UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Senior Net-Zero Policy Analyst

Result of Service

UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI and PRI Secretariats to support net zero policy frameworks and measures in selected jurisdictions. Through these services the Initiative will be able to: • Contribute substantial support to the Secretariat of the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy under the lead of the PRI Secretariat (Principles for Responsible Investment). The Task Force was launched at COP28 at the UN Secretary-General’s High-level meeting for Non-State Actors at COP28. It responds to the 10th recommendation of the UN HLEG report, and aims to support the integrity and accountability of 1.5°C-aligned net zero emissions commitments by non-state entities, through assessment and advancement of state-based policies and regulations. The Secretariat is hosted by the Principle for Responsible Investments and UNEP FI contributes from the Board of Trustees of the Task Force. • Assist with UNEP FI engagements on multilateral policy platforms with a focus on sustainable finance policy reform and climate mitigation including- non-exhaustively – G20 engagements via the Sustainable Finance Working Group and the G20 Climate Task Force under the Brazil Presidency, the International Platform on Sustainable Finance, the UN Financing for Development agenda and the Coalition of Finance Ministers, while ensuring sensible coordination with UNEP FI initiatives and relevant partners on the subject matter and in-country.

Work Location

Working remotely

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 30 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. More recently UNEP FI has been at the fore front of initiating and hosting net-zero financial alliances. The net zero alliances reinforce, accelerate and support the implementation of decarbonization strategies, providing an internationally coherent framework and guidelines in which to operate, supported by peer-learning from pioneering banks and investors. Complementary to financial sector action, sustainable finance policies are central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. In recent years, regulatory sustainable finance initiatives were developed across various jurisdictions. Policy and regulatory frameworks are important and conducive to supporting the realization of voluntary net-zero commitments by financial actors. Building on its private finance leadership initiatives, UNEP FI supports policy makers and regulators across regions to build robust policy frameworks that embed climate alignment with the 1.5°C pathway and promotes transition finance to accelerate the trajectory towards net-zero. UNEP FI requires a policy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI Secretariat to support net-zero finance policy frameworks and measures in selected jurisdictions. Specific tasks and responsibilities • Initiate a stock take of regulatory and supervisory developments relating to net zero policy measures in key jurisdictions, with a focus on banking (state of play); • Provide UNEP FI input to the Task Force on Net Zero Policy; • Provide UNEP FI input to the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group and the G20 Climate Task Force under the Brazil Presidency; • Provide UNEP FI input to the International Platform on Sustainable Finance. • Initiate a stock take of regulatory and supervisory developments relating to net zero policy measures in key jurisdictions (state of play) and provide UNEP FI input to the Task Force on Net Zero Policy; • Provide UNEP FI input to the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group; • Provide UNEP FI input to the International Platform on Sustainable Finance. • Deliver blogs on net zero measures. • Provide UNEP FI input to the Task Force on Net Zero Policy; • Contribute input and coordinate UNEP FI engagements on multilateral policy platforms as well as industry collaborations (i.e. Investor Agenda) with a focus on sustainable finance policy reform and climate mitigation • Support with mapping of voluntary UNEP FI commitments and net zero initiatives vis a vis policy frameworks; • Consult with selected UNEP FI bank and insurance signatories as relevant; • Provide inputs into the NZ policy task force with regards effectiveness of net zero policy and regulation applied to banking/insurance industries; Outputs and Deliverables: • Research and input papers as part of the Secretariat of the Task Force on Net Zero Policy as relevant; • Contribute the outcome document of the G20 Task Force on Climate; • Publish a stock take / brief on net zero policies across selected jurisdictions; • Deliver series of blogs, and communications material on net zero policies ahead of COP28. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Policy and Climate teams.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree in finance, public administration, environmental or climate science or management. Professional Experience: At least 7 years working experience in project management, research, finance and climate. Experience in doing research and drafting or publishing papers as well as experience in analysing policy frameworks and climate policy literacy.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: • Experience in banking regulation, supervision and climate policy is highly desirable. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. The consultant should have the ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed team working across functions. A hands-on, pragmatic approach is desirable.

No Fee

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.