UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Climate Transition Banking Implementation Expert

UN Secretariat; Genf; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat seeks a senior advisor to support UNEP FI member banks in implementing climate target setting and transition finance guidance. You will coordinate working groups, develop guidance reports, and oversee climate transition work plans to advance the Paris Agreement goals.

English fluency is required; other UN languages are a plus. Role involves collaboration with financial institutions, NGOs, and policymakers to promote sustainable finance and human rights integration across

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; a Bachelor's with 9 years' relevant experience may substitute.
• At least seven years of relevant climate-related experience across public, private, or NGO sectors.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support working group meetings with banks and other banking members.
• Prepare reports and guidance for climate mitigation and Paris-alignment initiatives.
• Develop strategies for engaging real economy policy discussions and transition barriers.
• Organize webinars and events with expert speakers and manage logistics.
• Review guidelines for climate target setting for banks and provide practical feedback.
• Project manage the climate transition work plan and ensure alignment with UNEP FI’s social action initiatives.

Skills

Climate assessments

Climate target setting methodologies

Transition planning & finance

Sustainable finance knowledge

Facilitating multi-stakeholder groups

Education

Master's degree in economics/finance/environmental studies/IR/MBA

Bachelor's with 9 years' relevant experience

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between the UN and over 500 financial institutions. It drives the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading institutions. This role supports banks in implementing climate target setting and transition finance guidance, promoting sustainability across the financial sector.

Job purpose: This role aims to support member banks in implementing global finance sector principles for sustainability and climate action. The expert will assist banks with guidance on climate target setting, policy engagement, transition planning, and transition finance. The position contributes to UNEP FI's mission of aligning the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that human rights, leaving no one behind, and gender equality are integrated into all activities. The work involves technical assistance, developing tools, and facilitating peer learning to accelerate the financial sector's climate transition.

Responsibilities: Coordinate and support working group meetings with banks, preparing content and summarizing outcomes. Prepare reports and guidance to assist banks with implementing climate mitigation strategies, incorporating feedback from bank representatives. Develop strategies for engaging banks on real economy policy engagement to address transition barriers. Arrange and prepare webinars and events with expert speakers, managing logistics and content. Facilitate meetings with banking membership to discuss strategic direction and agree on deliverables. Assist in reviewing guidelines for climate target setting for banks. Project manage the delivery of the climate transition work plan. Ensure all communications align with UN core values and support the implementation of UNEP FI’s Social Action Plan.

Education: A Master's degree in economics, finance, environmental studies, international relations, business administration, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with 9 years of relevant experience may substitute for a Master's degree. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Work experience: At least seven years of relevant experience is required, examining the intersection of climate change with corporate impact, risk, and opportunity in the public or private sector, or with NGOs. Experience with financial institutions, particularly banks, in assessing climate impact and developing transition strategies for Paris alignment is desirable. Experience with real economy sectors' alignment with the Paris Agreement goals is also desirable.

Skills: Proven track record in climate-change-related assessments and analyses from a financial services perspective. In-depth knowledge of methodologies for measuring and setting targets for climate alignment in financial portfolios. Understanding of transition planning and transition finance. Familiarity with relevant discussions and institutions in sustainable finance. Experience facilitating collaborative working groups with diverse stakeholders, particularly in the financial services industry.

Required languages:

Desired languages: