UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Protocol Coordination Consultant

Result of Service

Through these services the Initiative will be able to
i) Effectively manage technical working groups on such topics as sovereign debt, private assets, emissions attribution, sector targets, among others
ii) Effectively manage on time and to budget the development of the 4th edition of the Alliance Target Setting Protocol
iii) Establish target setting methods that are aligned with science
iv) Prepare data inputs to the AOA Progress Report
v) Effectively engage members of the MRV track

Work Location

Working remotely

Expected duration

10 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.

In June 2021, UNEP FI and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) launched the Investment Leadership Programme. The Investment Leadership Programme (ILP) is a joint initiative from UNEP FI and PRI created to accelerate the pace of collaboration amongst leading investors and boost action on achieving key global sustainability objectives such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. ILP includes projects such as the UN-Convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance and the Legal Framework for Impact.

The Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance was launched in September 2019, at the Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit. This international collaboration of asset owners was convened by UNEP in order to respond to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement Article 2.1.c and enable financial flows to support the transition to net-zero CO2 emissions economies by 2050. UNEP FI, together with the Principles for Responsible Investment, has been mandated to serve as Secretariat for the Alliance.

The Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Track of the NZAOA is seeking a consultant/individual contractor to support the work of the MRV Track of the Alliance in coordinating the production of the NZAOA MRV Track working groups and Protocol development.

This work is essential to the credibility and integrity of the NZAOA. The role will help ensure that targets meet the criteria as set out in the Protocol.

The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s MRV work:

• Support working group technical development of protocol chapters
• Support alignment with the protocol colleagues and processes of other teams
• Prepare the project plan for protocol development
• Support coordination of the protocol
• Work with members on specific issue areas towards resolution and consensus

Outputs and Deliverables:

• Updated target setting protocol chapter drafts
• Streamlined and fully capacitated working groups
• Deepened analysis of technical matters arising from protocol development

The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and in line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of UNEP FI Investment Lead, in close collaboration with the Climate team.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A University degree in finance, environmental or climate science or management.

Professional Experience: At least 7 years working experience in project management, finance, and climate.

Skills & Knowledge: Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with digital technology; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Knowledge of social media and virtual communications channels is desirable, as is experience of writing copy for social media, online articles and press releases. The consultant is expected to support colleagues in implementing communications strategies and work plans. 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. An interest in sustainable finance for oceans/blue economy and land use/food systems is desirable.

Languages

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

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.