UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - One Ocean Finance Lead

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between the UN and over 500 financial institutions. It shapes the international sustainable finance agenda, setting global standards and fostering a network of leading institutions. UNEP FI engages financial institutions in integrating sustainability into market practices through frameworks like the Principles for Responsible Banking and Principles for Sustainable Insurance.

Job Purpose

The One Ocean Finance Lead will co-lead UNEP FI's contribution to the design of the One Ocean Finance Facility, a global initiative to unlock and scale capital for a sustainable ocean economy. This role involves mobilizing and engaging UNEP FI members and the broader financial sector around the Facility's investment plan and strategy. The focus will be on key sectors such as ports and shipping, insurance, and ocean health priorities, including plastics supply chains. The position ensures continuity with existing UNEP FI engagements while establishing the new function within the Nature Team, aiming to realign capital flows to meet urgent ocean finance needs, particularly in vulnerable nations.

Responsibilities

Co-lead UNEP FI's role in designing the One Ocean Finance Facility, collaborating with UN agencies and partners. Design and execute financial stakeholder engagement strategies, targeting approximately 50 institutions through webinars and consultations, focusing on banking, insurance, and investor perspectives. Consolidate financial sector inputs into the Facility's investment plan and strategy, ensuring actionable recommendations. Co-lead the facilitation of Working Group activities, including agenda setting, speaker engagement, and tracking. Lead UNEP FI's engagement with the ports and shipping sector, building on existing initiatives and maintaining dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Lead engagement with the insurance sector on ocean-related risks and opportunities, in cooperation with the PSI Secretariat. Integrate plastics-related finance workstreams into the blue economy focus. Represent UNEP FI in external forums and contribute to communications on the blue economy.

Work Experience

At least seven years of professional experience in sustainable finance, with a proven track record at the intersection of financial institutions and environmental policy. Direct experience with UNEP FI workstreams, including leadership in plastics and circular economy finance, is strongly required. Experience engaging the ports/shipping and/or insurance sectors on sustainability, and working with the UN on multi-stakeholder facility design, are valuable assets.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong interpersonal and convening abilities. Demonstrated capacity to mobilize and steward senior financial sector stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively. Strong attention to detail. Familiarity with UNEP FI, PSI, PRB, Poseidon Principles, Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, and Global Plastics Treaty negotiations is highly desirable. Pragmatic, collaborative approach and ability to build strong working relationships.

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