UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) - Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert
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 and promotes alignment with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. This role supports the European Commission's competitiveness agenda by helping the finance industry mobilize capital for a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive European economy.
Job Purpose
This role aims to advance the bankability and financing of a sustainable European economy by strategically engaging with EU policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions. The expert will operationalize key activities focused on building a value proposition for EU sectoral policy engagement for banks and promoting innovative finance solutions. The purpose is to bridge the gap between EU industrial and sectoral policies and the financial sector's capacity to mobilize capital at scale, supporting industrial decarbonization, circular economy transition, and broader EU Green Deal priorities. The role also ensures the integration of UN core values, including a human rights-based approach, leaving no one behind, and gender equality.
Responsibilities
The Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert will coordinate policy team engagement with EU processes like the Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal, building relationships with key stakeholders including the European Commission and EIB. Responsibilities include developing sectoral policy engagement frameworks, toolkits, and guidance for banks, and producing policy briefs. The role involves facilitating expert sessions and dialogues to align policy and finance. Additionally, the expert will coordinate the identification and scaling of innovative financial instruments, ensuring alignment with EU policy frameworks and promoting peer learning on bankable transition solutions. The expert will also represent UNEP FI in EU platforms and contribute to communications, ensuring alignment with UN core values and UNEP FI's Social Action Plan.
Work Experience
Requires at least ten years of professional experience in investment/lending, development finance, investment banking, banking regulation, supervision, and sustainable finance. Five years of experience in the banking sector, particularly within a European policy and banking context, is advantageous.
Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, good public speaking ability, professional network among financial sector regulators and policymakers, ability to travel, self-starter, and collaborative team player.