UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Regional Associate for Europe

The ultimate objective of the services is to further enable the UNEP FI Europe Regional Team to engage with the largest membership of UNEP FI which is based in the region. The consultant will be responsible for building relations with banks in the region, enable their further understanding and implementation of the relevant UNEP FI commitments (PRB, NZBA,). With that objective, the consultant will work directly with the UNEP FI Europe Regional team to establish communities of practice in selected European countries, regularly talk with members to identify gaps and opportunities, scope and prioritise regional and country-specific needs, and plan and facilitate the delivery of better communication materials, operationalize the work and coordinate with all of the other relevant teams at UNEP FI (banking, insurance, climate, nature etc.) for a concrete European approach for members.

Working Remotely

9 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 500 banks, insurers and investors. For over 32 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 supports the development and implementation of frameworks including the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), now committed to by more than 310 banks collectively holding USD 89 trillion in assets, representing almost half of global banking assets, and the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), established 2012 by UNEP FI and today applied by one-quarter of the world’s insurers (25% of world premium). Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially over the recent years. Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions. It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems. Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. This is a very tangible situation in Europe. UNEP FI needs a consultant who will work with the Europe regional team to scale up and further develop our capabilities in the region in order to work with members and enable further expansion of our presence in Europe. Objectives: The consultant will be responsible for building relations with banks in the region, enable their further understanding and implementation of the relevant UNEP FI frameworks , primarily the PRB, support convening members in the region to establish a community of practice, facilitating learning and capacity building in specific thematic areas such as climate change, regulation, nature etc. This will concretely entail attending regular meetings with members, establishing a community of practice in selected countries, attend feedback and onboarding discussions, etc. The consultant will work closely with UNEP FI’s Europe Regional team and relevant thematic and industry teams. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will work directly with UNEP FI Europe Regional team to perform the following tasks: ● Enable UNEP FI Europe Regional team to further reach and support UNEP FI banking members, build strong relationships, and track changes within member banks and personnel ● Enable cross-team collaboration on the advancement of European banks’ actions, ● Facilitate members understanding of key sustainability concepts for the financial services sector including understanding of climate-related aspects (from risks to relevant frameworks, transition planning, target-setting methodologies…), broader environmental issues (biodiversity, water…) social and governance. ● Drive 1-2-1 engagement with FIs and engage with different teams to handle knowledge management. ● Map regional existing and potential stakeholders and engage them to create an enabling environment for FIs sustainability integration, establish specific channels of collaboration. ● Identify potential partners to support on increased engagement opportunities. ● Assist with the organisation of the UNEP FI Europe Regional Roundtable 2025, organizing events, critical connections with speakers, attendees, etc. ● Prepare reporting materials: evaluations of strengths and weaknesses and insights for planning in 2026 Outputs and Deliverables: ● Meetings with members organized, attended and with successful outcomes ● Availability of accurate and up to date information of member focal points, chief sustainability officers ● Community of practice actions developed. ● Support provided in the Europe Regional Roundtable organization ● Support provided to building and engaging a community of practice and other relevant actions with European members ● Relationships built with relevant partners to expand our engagement capabilities The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI, and report directly to the Europe Regional Lead.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, banking, economic development, sustainable finance, climate finance, climate technologies, sustainable development, international relations, political sciences, or a related field Professional Experience: At least a combined five (5) years of working experience with financial institutions, trade associations or in relevant stakeholder-management, membership-based organizations in sustainable finance.

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI, knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Skills & Knowledge: ● Thorough knowledge of the sustainable finance agenda for the financial services sector, including emerging trends and best practices on sustainability for commercial banks, insurers and financial institutions more broadly. ● Understanding of key sustainability concepts for the financial services sector including understanding of climate-related aspects (from risks to relevant frameworks, transition planning, target-setting methodologies…), broader environmental issues (biodiversity, water…) social and governance. ● Experience in financial services sector is desirable and developing and delivering technical support / training and capacity-building activities. ● Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders including financial institutions, NGOs, international and domestic organizations, and authorities to foster partnerships. ● Familiarity with regional resources for financial institutions in Europe, including knowledge of the EU regulatory framework, capacity building initiatives, etc. ● Strong interpersonal and communications skills. ● Experience in project planning and management.

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.