1 Objective area 1: The knowledge and experience gained during the first two phases of the TCFD pilot for banks and the first phase of the TCFD pilot for investors, which has already been undertaken, has been transferred to UNEP FI member banks that have joined this new TCFD pilot program. Banks and investors participating in this new programme will directly engage with the tools, frameworks, and approaches developed in prior pilot phases. This will be completed through a number (1-2 per quarter) of group interactions between the consultant and the participating financial institutions. These interactions will include assignments for participating institutions to complete to ensure their familiarity with the programme resources. This will then allow each institution to actively implement approaches for assessing transition and physical risks in their portfolios.
2 Objective area 2: In 2-4 focus areas, the UNEP FI Secretariat, with the assistance of external partners, will develop relevant inputs and tools (such as scenarios, data, methodologies, legal guidance) for banks and investors - or enhancements of existing such inputs and tools – needed to effectively conduct scenario-based assessment for disclosure of climate- related risks and opportunities have been developed, or a roadmap for their development has been established. The consultant will provide programme management to the engagements between the participating institutions and the partners to ensure that refinements and enhancements are developed in a timely manner. 3/6
3 Objective area 3: Once the results of the pilot are known they will then be distributed to industry practitioners around the world. Relevant stakeholders (investors, clients, regulators and policy makers) will be made aware of the results of these pilots and the leading role taken by the pilot banks and investors. The consultant will assist in the production and distribution of these final materials. This will lead to a developed approach to TCFD disclosure and coordinated expectations from investors’, high impact industries’ and stakeholders.
Working remotely
6 months
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.
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 promotes sustainable finance and helps the financial industry align with and contribute to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
The UNEP FI requires a consultant to provide programme management support to UNEP FI’s new TCFD programmes for banks and investors, and to further establish, run, and coordinate the required work as per the 3 objectives listed below.
1. Objective area 1: Briefing and training - in depth - UNEP FI member banks that are new to UNEP FI’s TCFD work on the various methodologies developed – and the insights won - in Phases 1 and 2 2.
2. Objective area 2: Further developing and enhancing – in partnership with relevant expert stakeholders - a number of the various elements within the ‘toolkit’ that banks currently have at their disposal to carry out forward-looking risk and opportunity assessments, potentially including: i) climate-related scenarios, ii) client data, iii) modelling approaches, iv) legal guidance, etc.
3. Objective area 3: Strengthening and institutionalizing links and dialogue - and synchronizing agendas - with relevant platforms, processes, and efforts, particularly those involving financial regulatory organisations (e.g. the Network for Greening the Financial System – NGFS, the EU Action Plan), client industry associations, the proceedings of the TCFD itself, and investor efforts (through the Principles for Responsible Investment, or UNEP FI’s own investor piloting of the TCFD)
The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s TCFD work. The consultant will:
• Draft 2023 planned sessions for legal risks working group 2023 and deliver 5-6 legal risk webinars.
• Undertake work on greenwashing output
• Undertake the drafting of TORs and contract – to engage, select and secure third-parties for greenwashing output
• Support the Climate Risk Programme as required through e.g.
- Regulatory research and drafting slides for sessions
- Other team output reviews and contributions
- Contribution to reviewing and commenting on policy developments and drafting policy responses
- Regulatory newsletter support
- Supporting Programme sessions and team activities as required
Outputs and Deliverables:
1. Objective area 1
• Drafted legal risks sessions for 2023 and deliver 5-6 further legal risks webinars
• Progress greenwashing output as required
2.Objective area 2
• Provide editorial support to thought papers/other presentations created by the modules and participant case studies.
• Support the hosting of other webinars on the Climate Risk Programme
3. Objective area 3
• Support Climate Team as required with climate policy reviews and contributions to responses
• Contribute to Climate Risk Team work on regulation through regulatory research, slide drafting and supporting the weekly regulatory developments update
The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Programme Officer Climate Change, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s TCFD Lead.
Academic background – Master’s degree in economics, finance, environmental studies, international relations, business administration or related fields. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 9 years of relevant experience.
Experience – At least 7 years of experience in the environmental non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research on sustainable finance. This experience should be relevant for examining climate risks, climate policies, and the role of the financial sector in climate action.
Skills & knowledge – The consultant should have a proven track record supporting international programmes involving different stakeholder types, particularly financial organisations, and with a particular focus on sustainable finance and climate risks.
Languages – English is the working language of UNEP FI. English is mandatory for this consultancy. 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.