UNEP FI requires an Impact and Sustainability Expert & Implementation Support Manager to closely work with the community of Signatory banks and relevant internal/external experts to facilitate the effective implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking through the development of guidance, tools, approaches and peer learning structures.
Geneva, Switzerland.
The initial duration of the contract is for six months (Subject to renewal).
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is the strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 300 banks, insurers and investors. For over 25 years UNEP FI has been shaping and driving the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and growing a global network of leading financial institutions. Through its work-streams and regional activities, peer learning, methodology development, training and research, UNEP FI carries out its mission to help the financial industry align with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and with that take on the crucial role it must play in achieving a sustainable future.
UNEP FI’s Banking Team is responsible for the initiative’s work with its over 200 member banks in more than 60 countries around the world. This includes overseeing and supporting the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking.
The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and will be reporting directly to the Programme Officer responsible for Banking.
On 22nd September 2019, UNEP FI member banks representing USD 47 trillion and with that over a third of the global banking industry officially signed and launched the Principles for Responsible Banking together with UN Secretary General Guterres. The Principles for Responsible Banking guide the change towards a new, sustainable global banking industry that takes on a key role in helping society to achieve its goals for a sustainable future. With these Principles, banks commit to strategically align their business with and scale up their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate. The Principles are supported by a strong implementation framework that defines clear accountabilities and requires each bank to set, publish and work towards ambitious targets and report publicly on their positive and negative impacts and progress in implementing their commitments. Banks that are not in line with their commitments can be removed from the list of signatories.
In order to ensure and enable effective implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking, UNEP FI provides support to and closely works with the Signatories in their implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking. As the framework has just been launched, this includes foundational work with the banks and relevant internal and external experts to jointly develop detailed guidance and tools for key mechanisms of the Principles for Responsible Banking including impact analysis, target setting and reporting. One important aspect of supporting successful implementation of the Principles will furthermore be setting up the structures for and supporting peer learning as well as documenting emerging good practices and case studies and updating the guidance materials over time. Finally, UNEP FI is looking to start developing a capacity building program/approach once the first year of implementation is completed.
Specific duties to be performed by the consultant:
As Impact and Sustainability Expert & Implementation Support Manager joining UNEP FI’s growing Banking Team, you would be co-responsible for closely working with the Signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking to develop guidance and tools, facilitate peer learning and with that support the effective and successful implementation of the Principles around the world.
Skills: Substantial experience (min. 5 years) and expertise in analyzing and assessing environmental and social impact and developing strategies/providing recommendations and guidance to private/public sector entities on how to address negative and increase positive impact. In-depth understanding of how banks’ business activities relate to and influence environmental and social outcomes. Experience working in/with banks and a good grasp of their different business areas, products & services and internal structure/processes. Well acquainted with current issues and developments related to sustainable banking globally and regionally. Experience in developing new tools/approaches/guidance materials in collaboration with other experts and stakeholders. Has developed and facilitated structured peer learning programs. Reliable and delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes. Colleagues, external partners and constituents/clients trust the candidate because follows through on commitments towards others. Well-organized self-starter with proven ability to move multi-stakeholder processes and initiatives forward at a good pace. Can motivate others and develop inclusive structures and processes that cater to the needs of clients/constituents and create ownership. Team player, understands work as contributing to an overall objective, not an end in itself. Can adapt behavior and style of communication to different cultural contexts. Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve.
Academic Qualifications: University Degree in one of the following areas is required: environmental studies, economics, marketing/communications, business development; International relations, administration or finance studies.
Experience: At least five years of professional experience is required and expertise in sustainable banking or sustainable finance. At least one year of professional experience in stakeholder engagement and management.
Language: Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other official languages in the United Nations System is an advantage.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.