UNEP FI requires a Climate Commitment and Banking Team Support Consultant to:
• Help manage the working group structure that has been put in place to support the CCCA Signatory banks in delivering on their commitment.
• Support the delivery of peer learning and capacity building activities for less advanced banks.
• Provide project-managerial support to UNEP FI’s climate experts and the Signatory banks for the development of a framework for assessing portfolio alignment, setting and reporting on targets.
• Support the development of tools and guidance.
• Support and provide content for communications on the CCCA.
• Support the wider Banking Team in project-managerial tasks related to the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking and management of its over 200 signatories.
Specific tasks and responsibilities:
• Help manage the working group structure that has been put in place to support the CCCA Signatory banks in delivering on their commitment.
• Support the delivery of peer learning and capacity building activities for less advanced banks.
• Provide project-managerial support to UNEP FI’s climate experts and the Signatory banks for the development of a framework for assessing portfolio alignment, setting and reporting on targets.
• Support the development of tools and guidance.
• Support and feed content into communications on the CCCA.
• Support the wider Banking Team in project-managerial tasks related to the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking and management of its over 200 signatories.
• Guidance, information and materials have been provided to the regional coordinators to do their work effectively.
Working Remotely
The initial duration of the contract is for six months.
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 28 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.
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.
The Collective Commitment to Climate Action:
The Collective Commitment to Climate Action (CCCA) is the most ambitious global banking sector initiative supporting the transition to a net zero economy by 2050. It brings together a leadership group of 38 banks from all six continents who have committed to align their portfolios with the global climate goal to limit warming to well-below two degrees, striving for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The CCCA banks, representing more than USD 15 trillion in assets, are fast-tracking the commitment all Principles for Responsible Banking Signatories have made to align their business strategy with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Objectives:
• The working group structure that has been put in place to support the CCCA Signatory banks in delivering on their commitment is well-managed.
• Peer learning and capacity building activities for less advanced banks have been delivered.
• UNEP FI’s climate experts and the Signatory banks have adequate project-managerial support for the development of a framework for assessing portfolio alignment, setting and reporting on targets.
• The development of tools and guidance has adequate project-managerial support.
• The Banking Team communications lead is regularly provided with content on the CCCA.
• The wider Banking Team has adequate support for project-managerial tasks related to the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking and management of its over 200 signatories.
Output expectations:
• Monthly capacity building activities for less advanced banks have been delivered.
• The process for developing and agreeing on a joint framework for assessing portfolio alignment, setting and reporting on targets has been managed effectively, including regular communications via email, preparation and follow-up on calls, management of input- and feedback processes.
• Bi-weekly updates on CCCA content to the Banking Team comms lead and support to the comms lead during CCCA campaigns and launches.
The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of Mr. Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Mrs. Simone Dettling, Programme Officer at UNEP FI, leading the Banking Team.
Skills: Familiarity and solid understanding of the sustainable business and sustainable finance agenda, including the main standards, norms, frameworks and players that currently define this field. Familiarity with the main approaches to impact measurement and management. Excellent analytical skills and capacity to understand complex / multi-facetted issues. Quick learner and motivated self-starter who enjoys working in a highly collaborative and international environment. Good interpersonal skills. IT – Advanced skills in Excel required.
Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree involving a combination of the following areas: finance, business administration, environmental / sustainable development studies, economics, international relations or related field.
Experience: 2 years of relevant experience involving private sector networks, international relations and sustainability issues, preferably involving technical and analytical responsibilities, experience in sustainable banking and management of international stakeholder groups. Strong knowledge of environmental and climate issues and the respective global agendas. At least one year of experience in project management. Previous experience working at UN agencies is an asset.
Language: English is a working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.
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.