UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Adaptation Expert

Result of ServiceUNEP FI requires a climate adaptation taxonomy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI policy team in APAC to lead the development of a regional adaptation finance Guide complementary to the existing ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. Through these services the Consultant will be able to: • Finalise the mapping of adaptation plans and principles of taxonomy development. • Support the establishment of sectoral bodies and governance of the initiative. • Develop the concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide comprising: (a) Key Principles for the development of the Guide; and (b) a methodology for vulnerability sector selection. • Conduct stakeholder interviews and consultation to collect inputs and feedback. • Draft and finalise a white paper synthesizing key findings from the mapping exercise, desktop research and stakeholder interviews, and presenting the concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide. • Support the socialising the white paper and key findings with key stakeholders, including but not limited to, the ACMF and ASEAN Taxonomy Board. • Scope out follow-up engagement with regulators, policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders to build on key deliverables of Phase 1 of the project. • Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders as appropriate and necessary. Work LocationWorking remotely Expected duration7 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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and 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 requires a climate adaptation taxonomy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI policy team in APAC to lead the development of a regional adaptation finance Guide complementary to the work of the existing ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. The key stakeholders include the ASEAN Capital Market Forum (ACMF) and the chairing entity, Sustainable Finance Institute Asia (SFIA), other relevant industry stakeholders and subject matter experts, as well as UNEP FI's thematic teams (e.g. climate, adaptation, nature). The ACMF is a high-level grouping of capital market regulators from all 10 ASEAN jurisdictions, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.1 The ACMF’s primary goal is to develop a deep, liquid and integrated regional capital market. The ACMF together with the ASEAN Working Committee on Capital Market Development (WC-CMD), are working on building the ASEAN Sustainable Finance Ecosystem through the development of 3 pillars – Taxonomy, Transitions and Disclosures. ACMF is also one of the four sectoral bodies that make up the ASEAN Taxonomy Board (ATB), with the other three being the ASEAN Insurance Regulators Meeting (AIRM), the ASEAN Senior Level Committee on Financial Integration (SLC) and the WC-CMD.2 The ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (ASEAN Taxonomy), currently in version 3, includes Climate Change Adaptation as one of its Environmental Objectives.3 However, the ASEAN Taxonomy approaches Adaptation assessment based on economic activities listed on ISIC and as contained within six focus economic sectors selected by their contribution to the region’s GHG emissions and gross value-add. As such, activities not falling within these criteria, but are critical to climate adaptation and disaster mitigation may not be covered by the ASEAN Taxonomy. A separate approach is needed to address financing for areas which are vulnerable to the effects of adverse weather conditions and natural hazards, which refers to the ASEAN Taxonomy as a starting point for sustainable activity assessment. UNEP FI policy team has been formally invited by ACMF, currently chaired by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), to support the development of a regional adaptation finance guide (the “Guide”). Specific tasks and responsibilities UNEP FI requires a climate adaptation taxonomy consultant to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and the UNEP FI policy team in APAC to lead the development of a regional adaptation finance Guide complementary to the existing ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. • Finalise the mapping of adaptation plans and principles of taxonomy development. • Support the establishment of sectoral bodies and governance of the initiative. • Develop the concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide comprising: (a) Key Principles for the development of the Guide; and (b) a methodology for vulnerability sector selection. • Conduct stakeholder interviews and consultation to collect inputs and feedback. • Draft and finalise a white paper synthesizing key findings from the mapping exercise, desktop research and stakeholder interviews, and presenting the concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide. • Support the socialising the white paper and key findings with key stakeholders, including but not limited to, the ACMF and ASEAN Taxonomy Board. • Scope out follow-up engagement with regulators, policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders to build on key deliverables of Phase 1 of the project. • Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders as appropriate and necessary. Outputs and Deliverables: • Mapping of adaptation plans and principles of taxonomy development • A governance mechanism for the project • concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide comprising: (a) Key Principles for the development of the Guide; and (b) a methodology for vulnerability sector selection. • A white paper synthesizing key findings from the mapping exercise, desktop research and stakeholder interviews, and presenting the concept and methodology for Version 1 of the regional adaptation finance Guide. The consultant will be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Global Policy Co-Lead of UNEP FI, working in close coordination with other relevant UNEP FI teams, as well as UNEP FI's project partners. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A bachelor’s degree in environmental or climate science or management, public policy, economics, or finance. Professional Experience: At least 5 years working experience in climate adaptation, project management, and sustainable finance. Experience in doing research, or direct involvement in development and/or implementation of sustainable finance / climate adaptation taxonomies is highly desirable. Knowledge of the aforementioned in relation to the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region is essential for this position. Familiarity with ACMF initiatives is preferred. LanguagesLanguages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages, especially official languages of ASEAN countries, is an asset. Additional InformationSkills & Knowledge: Experience in climate adaptation and resilience, adaptation finance, and sustainable finance policies in particular taxonomy development, is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex analysis; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. 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. 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.