Ultimate result of services:
The service will result in the delivery of UNEP FI’s 2023 Climate Tool Working Group, the hosting and planning of several workshops, and engagement in the programme and with the members. The consultant will also support on the development of new training materials and delivery of several capacity building programs. In addition, the ultimate result of the service is the publication of a report summarizing the latest findings of the climate risk tool working group, the update of UNEP FI’s existing Climate Risk Landscape report, and the development of best practices for project management. The service will facilitate collaborations and external meetings, the planning and execution of a new working group within the programme, and the development of a work plan for 2023 and 2024.
Geneva, Switzerland
Expected duration12 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 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.
UNEP FI climate risk programme needs a consultant to support the conclusion of the current phase of work, help plan the next phase, and promote coordination across UNEP FI on relevant topics.
Objectives:
1 Objective area 1: The knowledge and experience gained during the first two phases of the TCFD pilot for banks and the first phase of the TCFD pilot for investors, which has already been undertaken, has been transferred to UNEP FI member banks that have joined this new TCFD pilot program. Banks and investors participating in this new programme will directly engage with the tools, frameworks, and approaches developed in prior pilot phases. This will be completed through a number (1-2 per quarter) of group interactions between the consultant and the participating financial institutions. These interactions will include assignments for participating institutions to complete to ensure their familiarity with the programme resources. This will then allow each institution to actively implement approaches for assessing transition and physical risks in their portfolios.
2 Objective area 2: In 2-4 focus areas, the UNEP FI Secretariat, with the assistance of external partners, will develop relevant inputs and tools (such as scenarios, data, methodologies, legal guidance) for banks and investors - or enhancements of existing such inputs and tools – needed to effectively conduct scenario-based assessment for disclosure of climate- related risks and opportunities have been developed, or a roadmap for their development has been established. The consultant will provide programme management to the engagements between the participating institutions and the partners to ensure that refinements and enhancements are developed in a timely manner.
3 Objective area 3: Once the results of the pilot are known they will then be distributed to industry practitioners around the world. Relevant stakeholders (investors, clients, regulators and policy makers) will be made aware of the results of these pilots and the leading role taken by the pilot banks and investors. The consultant will assist in the production and distribution of these final materials. This will lead to a developed approach to TCFD disclosure and coordinated expectations from investors’, high impact industries’ and stakeholders.
4 ARIC objectives: Using in-house expertise and with the assistance of third-party experts developing relevant inputs and tools (including risk assessment guidance and tools to identify and scale investment opportunities in adaptation and resilience) for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and the financial intermediaries they work with. The consultant will provide programme management for the engagements with participating institutions from the ARIC and partners, possibly with the development of links with the UNEP FI climate risk program for banks and investors. Publicising the work of the Collaborative is also highly important, so the consultant should also contribute to development of communications materials.
Outputs of services:
• Delivery of the webinars to execute Phase 2 of UNEP FI’s Climate Tool Working Group, lead the planning and arrangement of tool demonstration sessions with 17 vendors and 21 financial institutions.
• Summarize and discuss the results and feedback from Phase 2 of the tool demonstration working group. Facilitate the successful delivery of four peer exchange and case study sessions.
• Liaise with UNEP FI Climate team colleagues, members and vendors and support Phase 3 of UNEP FI’s Climate Tool Working Group, facilitate the joint outcome creation by UNEP FI, tool vendors and banks.
• Support the delivery of the publication for the 2023 Climate Tool working group, particularly the projected 2024 Climate Tool Landscape Report.
• Support the delivery of publication in the form of a report or video (if possible) for the 2023 Climate Tool working group.
• Support the delivery of a training programme plan for UNEP FI’s members can be incorporated in regional training modules, including research into specific climate risk themes in different regions.
• Assist with the delivery of the training workshops for the UNEP FI members on the 4 pillars of the TCFD based on the individual needs requested by the firms
• Support the enhancement of TCFD programme project management framework for 2023 and 2024 that incorporates best practices to improve team efficiency and coordination.
• Support the improvement of Climate risk program’s internal knowledge sharing system, provide assistance on management and governance needs.
• Coordinate with external researchers and UNEP FI climate team to facilitate the successful delivery of research assignments.
Specific tasks and responsibilities:
The consultant will:
• Lead the planning and executive of UNEP FI climate tool working group’s Phase 2 tool demonstrations with climate tool vendors and banks. Facilitate the successful delivery of 4 demonstration sessions and 4 peer exchange discussions during Phase 2.
• Support the planning the tool working group including touchpoints with participants, learnings from external presenters, and next steps for the group.
• Support the outcome creation of Phase 3 by working closely with vendors and participants of the working group.
• Assist in the review and publication of final outcomes of the 2023 Tool Working Group.
• Support the planning the content, structure and roll out of the tool working group for 2024
• Support the drafting of updates to the 2024 Climate Risk Landscape report.
• Support the delivery of publication in the form of a report or video (if possible) for the 2023 Climate Tool working group.
• Support the training materials development for UNEP FI’s regional capacity-building initiatives on climate risk and the TCFD. The consultant may directly lead some of these training webinars, but also will help consolidate learnings from the TCFD programme into a format that is relevant for regional participants. This involves developing overviews of the programme outputs and adapting materials to the relevant climate risks within each region.
• Co-host 2-4 workshops on climate risks, climate risk assessments, TCFD disclosures, and climate risk management for national financial institutions.
• Provide programme management support to the various working groups of programme participants and partners. The consultant will not be directly responsible for the output of these collaborations, but will help to facilitate meetings, develop workplans, and ensure effective programme management.
• Support the improvement of Climate risk program’s internal knowledge sharing system, provide assistance on management and governance needs.
• Coordinate with external researchers and UNEP FI climate team to facilitate the successful delivery of research assignments.
The Consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the UNEP FI Climate Change Lead. The Consultant will be working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s TCFD lead.
Education: Master’s degree in finance, international relations, business administration, or related fields. A First degree could be taken in lieu of advanced degree provided the selected candidate has 6 years of relevant experience.
Professional Experience: At least (4) four years’ experience in the environmental non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research. This experience should be relevant for financial reporting, internal control, climate risks examination, and the role of the financial sector in climate action. International and inter-cultural work experiences within the UN system is desirable.
Skills & Knowledge: The consultant should have a proven track record supporting international organizations on financial reporting and internal management topics. Ability to summarize information and work across sectors and industries. Exceptional writing and editing skills. Pro-active with independent working ability, combined with good problem-solving skills and personal resilience to work effectively in a complex setting.
Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.
No FeeTHE 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.