UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Nature Risk Assessment Guidance Consultant

Result of ServiceThrough these services, UNEP FI will deliver a final, peer-reviewed, and practically applicable Nature Risk Assessment Guidance for financial institutions, co-developed with the Equator Principles Association. This guidance will catalyze the integration of nature-related risk considerations into mainstream financial decision-making, supporting institutions in understanding and managing dependencies and impacts on nature. The final guidance will be presented to over 150 Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) at the EPA Annual Meeting in Istanbul (October 2025), contributing to the broader uptake of sustainability-aligned risk frameworks and supporting alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The work will also strengthen UNEP FI’s leadership in nature finance, reinforce collaboration with key institutions such as IFC and EBRD, and provide a foundational resource for ongoing capacity building and future iterations of nature-related risk methodologies. Work LocationWorking remotely Expected duration6 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 is looking for a Senior Consultant to review and consult on a set of draft guidance to finalize. The financial sector is increasingly recognizing the critical importance of incorporating nature-related risks into their decision-making processes, alongside climate and social risks. This shift is driven by the growing understanding of the dependencies and impacts of businesses on natural ecosystems and the potential financial implications of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and natural resource depletion. A collaboration between the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and the Equator Principles (EP) will in phase 1 aims to develop Nature Risk Assessment Guidance to address this need. This guidance will build upon the existing Climate Change Risk Assessment Guidance developed under the Equator Principles, relevant TNFD guidance, and other materials to provide financial institutions with practical methodologies to assess and manage nature-related risks effectively. The consultant will deliver the following tasks for UNEP FI’s nature and banking teams and its Risk Centre: • Work collaboratively with UNEP FI and EP so manage a Member and Stakeholder Review and Feedback Process, including iterating between EP and UNEP FI membership to review key drafts, and coordination with IFC and EBRD to align with their performance standard / requirements updates. • Address Comments Raised on Guidance Draft to a degree satisfying UNEP FI and EP, with scope for some matters being deferred to expected future editions of the guidance. • Finalisation, Launch and Presentation at the EPA Annual Meeting (Istanbul, October 2025): final or near-final guidance approved by EPA Steering Committee and UNEP FI by September 2025, allowing time for layout. Presentation at EPA Annual Meeting, 20-22 October 2025 to over 150 EPFI representatives: by UNEP FI with consultant participation optional. Objectives: • To deliver a peer-reviewed, technically robust and actionable guidance document on nature risk assessment for financial institutions. • To support member and stakeholder engagement that strengthens alignment with evolving risk management standards and sustainability frameworks. • To contribute to UNEP FI’s leadership and visibility in the global nature finance agenda through targeted engagement and presentation of guidance. Specific tasks and responsibilities : The consultant will lead the expert review, revision, and finalization of UNEP FI and Equator Principles’ joint Nature Risk Assessment Guidance, intended to equip financial institutions with practical tools and methodologies to assess and manage nature-related risks. The work will align with and build upon existing frameworks such as the Equator Principles Climate Change Risk Assessment Guidance, TNFD, IFC Performance Standards, and SBTN guidance. Specifically, the consultant will: • Coordinate a structured Member and Stakeholder Review Process, including drafting review invitations, collating and synthesizing feedback, and facilitating engagement with UNEP FI PRB banks and EP members. • Lead revisions of the draft Nature Risk Assessment Guidance to address stakeholder feedback and ensure technical robustness, practical relevance, and coherence with existing risk guidance frameworks. • Engage directly with key stakeholders including Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to ensure alignment with evolving performance standards. • Provide strategic input to UNEP FI communications, including language for launch materials, briefing notes, and a presentation for the EP Annual Meeting (October 2025). • Advise UNEP FI’s Nature and Risk teams on longer-term implications of the guidance for future workstreams, including Phase 2 development opportunities and capacity-building needs. - Throughout the assignment, the consultant is expected to work independently, liaise professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, and bring deep expertise in biodiversity, nature-related risks, and financial sector engagement to support the credibility and uptake of the guidance. Expected Outputs: • Draft Nature Risk Assessment Guidance revised and finalized following a structured Member and Stakeholder Review process. • Coordination notes, meeting summaries, and synthesis of feedback from stakeholders, including PRB banks, Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs), IFC, and EBRD. • Final (or near-final) guidance document delivered to UNEP FI and Equator Principles Association Steering Committee by September 2025, ready for layout and launch. • Presentation support for EP Annual Meeting (October 2025), including deck, speaker notes and communications briefing materials. The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Nature Lead. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A master’s degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline, with additional training in sustainable finance, ESG integration, or related fields considered an asset. A bachelor’s degree in combination with nine (9) relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree degree. Professional Experience: At least 7 years of experience in the field of business and biodiversity, with a strong track record advising major corporations, financial institutions, and policy platforms on integrating nature into decision-making, risk management, and strategy. Extensive experience working with global standards such as IFC Performance Standards, TNFD, and SBTN. Leadership across sectors including finance, extractives, infrastructure, and agribusiness. Demonstrated experience supporting the development and implementation of guidance and frameworks that align business practice with global environmental targets. Board-level experience and governance roles with leading biodiversity business organizations and/or networks. 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 communication skills in English, with a proven ability to translate complex scientific and sustainability concepts into accessible, action-oriented guidance for diverse audiences, including financial institutions. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated success working in multicultural and geographically dispersed teams across public, private, and civil society sectors. Skilled at bridging science and policy with corporate strategy and experienced in facilitating collaboration among institutions such as multilateral development banks, corporates, and UN agencies. A hands-on, pragmatic approach combined with high-level strategic thinking. Deep understanding of global sustainability frameworks such as TNFD, SBTN, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. An active contributor to global nature finance dialogues, with particular interest and experience in sustainable finance for land use, food systems, and the blue economy. 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.