UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adaptation taxonomy coordinator

Result of ServiceUNEP FI requires the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adaptation taxonomy coordinator to work in tandem with subject matter experts, key stakeholders and UNEP FI Signatories to: • Lead the coordination and delivery of a regional mandate to develop an adaptation finance framework for ASEAN: a. Manage project set up, including coordination of relevant stakeholder groups b. Develop comprehensive project plan and key milestones c. Support hiring and onboarding of adaptation taxonomy expert d. Manage relationships with ASEAN, donor and key counterparts at UNEP FI e. Manage and coordinate drafting of mapping document on adaptation taxonomy best practice as well as regional adaptation plans in ASEAN f. Lead project reporting and budgeting as relevant with other UNEP FI stakeholders • Provide general support to the APAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the APAC region; • Produce and share regular analysis and mappings of policy and regulatory developments in the APAC region affecting the banking and insurance sectors, and identify opportunities for UNEP FI to engage in and support progressive policy reform in the region; • Support the building of a project pipeline of country mandates to support the development and implementation of sustainable finance regulatory frameworks, e.g. sustainable finance taxonomies. • Support the coordination of on-going work related to the development of sustainable finance regulatory frameworks at country level, e.g.in Laos and China • Support relevant and regular stakeholder engagements including with policy makers, regulators and supervisory authorities, meeting material, analytical minutes of meetings as relevant; • Support fundraising efforts as relevant; • Support with the implementation of the UNEP FI global policy programme The consultant will also work as part of the UNEP FI Policy team, in close coordination with the Banking team and Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator. Work LocationWorking remotely Expected duration5 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. Global policy and regulatory measures on sustainable finance have increased substantially over the recent years. Public policy critically affects the ability of finance institutions to generate sustainable positive and reduce negative impacts through financing decisions. It affects the sustainability and stability of financial markets, as well as social, environmental and economic systems. Sustainable finance policies have become central to enabling and accelerating a successful transition. UNEP FI's activities in in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region contribute to expand the regional sustainable finance market with the aim to attract private capital towards environmentally sustainable investments. Working on policy and regulatory developments in the APAC region provides an unique opportunity for UNEP FI’s Policy Team to consolidate its position as a leading advocate for sustainable finance globally. In addition, UNEP FI is has secured a first mandate from ASEAN to develop and adaptation finance framework. The team is working to expand country mandates to support the development of policy and regulatory frameworks in the APAC region. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and successful team working on this important and dynamic agenda. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering a regional taxonomy mandate and expand UNEP FI’s public policy strategy and APAC sustainable finance agenda. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will provide assistance in the following project/tasks: • Lead the coordination and delivery of a regional mandate to develop an adaptation finance framework for ASEAN: • Provide general support to the APAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the APAC region; • Produce and share regular analysis and mappings of policy and regulatory developments in the APAC region affecting the banking sector, and identify opportunities for UNEP FI to advocate for progressive policy reform in the region; • Ensure relevant and regular stakeholder engagements including with policy makers, regulators and supervisory authorities, meeting material, analytical minutes of meetings as relevant; • Support with the implementation of the UNEP FI global policy programme; • General support the UNEP FI regional team and PRB Signatories on APAC policy issues and coordination of internal communications on APAC policy; • Support with briefings on APAC policy initiatives and events as relevant; • Provide regular reporting to the policy team and management. Outputs and Deliverables: • The agreed deliverables for the corresponding period under the regional mandate to develop an adaptation finance framework for ASEAN • Provide general support to the APAC Policy Lead with the coordination of the overall UNEP FI policy portfolio of activities in the APAC region; • Written feedback of the meetings and relevant stakeholder engagements; • APAC policy input into the UNEP FI global policy programme as relevant; • Communications material for engagement sessions with PRB Signatories and other stakeholders, including general support for communications, webinars, events etc. related to the APAC policy programme; • Coordination and progressive lead of (selected) UNEP FI APAC projects and activities. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and will be reporting directly to the Programme Officer responsible for Policy. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A master’s degree in the following areas: public administration, economics, law, business administration, international relations, administration, or finance studies and/or marketing/communications. A first level degree in combination with nine (9) years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Professional experience: At least 7 years of professional experience and expertise in sustainable finance policy and regulatory frameworks, ideally in Asia-Pacific. Ideally initial professional experience in the field of finance regulation with a focus on banking regulation, and in stakeholder engagement and management. Practical experience in supporting the intersection between sustainable development and finance. LanguagesEnglish is the working language of UNEP FI. Fluency in Mandarin is desirable. Additional InformationSpecial skills/Knowledge: • Proven track record of contributing to policy change in sustainability, finance or a related field. • Proven experience of working on sustainable finance in the Asia-Pacific context would be highly advantageous. • Proven experience in taxonomy development would be an asset; • Excellent written communication skills, with experience of writing in a concise, credible and persuasive manner. • Excellent verbal presentation skills. • Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills. • A collaborative and consultative approach to others. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English, strong interpersonal skills; ability to cope with juggling multiple tasks across diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; attention to detail. 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. • Reliable and delivers consistently high quality within agreed timeframes. Colleagues, external partners and constituents/clients trust the candidate because they follow through on commitments towards others. Well-organized self-starter with proven ability to move multi-stakeholder processes and initiatives forward at a good pace. Can motivate others and develop inclusive structures and processes that cater to the needs of clients/constituents and create ownership. Team player understands work as contributing to an overall objective, not an end in itself. Can adapt behavior and style of communication to different cultural contexts. • Motivated and driven by the purpose the team/organization is working towards and the impacts they are trying to achieve. 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.