UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Senior Communications Consultant

Result of Service

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 300 banks collectively holding USD 89 trillion in assets, or almost half of the global banking sector, and the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI), established in 2012 by UNEP FI and today applied by one-quarter of the world’s insurers (33% 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.

Work Location

Working remotely / Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

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 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 their communications requirements to develop and execute communications plans that promote the work of UNEP FI but currently does not have enough relevant professional resources internally. Objectives: In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of UNEP FI Co-Lead of Communications, n close cooperation with the Climate and Nature Teams and across UNEP FI the consultant will support UNEP FI’s outreach and communications to the UNEP FI membership and the wider finance industry via press relations, online communications, social media, email campaigns. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will deliver the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s communications work: • Lead the communications in a number of areas of work at UNEP FI including but not limited to high profile initiatives relating to UNEP FI’s work on nature, climate change, and pollution and circular economy. • Provide strategic communications advice to project teams, develop talking points for team members and develop annual key messaging, with a specific focus on messaging for key stakeholder groups (financial institutions, donors, governments, etc.). • Lead the promotion of UNEP FI’s work at a number of key external events such as the Climate COP31 developing comprehensive communications plans for before, during and after the events. • Write and edit content for UNEP FI’s website, that builds internal and external visibility and increases interest among key stakeholder groups in particular financial institutions, the finance sector more broadly. • Ensure that all external communications are coordinated in terms of delivery and adhere to UNEP FI’s branding guidelines. • In support of the above work, lead the preparation of brochures, factsheets, policy papers, case studies, multimedia material, etc. as well as in recommending new communications products and channels. • Ensure appropriate content is available on UNEP FI’s members’ extranets and make recommendations for appropriate member-focused communications. • Write press releases and OpEds, organize press briefings, interviews and media events if appropriate. • Deepen relationships with key media, contributing to the maintenance of a high-quality media database and media monitoring reports as needed. • Lead and support team members on media engagement. • Lead other external communications activities on behalf of UNEP FI as necessary. • Support the UNEP FI team in their outreach work with members, other financial institutions, other UN agencies, NGOs, think-tanks where relevant. Outputs and Deliverables: • Clear and compelling key messaging and communications plans for UNEP FI’s work on nature, climate change, and other areas as advised • Media strategy and implementation of outreach in the above areas. • Enhanced communications with members and other stakeholders via improved content The consultant will report to: Overall supervisor: The Head of UNEP FI. Direct Supervisor: 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 9 years of relevant experience. Professional Experience: At least seven (7) years of working experience in communications, PR, or marketing is required. Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including media outreach. Experience working with or within the finance industry highly desired.

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. Good knowledge of the finance industry and financial institutions is desirable, as well as knowledge of the global financial media landscape, sustainable finance media or experience working with other global media. Experience of writing copy for press releases, social media, online articles, social media etc required. The consultant is expected to implement communications strategies and work plans across the team. The consultant should have the ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed team working across functions and with senior management. A hands-on, pragmatic approach is desirable.

No Fee

THE 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.