UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Insurance and Risk Centre Junior Consultant

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 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). 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 assist the Insurance and Risk Centre team, including by writing reports, engaging with working group and assisting in the development of the team’s strategy. The consultant will play a key role in enhancing and expanding the team’s existing capacities. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s communications work: • Support the coordination of the PSI Working Group on Nature, including its technical working group and nature community of practice. • Contribute to research initiatives, translating findings into actionable insights and recommendations tailored for PSI members. • Assist in the development of technical guidance and insurance-specific strategies for nature, with a focus on mainstreaming nature-related risk assessments and disclosures, integrating nature into underwriting processes, and identifying opportunities to support nature-positive outcomes. • Support the coordination and facilitation of the PSI Nature Community of Practice, including the collection and publication of case studies to promote knowledge exchange among PSI members. • Assist in developing technical guidance to help integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into governance, strategy, risk management, and disclosures in financial institutions through the project Nature in the Boardroom. • Support the nature risk component and work streams at the Risk Centre. • Support the Risk Centre in providing guidance to the financial institutions regarding risk assessment, exposure and stress testing. Outputs and Deliverables: • Organize 5-8 PSI Working Group for Nature and community of practice meetings to share examples and case studies of insurance solutions for nature-positive. • Contributed to 1 technical guidance for insurance underwriting. • Collect and publish 10-15 case studies for the insurance sector. • Contributed to 1 technical guidance for the project Nature in the Boardroom. • Organize regional events to coincide with the UNEP FI RRT to road-test the proposed guidance and on the basis of this update further refine the guidance published in 2024. • Contributed to 1 technical guidance or working group for the Risk Centre. • Collaborate to the deliverables of the 2025 nature work streams of the Risk Centre as needed. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to UNEP FI Nature Lead, and work in close cooperation with the UNEP FI Nature co-Lead, Risk Centre and Insurance Team. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A master’s degree in environmental management, geography, finance, economics, risk management, international relations, or a related field. A first level university degree in combination with three (3) years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in the environmental non-profit sector, the financial services sector, commercial consulting, or conducted applied academic research on sustainable finance. This experience should be relevant for examining risks, policies, and the role of the insurance sector in nature preservation. 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 across different topics, ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. Knowledge of insurance and risk centre work is desirable, as is experience of writing reports, managing working group and supporting UNEP FI on risk integration across industry and thematic workstreams. The consultant is expected to support colleagues in implementing the insurance and risk centre 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. 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.