UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Junior Consultant Freshwater

Result of ServiceThe consultant will help operationalize UNEP FI’s Freshwater Strategy by supporting the coordination of the Central Bank Water Compact, compiling a freshwater-related financial instruments tracker from the 2024 CDP dataset, participating in capacity-building activities where needed, and contributing to fundraising efforts to advance freshwater work on central banks with other partners. These actions will enable PRB and PSI members to identify freshwater-related risks and impacts, develop action plans, and integrate sustainable water management into their operations and portfolios. Work LocationWorking remotely / Home-Based Expected duration2 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 delivering resources to advance sustainable finance and regional activities, peer learning, training and research, UNEP FI carries out its mission to help the financial industry align with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and with that take on the crucial role it must play in achieving a sustainable future. Recognizing that freshwater depletion and degradation pose significant systemic risks to the global economy and financial sector, UNEP FI has developed a Freshwater Strategy. The strategy aims to mainstream freshwater considerations into financial decision-making, enabling banks, insurers, and financial regulators to mitigate water-related risks, reduce impacts, and capitalize on opportunities linked to sustainable water management and water-related resilience. UNEP FI needs a junior Freshwater consultant to support the implementation of its Freshwater Strategy, contributing to research, capacity building, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement activities, aligning financial practices with sustainable development goals, including SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation. Specific tasks and responsibilities : The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s freshwater work: • Assisting the Freshwater Senior Lead in coordinating the Central Bank Water Compact in close collaboration with the Policy Team. The Compact aims to catalyse freshwater action within financial policy frameworks, working with external partners such as WWF, OECD, GIZ, UK FCDO, and others. Responsibilities include supporting the identification of specific opportunities for UNEP FI to engage with coalition members, preparing speaking opportunities for UNEP FI, and ensuring effective coordination with the Policy Team. • Support the Freshwater Senior Lead with fundraising efforts for the Compact by reviewing and refining the existing donor list, validating contacts, prioritizing high-potential donors, while also working with the Nature team to explore joint fundraising opportunities where appropriate. • Contribute to freshwater capacity-building activities including webinar and digital learning products according to the Freshwater Capacity-building Proposal, utilising current banking, insurance, circular economy channels, social media and UNEP FI knowledge products as opportunities arise. • Consolidate a tracker of freshwater-related financial products and innovative financing mechanisms from CDP 2024 questionnaire results. • Other tasks as required. Outputs and Deliverables: • Consolidated tracker or a deck of freshwater-related financial products from CDP 2024 questionnaire. • Active participation in PSI and PRB capacity-building series and responding to freshwater-related requests in collaboration with insurance and banking colleagues, as well as the Senior Manager on Nature Learning and Education. • Support the Freshwater Senior Lead to refine and prioritize donor list with validated contacts, and initial contributions to concept notes or outreach materials. • Assist the Freshwater Senior Lead to consolidate a clear plan of actions to specify UNEP FI’s roles and contributions to the Central Bank Water coalition in 2026. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Nature Lead at UNEP FI, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Nature Co-Lead. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A master’s degree in environmental management, sustainability, natural resources management, water resources, or a relevant field is required. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree, provided the candidate has 3 years of related experience. Professional Experience: A minimum of one (1) year professional experience delivering sustainability research and stakeholder coordination across private and public sectors project is required. Strong track record working with UN agencies, financial institutions, or research organizations to advance nature-positive and climate-aligned outcomes. Familiarity with freshwater issues and sustainable finance, including engaging financial institutions on water-related dependencies, impact, risks and opportunities. Previous involvement in centrally funded international projects with multi-partner consortia, supporting knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and applied research in global contexts. LanguagesLanguages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages would be an asset. Additional InformationSkills & Knowledge: Understanding of the intersection of freshwater ecosystems, climate resilience, and sustainable finance, supporting financial institutions to integrate water-related risks into investment strategies and decision-making processes. Experience supporting the coordination multi-stakeholder working groups. Analytical and research abilities applied in nature finance, and ESG analysis, with experience applying qualitative and quantitative methods. Clear communication and knowledge-sharing skills. Experience in stakeholder engagement, report writing, and contributing to workshop delivery, supporting policy positioning and practical implementation guidance. 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.