UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Just Transition Specialist

Result of Service

The role will include a focus on just transition in aligning the economy with climate and other environmental objectives, human rights, decent employment, gender equality, financial inclusion and financial health and closing the protection gap. The Specialist will work directly with the UNEP FI social and Human Rights Lead, but will also work with UNEP FI members, UNEP FI thematic, industry and regional coordinators, to support the UNEP FI’s social and human rights lead in rolling out the strategy in such a way that supports the practical implementation of the PRB and PSI by members, aligned with relevant UN frameworks including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The social and human rights strategy and work plan should be implemented in accordance with UNEP FI’s overarching strategy and the industry frameworks, in line with UNEP FI’s work programme agreed at UNEP FI’s Annual General Meeting and UNEP’s project document for UNEP FI.

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 450 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. UNEP FI is committed to supporting its members and the broader financial industry in navigating the complexities of Just Transition. This involves developing tools, guidance, and frameworks that help financial institutions to identify and seize Just Transition opportunities, mitigate associated risks, and contribute to an equitable climate action agenda. In 2023, UNEP FI, together with ILO, launched a new project to strengthen the banking and insurance industry’s role in supporting a just transition. The project’s focused on implications of a just transition for the banking and insurance sector and establish guidelines that provide a practical roadmap for an inclusive and equitable climate financing for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience that aligns with societal goals and the SDGs. This report Just Transition Finance: Pathways for Banking and Insurance serves as a guide for banks and insurance companies on the role of banking and underwriting activities in promoting a just transition to low carbon, climate-resilient economies. It details crucial elements, emerging practices and examples, helping banks and insurers to become enablers of a just and inclusive transition. Moving from this report, UNEP FI together with relevant partners wants to pilot this report, test financing approaches that could be or are being used by Financial Institutions to support a just transition, and support just transition strategies tailored to the unique context of the different regions, sectors, and the affected populations. UNEP FI requires a social specialist to support the implementation of UNEP FI’s social and human rights strategy, mainly focusing on the just transition. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s social issues work: • Support the readiness of the banking industry for regulatory uptake and advocate for sustainable banking practices. • Coordinate with UNEP FI members, partners, and stakeholders to implement the just transition strategies within the banking and insurance sectors. • Facilitate pilot projects with banks to identify and integrate just transition finance needs into their portfolios. • Provide expertise and operational support for the UNEP FI’s social and human rights strategies, focusing on just transition and sustainable finance. • Support and build capacity of UNEP FI members on just transition, and on how to just transition can be embedded in transition plans. • Piloting just transition work in different regions, countries and sectors, with particular attention on Latin America • Contributing for an enabling regulatory environment for a just transition. • Connect voices from the ground with financial institutions and decision making key Outputs and Deliverables: • Banking Policy Engagement and Advocacy Guidance incorporating just transition considerations. • Successful coordination and support of pilot projects, including the integration of just transition principles. • Contribution to the publication of the Just Transition Pilots Case Study Report. • Contribution to the publication of a Just Transition finance report for Latin America • Global and regional workshops/webinars/peer exchanges delivered on just transition • Creation of blogs or other written pieces on just transition The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s the Banking and Social teams. Overall responsibility rests with the Head of UNEP FI.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social, environment development or/and economic studies field or equivalent Professional Experience: At least seven (7) years of professional experience in social issues, with specific expertise in just transition or the general connection between climate/environment and social issues. Experience in the financial sector, particularly with banks and insurance companies, is highly desirable.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Spanish is a strong asset for this position. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Additional Information

Skills & Knowledge: Substantial experience (min. 7 years) and expertise in Social impacts, and how it is connected to environmental impacts, and experience in working with private/public sector entities on how to address negative and increase positive impact. Understanding of how banks’ business activities relate to and influence environmental and social outcomes. Well, acquainted with current issues and developments related to just transition and sustainable banking globally and regionally. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and preferable also in Spanish, strong interpersonal skills; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. The Specialist 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. Reliable and delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes. Colleagues, external partners and constituents/clients trust the candidate because follows through on commitments towards others. Team player understands work as contributing to an overall objective, not an end in itself. Can adapt behavior and style of communication to different cultural contexts. Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve.

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.