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 of include Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) now committed to by more than 300 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.

Work Location

Working remotely / Home-based

Expected duration

5 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 all their communications requirements, including digital, web-based, print and currently does not have the relevant professional expertise internally. Objectives: In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meetings and under the direct supervision of the Co-Head of Communications, in close cooperation with the communications team and the wider UNEP FI team, the consultant will support UNEP FI’s outreach and communications to the General membership and the wider finance industry via online communications, social media, email campaigns, and press relations. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities: The consultant will aid in the following project/tasks for UNEP FI’s communications work:

Lead the communications for a number of initiatives covering aspects of UNEP FI’s work developing and executing compelling communications plans tailored for the finance sector. This work may cover areas such as nature, pollution and circular economy, and social and human rights issues.
Lead UNEP FI’s communications for high-profile events such as the Biodiversity COP 17 including compelling communications tailored for financial institutions, as well as other target audiences such as policymakers. Communications to cover pre, during and post event collateral such as social media campaigns, web content, articles, articles to place in the media.
Work closely with other members of UNEP FI’s communications teams and the wider UNEP FI team on communications planning, key messaging, promotion of publications, webinars, events etc.
Write content for, update and assist management of sections of UNEP FI’s website
Manage and produce content for UNEP FI’s social media channels in coordination with communications colleagues and other members of the UNEP FI secretariat
Provide input into monthly newsletters for UNEP FI’s members and ad hoc mailings advertising UNEP FI’s work
Convene from time to time small groups of UNEP FI’s members including banks and insurers to discuss communications projects and develop content/member packs for use by members, financial institutions and partners where appropriate.
Assist with outreach to media on key projects and events
Lead the production of web and social media analysis on communications campaigns
Assist with updating and reviewing data in UNEP FI’s data and mailing systems
Management of content on UNEP FI’s members’ extranet taking into account the needs of UNEP FI’s members. Outputs and Deliverables:
Enhanced communications with members and other stakeholders such as the media via improved newsletter, web and social content
Quality social media content ensuring consistent tone
Gather statistics and feedback to improve communications
Media list and analytics maintained
Communications campaigns calendar and planning maintained
Publications process monitored and organized where relevant
Clear and effective communications materials produced. The consultant will report to: Overall supervisor: Head of UNEP FI. Direct Supervisor: Co-Head of Communications, UNEP FI

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A master’s degree in communications, marketing, PR, media, international relations, business, Administration, public relations, or a related field such as environmental science 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 is required. Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including digital communications particularly social media. Experience in the finance sector is desirable. Experience in using webinar and online meeting platforms, online content management systems, social media packages such as Hootsuite and Canva is desirable.

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 social media 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 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.

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.

UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Communications Consultant