Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert

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 shape and drive the international sustainable finance agenda. UNEP FI has been operational for over 34 years, focusing on promoting sustainable finance and aligning the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. The organization operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and policies across different sectors.

Job Overview:
The Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert will play a pivotal role in UNEP FI's strategic engagement with European Union policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions. The primary objective of this position is to advance the bankability and financing of the transition to a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive European economy. The expert will be responsible for operationalizing two main activities: first, building a value proposition and toolkit for EU sectoral policy engagement for banks; and second, promoting innovative finance solutions that bridge the gap between EU industrial policies and the financial sector's capacity to mobilize capital. This role requires a deep understanding of EU policies and the financial landscape, as well as the ability to facilitate structured dialogues between banks and non-financial policymakers. The expert will also ensure that human rights, gender equality, and inclusivity are integrated into all aspects of their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: designing and implementing a structured value proposition for banks’ engagement in EU sectoral policy processes; contributing to aligning EU industrial policy with financial sector practices; providing technical expert advice on key EU sectoral policies and translating them into actionable financing pathways; facilitating the development of sectoral policy briefs and engagement toolkits; coordinating multi-stakeholder dialogues to strengthen policy-finance alignment; developing a compendium of innovative financial solutions; ensuring coherence between policy engagement and financing realities; engaging with EU institutions to position UNEP FI as a key interlocutor; and collaborating closely with UNEP FI teams to ensure integrated delivery of outputs. The expert will also be responsible for delivering high-quality outputs, including sectoral policy briefs, expert dialogues, and a completed draft compendium of innovative financial solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in finance, law, economics, business administration, or international relations. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has 12 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have at least ten years of professional experience in investment and/or lending activities, development finance, investment banking, banking regulation, supervision, and sustainable finance. Experience in the banking sector, particularly within a European policy and banking context, is highly advantageous.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in finance, law, economics, business administration, or international relations is required for this position. A bachelor’s degree may be considered if the candidate has extensive relevant experience, specifically 12 years in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in relevant fields such as investment and lending activities, development finance, and sustainable finance. At least five years of experience in the banking sector, particularly in a European policy and banking setting, is preferred, as it will provide valuable insights into the regulatory and operational frameworks that govern financial institutions in the EU.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of additional languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, or other United Nations languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote and home-based, with an anticipated duration of 12 months. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and work closely with the Policy Lead and other team members. The role may require travel up to once per quarter. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.