Result of Service

The consultant will strengthen UNEP FIs engagement with investors, investor networks, data providers and rating agencies, supporting systemic change in how sustainability performance and impact of PRB signatory banks are assessed, recognized, and valued. The ultimate results include:

• Increased understanding and recognition of the PRB and its value proposition among investors and investor networks.
• Strengthened collaboration with data providers (including rating agencies) to identify, assess, and track relevant business-case metrics and initial impact-oriented metrics such as sustainable finance flows. Collaborative work with the UNEP FI Review Team.
• Delivery of insights and analysis that demonstrate the value of responsible banking for banks, investors, central banks, and the real economy, thereby contributing to a virtuous cycle of improved sustainability performance, transparency and recognition.
• Development of regular, structured exchanges between UNEP FI, investors, rating agencies and data providers, helping ensure PRB signatories sustainability performance is appropriately reflected in ratings, datasets, and external analyses. Work Location Working remotely / Home-based Expected duration 8 months Duties and Responsibilities The 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 UNEPs Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, 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. Launched in 2019 by UN Secretary-General Guterres and UNEP FI member banks representing USD 47 trillion in total assets, the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) guide the transition towards a sustainable global banking industry that plays a key role in helping society achieve its goals for a sustainable future. By becoming a signatory, banks commit to strategically aligning their business with and scaling up their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, the objectives of the Paris Agreement, and regional and local frameworks. The PRB framework helps banks understand risk and opportunities, set targets, progress objectives, and take action. Banks are expected to annually disclose their progress towards the six principles, being transparent about the positive and negative impacts of their portfolios and the actions taken to manage them. Over 350 banks from more than 90 countries, jointly representing about half of the global banking sector by assets are now Signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking. Banks play a key role in supporting the transition to the real economy; however, systemic change requires the engagement of multiple actors. While PRB signatories outperform non-signatories on sustainability and key financial metrics, investors are not yet fully aware of PRBs value. Their recognition of Responsible Banking as relevant to value creation and resilience, and their inclusion of it in engagements and investment decisions, are powerful incentives for banks. A robust dialogue with banks external and internal stakeholders demands credible data to demonstrate the business case for sustainability and the performance of PRB signatories relative to non-PRB signatories. ESG ratings, data and benchmarking are critical here. Data providers can be key partners not only in assessing performance but also in collaborating at the frontiers, including demonstrating impact through initial impact-oriented metrics such as sustainable finance flows, as well as data and analysis on sector-specific transition (business case) in key real-economy sectors. UNEP FI aims to strengthen relationships with data providers (including rating agencies), identify and track relevant metrics, and communicate the benefits of strong sustainability practices to individual businesses and the economy. This will create a virtuous cycle where investors and other key stakeholders value responsible banking approaches, encouraging banks to continue advancing toward leading practices. UNEP FI can act as a convener between member banks and these stakeholders, helping advance systemic change. UNEP FI require a consultant to carry out this role as part of UNEP FIs Banking team and, where relevant, in close collaboration with other UNEP FI teams. The consultant will lead UNEP FIs engagement with investors and investor networks to:
• Increase awareness of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and their value proposition.
• Act as a convener between banks and these stakeholders to advance systemic change. The consultant will also lead UNEP FIs engagement with data providers (including rating agencies) to:
• Develop and communicate evidence-based insights demonstrating the business case for sustainability alongside initial impact-oriented metrics such as sustainable finance flows.
• Continue global and regional benchmarking of PRB Signatories.
• Provide and position relevant insight for stakeholders, including investors, central banks and policy makers.
• Identify and close data gaps relevant to assessing sustainability performance.
• Work toward encouraging the sustainability performance of PRB signatories is appropriately reflected in ratings and data products.
• Develop additional collaborations as relevant to UNEP FIs Responsible Banking work. Objectives: The result of the consultants work will be the following successful high-quality outputs defined under the outputs and deliverables section. The outputs described will need to be adjusted as exploratory steps yield relevant learnings and options to advance with key stakeholders, following the guidance of the expert hired. UNEP FI requires the Banking Stakeholder Engagement Manager to work in tandem with subject-matter experts and the UNEP FI Secretariat to strengthen UNEP FI’s relationship with key stakeholders. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will: 1. Investor Engagement
• Design and implement an engagement strategy with investors and investor networks to increase awareness of PRB and its added value.
• Map key global, regional, and national investors and investor networks and assess linkages with PRB community objectives.
• Organize, prepare, and follow up on initial convenings between investors/investor networks and the Banking Board or relevant PRB member groups.
• Build relationships with key investors and investor networks and develop regular communication channels.
• Contribute to positioning PRB signatory status as a meaningful signal of sustainability performance and alignment. 2. Rating Agencies & Data Providers:
• Build relationships with ESG rating agencies and sustainability data providers.
• Identify and prioritize key…