UNEP Finance Initiative Jobs 2026: Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert – Remote Consultant Role
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is seeking a Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert for a 12-month consultancy focused on sustainable finance, European Union policy engagement, and industrial decarbonisation. The position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the development of financing solutions that support a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive European economy.
The consultancy is advertised under Job Opening ID 287011 and is managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Although the duty station is listed as Geneva, Switzerland, the assignment is designated as remote and home-based, potentially allowing the successful candidate to work remotely.
Applications close on 12 November 2026.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert
- Organisation: United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
- Department: United Nations Environment Programme
- Job Opening ID: 287011
- Job Category: Consultant / Individual Contractor
- Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
- Work Arrangement: Remote / Home-based
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Date Posted: 22 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 November 2026
Interested candidates can apply through the official United Nations recruitment portal.
About UNEP Finance Initiative
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and more than 500 banks, insurers, and investors worldwide. It works to advance sustainable finance and encourage the financial sector to support the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through research, policy engagement, training, and collaboration with financial institutions, UNEP FI promotes financial practices that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic development.
This consultancy will support efforts to connect European industrial policy with the financial sector’s ability to mobilise capital for sustainable economic transformation. The work will focus on translating environmental and industrial policy objectives into practical financing opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert will coordinate policy engagement activities and help strengthen collaboration between financial institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
1. EU Policy Engagement
The consultant will develop frameworks, toolkits, and guidance to help banks engage effectively in European Union sectoral policy processes. This will include analysing relevant policies and identifying opportunities to align financial sector practices with EU sustainability and industrial competitiveness priorities.
2. Sectoral Policy Research
The successful candidate will contribute to policy briefs and recommendations covering priority sectors, including energy, transport, real estate, chemicals, and the circular economy. The objective is to translate policy developments into practical investment and financing pathways for banks.
3. Innovative Finance Solutions
A central component of the assignment involves identifying and promoting innovative financing instruments that support industrial decarbonisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
These may include blended finance, guarantees, securitisation structures, and Carbon Contracts for Difference. The consultant will also explore alignment with public financing mechanisms, including InvestEU and European Investment Bank guarantees.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
The role involves facilitating discussions and roundtables involving banks, European policymakers, industry representatives, public finance institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The consultant will also support UNEP FI’s participation in European policy platforms, working groups, and strategic dialogues.
5. Knowledge Development and Reporting
Expected outputs include sectoral policy briefs, engagement toolkits, stakeholder dialogue outcomes, and a compendium of innovative financing solutions. The consultant will work with UNEP FI’s policy, banking, climate, nature, and communications teams to support effective delivery.
The assignment will also incorporate human rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Required Qualifications and Experience
The vacancy information provided does not specify detailed educational qualifications, minimum years of experience, or language requirements.
However, the responsibilities indicate that relevant expertise in sustainable finance, European Union policy, financial regulation, industrial transition, or policy engagement would be valuable.
Experience working with financial institutions, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international organisations may also be relevant to the assignment’s objectives.
Applicants should review the official vacancy announcement carefully to confirm the complete eligibility criteria and any additional application requirements before submitting an application.
Why Consider This Consultancy?
This 12-month assignment offers an opportunity to contribute to international sustainable finance initiatives while working remotely. It combines policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, financial innovation, and environmental sustainability.
The role may particularly interest experienced professionals who want to influence how financial institutions support industrial decarbonisation, circular economy investments, and sustainable economic growth.
By connecting policy ambitions with bankable investment opportunities, the consultant will help address a key challenge in the green transition: ensuring that sustainability commitments translate into financing for real-world projects.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Applications for the UNEP FI Senior EU Policy Engagement Expert consultancy close on 12 November 2026.
Candidates should consult the official United Nations recruitment portal for the full vacancy details and application instructions.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that their professional experience aligns with the consultancy’s policy engagement, sustainable finance, and stakeholder coordination responsibilities.
