Junior Professional Officer, Project Manager Banking Commission UNEP Finance Initiative, Banking Commission

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Edwin Leonard
7 years ago
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1 General Information Post Title: Unit : Duty Station: Duration: Junior Professional Officer, Project Manager Banking Commission UNEP Finance Initiative, Banking Commission Geneva One year with possible extension for another Background information on UNEP and requesting Unit UNEP, established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a unique global partnership between UNEP and the global financial sector. UNEP works with over 200 banks, insurers and investment firms to understand the impacts of environmental, social and governance issues on the financial services sector and how to promote the sector s active participation in achieving in sustainable development. The Banking Commission of UNEP FI gathers all UNEP FI Members (i.e. financial institutions that are Signatories to the UNEP Statement of Commitment) who s core business is in banking. The Commission s work is bent on addressing a series of gaps that act as barriers to the mainstreaming of sustainable banking. As of 2015 the Banking Commission will drive two core work streams: i) Environmental Risk in Banking Policy & Regulation This work seeks to understand how to optimize the use existing financial policy and regulation for the achievement of (financial and environmental) sustainability goals. This involves both research (collaboration with academic institutions) and direct engagement of stakeholders. The latter involves engaging with and supporting financial policymakers, regulators and practitioners, by providing facilitation, advisory and supporting/implementing services (e.g. training). ii) Driving Positive Impact in Banking

UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment.

2 Ultimately sustainability considerations need to be embedded at the heart of overall economic and market dynamics for banks portfolio to green. While barriers such as subsidy schemes and fiscal policies need to be removed, the banking community can already show leadership by gaining a better understanding of the impacts of its portfolios and seeking to understand how positive impacts might be incremented. This work will aim to developed common definitions and guidelines for a more structured, deliberate and result-focused approach by banks to supporting sustainability objectives. At the same time will also seek to mobilize banks on specific, existing, funding needs, especially in the context of the on-going climate negotiations. The Banking Commission is also responsible for the on-going update and maintenance of a Guide to Banking & Sustainability, and a member s data-base on sustainable banking current practice. UNEP FI s organizational chart can be seen below, the JPO will be working with the Banking Commissioner. UNEP FI is located in the Division of Trade, Industry and Economics, within the Economics and Trade Branch Why is JPO requested/needed? UNEP FI s work specifically in relation to the banking constituency has just been defined in a new multi-year strategy and requires an increase in staffing in order to be carried out. It is envisaged that the JPO position will transit to a regular staff position as part of UNEP FI s human resource strategy to enforce staff positions. Supervision Title supervisor: Programme Officer Location supervisor: Geneva, Switzerland Unit first appraising officer UNEP Finance Initiative Location first appraising officer Geneva, Switzerland Duties, responsibilities and output expectations The JPO will support UNEP FI s Programme Officer in charge of coordinating the UNEP FI Banking Commission to manage the Commission and deliver its Work Plan. This will cut across all activities and entail the following duties and responsibilities: Communication with Banking Commission Members and the Banking Commission Board (preparation of communiqués, set up / management of meetings, conference calls and webinars) Contribution to the development of strategic communication tools for member engagement and/or outreach purposes (content development and liaison with web developers/designers/printers as necessary)

seeking to understand how positive impacts might be incremented.

3 Assist with the production of research reports (content/structure development, consultant/partner contracting and liaison, on-going project management, editing, liaison with designers/printers) Assist with the production and delivery of training materials and events (consultant/partner liaison, editing) Conduct desktop research and engagements as necessary for the smooth roll-out of the Banking Commission s work. The performance of these duties will involve attendance at a variety of meetings and events for which travel will be required. It may also require the co-management of one or several interns. Output expectations Update of the UNEP FI Guide to Banking and Sustainability. Upgrade of UNEP FI Member Current Practice Database. Production of a Status & Trends report on Banking and Sustainability. Development and delivery of new trainings under UNEP FI s Risk Training Programme. Refinement and scaling up of UNEP FI training on energy efficiency financing. Delivery of new research on banking regulation and environmental risk. Delivery of a market overview of current approaches to defining, measuring and promoting positive impact in banking (publication). Development of strategic communication tools for outreach purposes (e.g. website, ppt decks, videos). Training and Learning Elements Training: the JPO will have access to all of UNEP FI s training courses on finance and sustainability (risk management for lenders, ESG integration for investors, climate finance, energy efficiency finance, etc.). Learning elements: Knowledge acquired in relation to the nexus between banking policy and regulation and sustainability issues and on practical ways for banks to become more involved in financing sustainable development. Skills acquired in terms of developing and coordinating research projects, improved editing/writing, improved organizational/evaluation skills operating in multi-stakeholder environments, understanding multicultural work-environments, improved diplomatic/negotiating skills, managing interns. Knowledge of UN system: understanding of legal and administrative documents for contracting, procurement and the establishment of partnerships (e.g. MoUs)

Banking Commission s work. The performance of these duties will involve attendance at a variety of meetings and events for which travel will be required.

4 Contacts in UN system: exposure to staff beyond UNEP FI, namely in the Green Economy, and Sustainable Consumption and Production teams of DTIE, but also to the Regional Offices. Contacts outside the UN system: high level of exposure to financial institutions and other players in the financial system (associations, regulators, supervisors, service-providers, etc.) globally. After one year the JPO is able to: know the key players and understand the key issues in the field of banking and sustainability; manage basic UN administrative / legal procedures. After two years the JPO is able to: work autonomously on driving specific activities / action points in relation to sustainable finance (project management). After three years (if applicable) the JPO is able to: be a proactive change agent in achieving a more sustainable financial system / involving the financial sector in the achievement of sustainable development goals. Qualifications and experience Qualifications: First degree in finance, business, development economics, international relations, or related field. An advanced university degree, especially with a focus on environmental / sustainability issues is advantageous. Skills: Oral and written fluency in English and one other UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required. Proficiency in other languages (e.g. German, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean) is a strong asset. Strong analytical skills. Excellent spoken and written communication skills. Ability to cope with multiple tasks and activities in an organized and timely manner. Ability to communication effectively with a variety of stakeholders across multiple cultural backgrounds. Working experience: At least 4 years of work experience at the national level, or 2 years at the international level, preferably in the banking sector (lending) and/or on in the development of sustainability issues in business operations (e.g. green business development, environmental risk management, etc.). Prior experience at the international level is advantageous. Proven experience in project management required. Competencies

After one year the JPO is able to: know the key players and understand the key issues in the field of banking and sustainability; manage basic UN administrative / legal procedures.

5 Communication Teamwork Planning & Organization

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