Consultant for Plastics and Finance

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Plastics and Finance
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, UNEP has been operational for over 50 years and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. It operates in over 150 countries, working to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable practices and policies. UNEP's Economy Division focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, efficient resource use, and safe chemical management, contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of the finance sector's role in transitioning towards a circular plastic economy and addressing plastic pollution. This position involves developing information materials on Plastics and Finance, which will help financial institutions recognize their responsibilities and opportunities in combating plastic pollution. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP FI's Pollution and Circular Economy team to create sectoral briefs and guidelines that will assist multilateral development banks (MDBs) and private financial institutions in identifying circular solutions across various high-impact sectors. The consultant will also facilitate awareness-raising sessions and workshops to engage the finance community, particularly UNEP FI's membership, in discussions about plastic pollution and the necessary actions to mitigate its impacts. This role requires a blend of research, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills to effectively contribute to the development of a future plastic instrument and support the finance sector's readiness to act on this critical issue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: organizing knowledge and exchange sessions to raise awareness about plastic pollution within the finance community; developing a Plastic Action Guide that outlines strategies for financial institutions to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle; conducting desktop research and consultations with experts and stakeholders to inform the development of the guide; supporting the Finance Leadership Group on Plastics in their contributions to the negotiation process of the future plastic instrument; developing sectoral briefs for MDBs to enhance understanding of the value chain and identify circular solutions; organizing workshops targeting MDBs and private financial institutions; and collaborating with various UNEP FI teams and external partners to ensure alignment with UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy priorities. The consultant will also monitor the negotiation process of the future plastic instrument and incorporate relevant developments into their work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, environment, resource management, sustainability, business, strategy, management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with three years of relevant work experience may be accepted. The consultant should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and have a strong understanding of financial services, sustainable consumption, and production/resource efficiency in the private sector. Proven project management and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, finance, environment, resource management, sustainability, business, strategy, or management is required. A first-level university degree with three years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of sustainable finance and environmental issues, particularly in relation to plastic pollution and circular economy principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of progressively responsible work experience, ideally in finance or sustainable finance. Experience working with banks, insurers, or investment firms is advantageous, as is familiarity with international contexts. Candidates should have a track record of delivering high-quality outputs on time and on budget, and experience in stakeholder engagement is a plus. Additionally, experience in resource efficiency, circular economy, or plastic pollution will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
English is the primary working language of UNEP FI, and proficiency in other United Nations languages is considered an asset. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effectively engaging with stakeholders and producing high-quality written materials.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for six months and is remote. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Programme Management Officer. The role is full-time, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The consultant will be expected to collaborate closely with various UNEP teams and external partners, ensuring that their work aligns with the broader goals of UNEP and contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution.