UNEP FI Climate Transition Banking Implementation 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 in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to encourage sustainable practices across various sectors. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, collaborating with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. UNEP FI, a strategic partnership between UNEP and over 500 banks, insurers, and investors, has been instrumental in shaping the sustainable finance agenda for over 34 years, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading financial institutions committed to sustainability.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Climate Transition Banking Implementation Consultant will play a crucial role in engaging banks to implement global finance sector principles aimed at integrating sustainability into financial market practices. The consultant will assist member banks in implementing the Guidance for Climate Target Setting, which includes climate guidance on target setting, policy engagement, transition planning, and transition finance. This position is pivotal in promoting sustainability across all aspects of the financial sector's operations and services, contributing to the overarching goals of the UN, including human rights, gender equality, and leaving no one behind. The consultant will work closely with banks to facilitate their progress towards climate goals, support the development of tools and materials, and manage the delivery of the workplan for the climate transition track.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include facilitating engagement with member banks to support their climate goals, planning and facilitating meetings, coordinating working group meetings, preparing reports to assist banks in their climate mitigation efforts, and developing strategies for real economy policy engagement. The consultant will also arrange webinars and events, manage logistics, and prepare content for meetings with banking co-leads. Additionally, the consultant will assist in reviewing the Guidelines for Climate Target Setting for Banks and project manage the delivery of the workplan for the climate transition track. All communications outputs must reflect UNEP and UN core values, ensuring that human rights, gender equality, and empowerment principles are integrated into the work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in economics, finance, environmental studies, international relations, business administration, or related fields. 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 relevant professional experience is required, which may include work in the public or private sector or with NGOs, focusing on the intersection of climate change and corporate impact, risk, and opportunity. Experience in aligning real economy sectors with the Paris Agreement goals and working with financial institutions to assess climate impact and develop transition strategies is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, finance, environmental studies, international relations, or business administration is required. A bachelor's degree may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant experience, specifically nine years in a related area.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience, which may be in public or private sectors or NGOs, focusing on climate change and its impact on corporate strategies. Experience in working with financial institutions, particularly banks, to assess climate impacts and develop transition strategies is preferred, especially in relation to the Paris Agreement.

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, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 12 months. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and work closely with the Climate Transition Banking Lead and other team members. The role emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and the integration of UN core values into all outputs and deliverables. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.