UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Senior Communications Consultant

Result of ServiceThrough 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 LocationWorking remotely Expected duration4 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 more than 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 needs a consultant to assist with their communications requirements with a focus on developing and executing plans that promote the work of the climate and nature teams but currently does not have enough relevant professional resources internally. 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 and climate change • Develop and implement project and topic-related communications strategies and strengthen existing communications products, 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 in particular climate and nature events and COPs and execute media outreach • Write and edit content for UNEP FI’s website, UNEP website, press releases, that builds internal and external visibility and increase interest among key stakeholder groups. • 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 publicity brochures, factsheets, policy papers, case studies, promotional videos, photographs, multimedia material, etc. as well as in recommending new communications products. • Coordination of service providers where applicable (designers, video producers, etc.) • Ensure appropriate content is available on UNEP FI’s members’ extranets. • Lead and support team members on press engagement, contributing to the maintenance of a high-quality media database and media monitoring reports as needed. • Organize press conferences, press briefings, interview and media events if appropriate. • 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. • Support across UNEP FI teams on communications planning and internal processes. • Coordinate on communications campaigns with colleagues across projects and workstreams 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 shall be under the overall supervision of the Head of UNEP FI and report directly to the Co-Lead Communications and the consultant will be working in close coordination with UNEP FI’s Communications Team and the UNEP FI Climate and Nature teams. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, PR, media, international relations, business, event management, administration, public relations, or a related field. A master’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, provided the candidate has 4 years of experience. Professional Experience: At least six (6) year’s working experience in communications, PR, or marketing. Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including media outreach. Experience working with or within the finance industry highly desired. 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 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. A hands-on, pragmatic approach is desirable. 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.