UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Deputy Communications Lead

Result of ServiceThrough these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, asset managers, insurers, and multi-lateral development banks and agencies in implementing global finance sector principles to catalyze integration of sustainability into financial market practice. The frameworks UNEP FI is supporting implementation include Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) now committed to by more than 300 banks collectively holding USD 53 trillion in assets, or one third of the global banking sector, 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). The services will also help promote sustainability into all aspects of the financial sector’s operations and services. Finally, the services will help the Initiative to broaden its outreach both within UNEP / UN and external to banks, insurers and investors, governments, regulators, private sector and multi-stakeholders, including supporting institutions. 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 needs a consultant to develop and manage the implementation of a communications strategy for UNEP FI’s global work programme as well as its value proposition to its banking and insurance members and currently does not have the relevant professional expertise internally. Objectives: Under the direction and supervision of the UNEP FI Communications Co-Leads, the Consultant will support the development of and manage the implementation of the communications strategy for UNEP FI’s global work programme and value proposition to its banking and insurance members. In doing so, the Consultant will work closely with the Banking and Insurance Communications Leads and other members of the UNEP FI communications team. The Consultant will liaise on a regular basis with the broader UNEP FI team, to ensure clear communication on items relevant to the entire UNEP FI membership such as governance and other communications touch points with members. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will aid in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s communications work: • Implement a global communications strategy for UNEP FI that has clear priorities, objectives, messaging and transmission channels for each target audience. • Working closely with banking, insurance and regional communications leads, write and distribute member communications and email campaigns, as well as monthly newsletters and the Members’ Handbook, input into other corporate communications such as the UNEP FI corporate presentation and UNEP FI annual overview. • Ensure alignment in targeted communications to PRB and PSI membership such as monthly PRB and PSI Member Updates • Manage the UNEP FI Communications Planning and Broadcast Calendars to ensure clear consistent communication to UNEP FI members • Support the Banking and Insurance Communications Leads in the implementation of banking and insurance communications plans, goals and objectives • Ensure central coordination of media responses from UNEP FI, including coordination with the broader UNEP media relations team and UNEP FI’s media consultant. • Develop and maintain a crisis communications plan for UNEP FI • Have oversight over website content, social media and UNEP FI communications material relating to the insurance and banking industry work to build internal and external visibility and increase interest among key stakeholder groups. Ensuring appropriate links are made to the thematic and sectors content as well as ensuring that capacity building and training content is relevant for members. Work with regional communications and wider UNEP FI team on coordination of members’ extranet content. • Liaise with content editor and Comms team co-leads to agree on work plan/promotional content to promote PRB and PSI frameworks. • Maintain a strong brand for UNEP FI, including impactful and fit-for-purpose publications, web site, videos, social media. • Coordinate on internal UNEP FI processes for communication on governance and other information central to UNEP FI membership to the banking and insurance membership. This will include governance processes such as AGM and elections, as well as other communications touch points such as the billing process, onboarding and offboarding of members. • Provide editorial support – including copy-editing and proof-reading website content and communication to members. • Lead and support team members on press engagement, maintaining a high-quality media database and media monitoring reports as needed. • Support the Communications Co-Leads in communications planning and internal processes, as well as contributions to UNEP reports, assist with requests for information, talking points etc. from UNEP ED and UNEP headquarters. Outputs and Deliverables: • Enhanced communications with members and other stakeholders such as the media via improved newsletter, web and social content • Quality social media content ensuring consistent tone • Greater coordination in communications to UNEP FI members • Defined processes for UNEP FI member communications • Media list and analytics maintained • Communications campaigns calendar and planning maintained • Publications process monitored and organized where relevant • Clear and effective communications materials produced. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the UNEP FI’s Co-Leads of Communications. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public/media relations, design, risk management, insurance, finance, business, environment, sustainable development, international relations, or related fields. A master’s degree could be taken in lieu of a bachelor’s degree provided the selected candidate has seven (7) years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: At least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in communications or marketing, ideally in relation to the financial sector (banking, insurance, investment), climate change and other sustainability issues. Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including social media, is required. Proven knowledge and expertise in developing, implementing and managing communications strategies. Proven excellent writing and editing skills. Creative and resourceful strategist with a track record of proactivity. LanguagesLanguages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset. Additional InformationSkills & 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. Past experience in communications planning, crisis communications and media relations 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.