Capacity Building Programme Consultant on Climate Target-Setting in the Banking Sector in Panama

Result of ServiceThe Consultant hired for this role will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of the Capacity Building Programme on Climate Target Setting for Banks in Panama. The core responsibility is to design the syllabus, develop all content, and deliver the Capacity Building Programme in Spanish, adhering to UNEP FI’s established approach. The programme format will be comprehensive, comprising in-person and online sessions, case studies, and peer-to-peer exchanges. Beyond content delivery, the consultant will lead the design, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the entire Capacity Building Programme. This requires working closely with the climate, banking, and PRB teams at UNEP FI, as well as other cross-cutting areas, to ensure the programme fully aligns with UNEP FI's global standards. The consultant is expected to integrate and utilize UNEP FI's available resources on net-zero banking throughout the process. Work LocationHOME BASED Expected duration9 MONTHS Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region, and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). 1.1 Explain the requirement for a consultant / individual In 2022, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) board approved the GCF Readiness Proposal titled \"Aligning Financial Flows of the Financial Sector in Panama with the Paris Agreement Climate Change Goals.\" The National Designated Authority (NDA), the Ministry of Environment, nominated UNEP as its Delivery Partner. UNEP is implementing this grant in close coordination with key national authorities involved in project governance, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Superintendency of Banks of Panama, the Superintendency of Security Market (SMV), the Superintendency of Insurance of Panama (SSRP), the Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), and the Panama’s Banking Association (ABP). A core component of this GCF Readiness Project is a Capacity Building Programme on Climate Target-Setting for Banks in Panama, leveraging UNEP FI's expertise within the Regional Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean on Climate Target Setting for Banks in line with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). In signing the UN PRB, banks make a critical commitment to align their business strategy with the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. Fulfilling this commitment suggests banks set science-based climate targets. This Capacity Building Programme is strategically designed to support all banks in Panama, targeting two distinct audiences: 1. Signatories to the PRB: The Capacity Building Programme provides the practical tools and guidance necessary to fulfill their existing PRB commitment by translating it into robust, science-based climate targets. 2. Non-Signatory Banks: The Capacity Building Programme offers a structured entry point and practical support for beginning their climate transition journey and integrating climate alignment into their business strategy, effectively acting as an introduction to PRB aligned ambition. By aligning operations and financing activities with the Paris Agreement goals, this programme equips banks with practical knowledge to fulfill their strategic commitment to a low-carbon transition. The Capacity Building Programme enhances market readiness and strengthens institutional capacities through an intensive and practical structure: • Practical Structure: The programme includes in person and online sessions, reinforced with one-to-one meetings, practical exercises, and peer-to-peer exchanges. • Target Alignment: The primary aim is to guide banks in setting climate targets that are in line with their PRB commitments (for signatories) and informed by the specific nuances of the national and regional context. • Strategic Imperative: Participants will gain practical expertise and upskilling. Ultimately, aligning to PRB commitments by setting well-designed targets is a strategic imperative that will help banks refocus their business lines toward long-term viability in the economic transition ahead. The primary objective of this programme is to upskill key staff and provide practical approaches to climate target setting. The Capacity Building Programme is structured around three core phases: I. Establishing a Climate Baseline: Participants will gain expertise to establish an emissions baseline and accurately measure the emissions profile of their lending, investment, and capital markets activities. • GHG Emissions Scope: Banks will learn how to measure financed and facilitated emissions (Scope 3, Category 15) using international best practices and methodologies. The programme guides banks on how to account for clients' Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions where data is available and significant. • Methodology and Context: Banks will be equipped to identify and interpret the specific national context and select the best available methodologies and tools required to measure your baseline. II. Setting Robust, Science-Based Targets: The training ensures banks’ targets are aligned with the ambition to limit global warming to and achieve a net-zero goal. • Target Setting: Banks are taught to establish a robust, science-based target setting process and are recommended to set targets for 2030 and 2050, with further intermediate targets set every five years. • Strategic Alignment: Banks will learn to use widely accepted science-based decarbonization scenarios and incorporate national climate scenarios to ensure targets focus on achieving a tangible impact in the real economy. III. Transition Planning, Implementation, and Disclosure • Plan and Implement Transition: Banks will develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap for financing decisions and internal policies, including the definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress, and design a dedicated transition plan to meet sectoral targets. • Disclose and Review: Banks will know how to ensure effective disclosure of their emissions profile. Targets should be reviewed at a minimum of every five years to ensure consistency with evolving climate science and policy. By the end of the process, banks will engage in invaluable peer-to-peer exchange, be inspired by real-world case studies. In this context, UNEP is seeking a consultant to design the syllabus, develop the content, and deliver the Capacity Building Programme in Spanish, adhering to UNEP FI’s approach. The programme will comprise in-person and online sessions, case studies, and peer-to-peer exchanges. This is a home-based consultancy, directly supervised by The Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region. The expected products to be delivered under this consultancy are: Output 1: Programme designed and planned. Includes the comprehensive workplan, methodology, timeline, and recommendations for participating banks. This output ensures alignment with UNEP FI’s global standards and defines the overall structure of the Capacity Building Programme. Product No.1: Work plan and methodology report: The report must include, but not limited to: • A comprehensive programme syllabus and detailed workplan outlining the content, structure (in-person and online sessions), methodology, milestones, and timeline for the entire Capacity Building Programme. • Recommendations to select the areas of the banks to participate in the Capacity Building Programme. • The plan must ensure alignment with UNEP FI's global standards and approach. Output 2: Technical training content developed. Delivers all programme materials (modules, presentations, exercises, case studies, and templates) in Spanish, and deliver the training. This constitutes the core technical foundation of the Capacity Building Programme. Product No.2: Training content anmaterials (Programme Modules and Core Content): : The materials must include, but not limited to: • Full suite of high-quality technical training materials and presentations (in Spanish) covering all modules of the syllabus (e.g., GHG accounting, target setting methodologies, transition planning, and disclosure). • All necessary case studies, practical exercises, and templates (in Spanish) designed for hands-on application by participating bank staff. • A list of all the reference documents Output 3: Programme implemented and facilitated. Summarizes the execution of the Capacity Building Programme, including documentation of sessions, attendance records, peer-to-peer exchange formats, and initial findings from participant engagement (such as progress toward the first drafts of SMART targets). Product No.3: Implementation guidance and facilitation report: The report must include, but not limited to: • Tailored guidance to reach the \"first draft for SMART targets\" goal. • Documentation summarizing the execution and facilitation of the Capacity Building Programme sessions, including attendance records, peer-to-peer exchange formats, and initial findings from participant engagement. • Output 4: Programme evaluated and reported. Provides the final report detailing program outcomes, conclusions, recommendations, the M&E framework applied, participant feedback, and an assessment of the extent to which the objectives were achieved. Product No.4: Programme report and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): • A comprehensive Final Report detailing the programme's outcomes, key conclusions, and practical recommendations for next steps.This report must include the M&E framework utilized, a summary of all feedback received from participants, and an assessment of the extent to which the programme objectives were met. Specific tasks and responsibilities Under the direct supervision of theThe Programme Management Officer on Sustainable Finance for the LAC region at UNEP LACO , the consultant shall perform the following activities: Activity Group 1: Programme design and planning This group focuses on the strategic development and alignment of the training programme. • Develop a comprehensive and holistic climate strategy and climate target-setting program tailored specifically for the banking sector in Panama. • Conduct research, collection, and elaboration of materials around industry examples, best practices, and case studies for the financial industry (in Spanish). • Ensure that the programme aligns with national regulatory frameworks, international best practices in sustainable finance and climate change, and the proposed syllabus. The consultant must then review the resources developed by UNEP FI. Activity Group 2: Content and material creation This group focuses on developing high-quality, engaging assets for the training sessions. • Design high-quality, engaging, and interactive training materials that cover all stages of climate target setting for financial institutions, from emissions measurement to goal-setting and monitoring. • Incorporate sector-specific examples and case studies (in Spanish) to enhance learning and provide practical, actionable insights for participants. • Prepare all necessary meeting materials, including presentations, handouts, case studies, reports, and training manuals. These materials will be subject to review and final approval by the UNEP FI team. Activity Group 3: Coordination, logistics, and delivery This group encompasses the operational implementation and direct delivery of the programme. • Organize all logistics for the deployment of the capacity-building sessions (management of invitations and confirmations, organizing virtual and in-presence workshops, reminders, inviting and briefing external speakers, and collaborating with procurement tasks). • Coordinate with UNEP FI team to ensure UNEP FI’s global standards. • Deliver all training sessions (in Spanish), ensuring they are interactive, cover the full stages of climate target setting, and facilitate practical application. • Keep accurate meeting minutes and generate regular progress and final reports for stakeholders. Activity 4: Monitoring, evaluation, and final reporting This final group of activities focuses on assessing the programme's impact and documenting lessons learned for continuous improvement. • Develop a comprehensive M&E framework that will be used to assess the effectiveness and impact of the programme. • Collect and analyze participant feedback after each session, ensuring the M&E framework includes both qualitative and quantitative indicators to capture participant engagement and the achievement of climate-related goals. • Produce a comprehensive document with key takeaways, best practices, and lessons learned from the program, including final recommendations. • Produce a Report including all materials, a detailed list of participants disaggregated by gender, and copies of all presentations. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: • Bachelor's degree in economic sciences, finance, environmental or climate sciences, sustainable development, or a related field, is required. • Master’s degree in economic sciences, finance, environmental or climate studies, sustainable development, or a related field, is desirable. • Certification or advanced training in climate risk management, GHG accounting (e.g., PCAF methodology), or climate finance policy is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: • At least five (5) years of relevant experience in project or program management in areas related to sustainable development, finance, environmental management, economic policy, or other fields relevant to sustainability is required. • With specific focus on the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region as a desirable. • Proven expertise in climate change risks and opportunities and their direct relation to financial sector operations is desirable. • In-depth understanding of science-based targets, climate decarbonization scenarios, and their integration into national financial planning is desirable. • Knowledge of the UN PRB framework, focusing on climate target setting requirements is desirable. • Practical experience working on or implementing GHG accounting methodologies (e.g., PCAF) within financial institutions is desirable. • Familiarity with long-term climate strategy, organizational change related to net-zero commitments, and methodologies like the GHG Protocol is desirable. • Experience supporting policy and regulatory formulation, particularly concerning climate governance and international/regional climate policy processes is desirable. • Proven experience in designing, developing, and delivering technical training materials and capacity-building programs for senior and mid-level banking professionals in both virtual and in-person formats is desirable. • Exceptional capacity for engaging and managing high-level stakeholders, including financial executives, regulators, and policymakers. This includes experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and peer-learning sessions is desirable. • Ability to create engaging training materials and develop Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks for effective feedback is desirable. LANGUAGE: ● Fluency in Spanish is required. ● Confident level in English is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: ● Excellent communication, diplomatic and interpersonal skills is desirable. ● Strong networking skills and intercultural sensitivity is desirable. ● Excellent ability to communicate, both written and spoken, and to work in a team is desirable. ● Strategic and results-oriented vision is desirable. ● Decision-making ability, initiative, and autonomy is desirable. ● Knowledge of Office 365 suite. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, etc. is desirable. COMPETENCIES: ● Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. ● Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. ● Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. ● Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. LanguagesNot available. Additional InformationNot available. 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.