Programme Officer

The Geneva-based United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic public-private partnership between UNEP and the global financial sector. UNEP FI works with approximately 220 financial institutions, which are signatories to the UNEP FI Statements of Environmental Commitment, and a range of partners and organisations, to develop and promote linkages between the environment, sustainability and financial performance. Through its working groups and regional activities, comprehensive work programme, training and research, UNEP FI carries out its mission to identify, promote, and realise the adoption of best environmental and sustainability practice at all levels of financial institution strategies and operations.

Started in 2015, the UNEP FI workstream on Positive Impact provides a platform for the Initiative’s banks and investors interested in working with solution providers, programme initiators and the wider community of stakeholders on two complementary fronts: a new framework for financial analysis (the Positive Impact Principles) and the development of impact-based business and financial solutions (solution-building hub), both ultimately aimed at delivering a vibrant positive impact market.

UNEP FI needs a Sustainable Finance Expert to provide project management support to its Positive Impact Workstream.

In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and approved by UNEP, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Lead for the Positive Impact initiative, and the overall direction of the Head of UNEP FI, the Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following project tasks:

• Apply finance sector expertise to support the UNEP FI work-stream on Positive Impact Finance, implementing the Positive Impact Roadmap in close collaboration with the UNEP FI Secretariat and member organizations.
• Coordinate the activities and meetings of the Positive Impact Initiative’s Working groups responsible for the development of guidance notes on the implementation of the Principles for Positive Impact Finance and the delivery of Principles-compliant products and services.
• Conduct related mapping, research and analytical work.
• Organise and manage related consultations (bilateral/group, remote/in-person).
• Pro-actively reach out to and engage banks, investors and key stakeholders, in particular auditing firms, analysts and extra financial raters, accordingly to maximize the relevance and uptake of the Principles.
• Coordinate the production process of guidance notes and other working group outputs as relevant.
• Participate in the roll-out and dissemination of the Principles for Positive Impact Finance and the guidance notes.
• Contribute to the Initiative’s communication efforts overall, namely by representing UNEP FI and the work stream in key financial and investment conferences and forums, and by providing media content.
• Support in the preparation and actively participate in the Positive impact members’ Quarterly Coordination meetings.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts as appropriate to strengthen the work stream and its development.
• Perform other tasks, as necessary.

a. Education

Master’s Degree in one of the following or related areas: finance, business administration, economics or sustainable development is required.
 
Or

Bachelor’s Degree in the same area with 2 additional years of relevant experience.

Focus on finance and sustainability issues is advantageous.

Proven understanding of the finance sector, the mainstream private and public financing chains and more novel financing mechanisms and entities, and standard analytical / decision-making processes inside financial institutions. Proven familiarity with sustainable finance concepts and trends. Track record of convening and interacting with investment and banking professionals, including business developers, risk managers, asset managers, investment bankers as well as C-suite audiences. Ability to understand complex issues and translate into operationally fit information and guidance.

Pragmatic, creative and tactful rather than ideological. Team player, motivated and optimistic. Multicultural.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.