UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Programme Coordinator

Through 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 210 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The 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 34 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 assist with all their programmatic coordination requirements across climate change, nature, policy and social issues, including communications support across, web-based, print, events and currently does not have the relevant professional expertise internally.

Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s communications work:

• Write content for, update and assist management of UNEP FI’s reports and websites
• Assist with coordination of materials on UNEP FI website in particular work to enhance the information available to members including the members’ area
• Assist with the management of, and produce content for events, social media channels in coordination with communications colleagues and other members of the UNEP FI secretariat
• Assist with the production of webinars and events for UNEP FI’s members and ad hoc mailings advertising events
• Assist with the management of projects across UNEP FI climate change, nature, policy And social issues teams

Outputs and Deliverables:

• Enhanced project management and coordination between UNEP FI teams on publications
• Enhanced communications with members and other stakeholders such as the media via improved newsletters and regular email campaigns
• Quality content control ensuring consistent tone
• Content calendar for UNEP FI and UNEP websites
• Gather statistics on project deliverables and feedback to improve coordination
• Publications process monitored and organized
• Clear and effective communications materials produced.

The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI as the overall supervisor, with direct supervision from the Co-Head of Communications, UNEP FI

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree in communications, marketing, PR, media, international relations, business, event management, Administration, public relations or a related field is required. A bachelor’s degree could be taken in lieu of master’s degree provided the selected candidate has 5 years of relevant experience.

Professional Experience: At least three (3) year’s working experience in communications, PR, or marketing. Up-to-date proficiency with project management and communications best practices, including digital communications is required. Experience in using webinar and online meeting platforms, online content management systems is required.

Languages

Languages: English is the working language of UNEP FI. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Additional Information

Skills & 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 data management, analysis, production of reports, 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 project, events, 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. An interest in sustainable finance for oceans/blue economy and land use/food systems is desirable.