UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Senior Manager – Nature Learning & Education

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 315 banks collectively holding USD 89 trillion in assets, or 50% 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). UNEP FI has an Ecosystems workstream that includes research and engagement with financial institutions on financing for a sustainable blue economy and sustainable land use and will expand its focus on sustainable finance for food systems. 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 work in the nature team to focus on awareness raising and capacity building and coordinate the expanding body of work on this topic under this thematic. UNEP FI is looking for a senior manager to coordinate the nature-related capacity building activities: · Coordinate the development of UNEP FI’s nature-related learning and education strategy, including global and regional approaches tailored by audience and thematic priorities, aligned with the wider UNEP FI learning and education approach. · Engage with FIs to maximize the uptake of UNEP FI's education and training offerings and work consultatively with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the global applicability of the education framework for nature · Support continuous development and implementation of UNEP FI learning & education, training and professional development strategy, focusing on the banking and insurance industries. · Coordinate engagement with financial institutions and key stakeholders to maximize uptake of UNEP FI’s nature-related capacity building activities and ensure they are globally and regionally applicable. · Coordinate ongoing development of capacity building materials for banks and insurers, ensuring alignment with UNEP FI’s education quality framework, regional tailoring, and integration of case studies. · Initiate and coordinate outreach activities on the nature thematic; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; · Represent UNEP FI on assigned topics/activities tandem with UNEP FI’s nature team, industry and regional coordinators, ensuring cross-team consultation and alignment. · Support monitoring and reporting on UNEP FI’s education and training, using consistent methodological approaches to allow identification of best practice on nature. · Coordinate UNEP FI’s capacity building activities under the SECO-funded project to advance nature action by financial institutions in South Africa, Peru, Colombia, and Indonesia in collaboration with other partners UNEP WCMC and Global Canopy. · Support delivery of PRB nature implementation activities including the coordination of the secondment of natural capital specialists in selected banks in South Africa and Colombia, including demonstration activities, target setting, and case study development Specific tasks and responsibilities : 1. Develop a global and regional nature-related capacity building strategy and approach The consultant will lead the development of a capacity building strategy and implementation plan for UNEP FI's nature-related work, ensuring it is globally applicable and adaptable to regional contexts. The strategy will identify target audiences, thematic priorities aligned with PRB and PSI nature-related guidance, and suitable delivery methods, drawing on a comprehensive needs assessment. The consultant will also design a quality monitoring and evaluation approach and assess the most appropriate tools, mediums, and formats for delivering training and capacity building. 2. Lead the development and delivery of nature-related capacity building materials and activities The consultant will be responsible for the continuous development of UNEP FI's capacity building materials, in line with the UNEP FI education and training quality framework. Materials will be designed for both global and regional application, tailored to banks and insurers, and informed by relevant UNEP FI guidance. This will include integrating practical case studies to enhance the relevance of capacity building for financial institutions. The consultant will coordinate and deliver capacity building activities globally and regionally, working closely with the UNEP FI nature team, regional coordinators, and the UNEP FI learning and education lead. 3. Develop a quality management and monitoring framework for nature-related capacity building activities In collaboration with the UNEP FI learning and education lead and drawing on input from UNEP FI’s network of education partners, the consultant will develop a quality management and monitoring framework for nature-related capacity building activities. This framework will ensure the application of consistent methodologies, best practices, and enable tracking of impact and effectiveness across all capacity building interventions. 4. Support nature-related capacity building under the SECO-funded nature project The consultant will support the natural capital specialists at selected banks to help further the nature agenda on a practical level in individual banks with demonstration activities. This would take place in PRB Signatory banks in South Africa and Colombia where UNEP FI and the ENCORE (‘Exploring Natural Capital Risks, Opportunity and Exposure’) partnership have already-established relationships. There should be a close working and learning journey between the piloting bank priority countries – to see the regional differences in application and outcomes as well as lessons learnt at the end of the circa 12 months. The consultant would also support the banks to set PRB nature targets and derive relevant case studies for the financial sector. This capacity building effort will be closely aligned with ongoing UNEP FI capacity strengthening programmes such as the PRB nature community. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to Programme Management Officer, working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Ecosystems team, Nature co-lead and UNEP FI Learning and Education lead. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education or natural sciences, environmental engineering, business, finance or a related discipline. A first level degree in combination with twelve (12) years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience related to financial sector, biodiversity and natural capital, with a focus on learning and development, capacity building, project management, or development programs, preferably in an international or intergovernmental context. Experience working in international development or with UN agencies or similar organizations is often highly preferred. Field Experience in focus countries Indonesia, Peru, Colombia and South Africa would be highly desirable. Experience in: Designing and implementing learning and development programs, Working with stakeholders, governments, civil society, and other partners to strengthen capacities. LanguagesLanguages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Spanish is desirable for the assignment. 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. The consultant is expected to have a track record allowing for sufficient credibility to work with senior professionals in target-setting, risk and disclosure. Experience in technical assistance in developing/emerging markets and experience working for public sector donors especially bilateral development agencies would be valuable. Experience living or working in the priority countries and/or those regions preferred. Proven experience with capacity building or development of learning materials. 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.