PSI; organizing workshops and webinars; and contributing to the development of training materials. The consultant will also assist in securing sponsorships for UNEP FI events, maintaining the UNEP FI regional webpage, and ensuring that all communications reflect UNEP and UN core values. Additionally, the consultant will support the collection of members' financial contributions and contribute to regional and global meetings as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in international relations, business, economics, finance, sustainable development, or an environmental field. A bachelor's degree may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree, provided the candidate has at least 4 years of related experience. The position requires at least 2 years of experience working with the financial services sector and/or sustainable finance, along with project support and management experience in international organizations, NGOs, or consultancies. Experience in public-private sector partnerships, particularly in sustainable finance or corporate responsibility, is essential. Skills in event management, public speaking, and technical report writing are desirable.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, business, economics, finance, sustainable development, or environmental studies is required. A bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of sustainable finance and environmental governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the financial services sector or sustainable finance. Candidates should have a proven track record of project support and management within international organizations, NGOs, or consultancies. Experience in public-private partnerships, particularly in the context of sustainable finance, is highly valued. Familiarity with event management and public speaking is also beneficial, as is experience in writing and editing technical reports.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Arabic and other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders across the Africa and Middle East regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 4 months. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP FI team and will report to the Head of UNEP FI and the Programme Management Officer. The role is designed to support the implementation of UNEP FI’s 2026–2029 Social Action Plan, ensuring that all activities align with UN core values, including a human rights-based approach and the promotion of gender equality. The consultant will not be charged any fees during the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.