UNEP FI requires a Multi-Stakeholder Project Manager to work in tandem with one or several subject matter experts to jointly with the Signatory banks successfully deliver Collective Commitments.
UNEP-FI requires the Principles for Responsible Banking – Multi-Stakeholder Project Management Expert to:
Existing Collective Commitment to Climate Action:
• Work with UNEP FI’s climate expert(s) and the banks in the coalition to develop a workplan and -structure to support and ensure effective implementation of this Collective Commitment to Climate Action. Develop and agree on metrics for progress tracking and collective reporting.
• Work with UNEP FI’s climate expert(s), the banks in the coalition and relevant external experts to implement the agreed workplan and -structure and drive the successful delivery on the Collective Commitment to Climate Action.
• Track progress as agreed and jointly with UNEP FI’s climate expert(s) prepare collective reporting. Where necessary, in collaboration with UNEP FI’s climate expert and the coalition of banks adjust implementation strategy, structure and work plan as needed to successfully deliver on the Collective Commitment to Climate Action.
• Manage collaboration between UNEP FI’s communication team and the communication teams of the banks in the coalition to provide public updates at key moments, such as the Climate CoP.
Further Collective Commitments:
• Jointly with the respective subject matter expert(s) prepare, manage and drive to a successful conclusion the detailed development and negotiations of the Collective Commitment with that group of interested banks.
• Build the coalition of banks that will make the commitment.
• Work with the respective subject matter expert(s) and the banks in the coalition to develop a workplan and structure and if applicable governance to support and ensure effective implementation of the commitment after its launch. Develop and agree on metrics for progress tracking and collective reporting.
• Jointly with UNEP FI’s comms team and potentially events manager prepare the launch.
• Work with the respective subject matter expert(s) and the banks in the coalition to implement the agreed workplan and structure and if applicable governance and manage and drive the successful implementation of the Collective Commitment.
• Track progress as agreed and jointly with the respective subject matter expert(s) prepare collective reporting.
• In collaboration with the respective subject matter expert and the coalition of banks adjust implementation strategy, structure and work plan as needed to successfully deliver on the commitment.
• Manage collaboration between UNEP FI’s communication team and the communication teams of the banks in the coalition to provide public updates at key moments.
Working Remotely / Geneva, Switzerland
The initial duration of the contract is for one year.
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.
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.
Where a number of Signatory banks have significant impacts in the same area – such as climate change, for example – banks can jointly set ambitions and pledge specific actions through Collective Commitments. Collective Commitments provide the opportunity for Signatory banks to together formulate and commit to goals and actions at a level of ambition that raises the bar for the whole industry. These Commitments allow the Principles’ Signatories to, by joining forces, deliver impact at scale and demonstrate the powerful positive contribution the banking sector can make in helping society achieve goals for a sustainable future. Committing to specific ambitions and actions collectively also allows banks to then collaborate on methodology development, development and harmonization of metrics, and strategies to successfully deliver on the commitments made.
The first Collective Commitment to Climate Action was launched on 23rd September 2019. Further Collective Commitments are being worked on around topics including biodiversity and financial inclusion.
As a Multi-Stakeholder Project Manager, joining UNEP FI’s growing Banking Team, the consultant would work in tandem with one or several subject matter experts to jointly with the PRB Signatory banks successfully deliver Collective Commitments.
The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI (Eric Usher) and will be reporting directly to the Programme Officer responsible for Banking (Simone Dettling).
Skills: Substantial experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects (min. 5 years) ideally in international contexts. Have previous experience working on green/sustainable business, ideally green/sustainable finance, issues. Have a good grasp of the financial system and the banking business and are familiar with key UN frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
As a project manager, the chosen candidate has proven the ability to:
• Create strong ownership and motivation among all stakeholders involved
• Provide leadership and drive a process to successful completion within set timeframes
• Balance different interest and facilitate consensus building
• Effectively communicate with all project stakeholders and set and drive towards a clear vision
• Manage several processes and groups simultaneously to achieve an overall deliverable
• Think and plan steps and processes ahead of time and understand who needs to be involved where and how
• Manage projects with people from different cultural backgrounds as well as demanding personality types
• Earn trust through being reliable and consistently delivering on your commitments with high quality and within the agreed timeframes
Able to quickly familiarize him/herself with new topics and issues. Well-organized self-starter and take on responsibility for the projects you are involved in delivering. Work well under pressure. Team-player and enjoy collaborating closely with colleagues of complementary skills, knowledge and viewpoints. Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve.
Working experience - At least five years of professional experience and expertise in sustainable banking or sustainable finance. At least one year of professional experience in stakeholder engagement and management.
Academic Qualifications: Master’s Degree in the following areas: environmental studies, economics, marketing/communications, business development; International relations, administration or finance studies. University Degree with relevant years of years’ experience is also accepted.
Experience: At least five years of professional experience and expertise in sustainable banking or sustainable finance. At least one year of professional experience in stakeholder engagement and management.
Language: Fluent in English, as this is UNEP FI’s working language. Beyond English, fluency in other languages, especially other official UN languages, is highly desirable.
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.