Website United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
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. UNEP’s mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a unique partnership between the United Nations and the global financial sector—over 500 banks, insurers, and investors. UNEP FI has been shaping the international sustainable finance agenda and driving sustainable finance frameworks and standards for over 30 years. UNEP FI works to promote the integration of environmental considerations into financial decision-making, contributing to sustainable development and the global environmental agenda, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About this Role
The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) requires an ocean finance specialist consultant to support the implementation efforts of the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative’s strategy. This role involves working closely with subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and the UNEP FI Secretariat to lead the initiative’s network, raise awareness on ocean finance topics, and create an enabling environment for financial institutions to achieve ocean-positive outcomes. The consultant will develop a resourcing plan and take necessary steps based on this plan, with the aim of increasing the integration of marine considerations into financial decision-making processes. The role also involves facilitating contacts with potential donors to support the ocean workstream.
Responsibilities
- Identify an appropriate impact strategy for UNEP FI to continue its workstream on the ocean.
- Create a landscape overview of the proposed approach of UNEP FI and Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative (SBE FI) members regarding ocean, using a double materiality lens.
- Support leading the network of the SBE FI for risk assessment, management, disclosure, and portfolio alignment with the sustainable blue economy and the GBF.
- Raise awareness and build capacity on sustainable blue economy finance by attending or organizing events or training sessions as needed.
- Work towards creating an enabling environment for financial institutions and support relevant stakeholders to achieve ocean-positive outcomes.
- Develop a resourcing plan and proposed next steps for UNEP FI’s team to help achieve the mission and vision of the SBE FI.
- Facilitate contacts with potential donors to support the ocean workstream.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in finance, public administration, environmental or climate science, or management or related fields. A master’s degree could be taken in lieu of a 1st level degree provided the selected candidate has 8 years of relevant experience.
- At least ten (10) years’ work experience in project management, finance, and nature.
- Experience in doing research and drafting or publishing thought leadership papers.
- Strong technical, scientific, and project management background.
- Strategic thinking and relevant network in the marine space.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to manage complex analysis; attention to detail.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed team working across functions.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work with a leading global environmental authority.
- Engage with a network of over 500 banks, insurers, and investors dedicated to sustainable finance.
- Contribute to global environmental standards and frameworks, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals.
- Participate in capacity-building and awareness-raising activities within the sustainable finance sector.
- Be part of a team dedicated to promoting sustainable finance and achieving ocean-positive outcomes.
