About the PRI

The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions.

The PRI’s three distinct capabilities relate to the core elements of the PRI’s approach to achieving a sustainable financial system.

• Translate RI (Responsible Investment) thought leadership into insights and practical support that is tailored to what signatories need to progress their RI practice

• Convene our vast network to create opportunities for collaborative action

• Harness our global scale to influence policymakers and regulators to effect system change

Job Description

The Director, ESG Issues is responsible for developing the PRI’s ESG issues and sustainability outcomes team capability, insights and house views, ensuring that the PRI can effectively and consistently support signatories across all of its activities.

The Director, ESG issues is also responsible for the contribution of the ESG Issues team to the single systems change plan for the PRI, reporting to the Director, System Strategy and Analysis.

The Director will manage the operational activities of the ESG Issues teams and Senior Leads (Including Climate and Environment, Social, Governance), providing direction, coaching and support, as well being responsible for management of team budgets.

The role will be responsible for the activities of the teams, which include initiating and overseeing the preparation of market-leading research and analysis, building productive working relationships with leading ESG issue organisations in the wider sustainable finance community, the development of models and programmes to engage with signatories, peer organisations and financial system participants.

The Director, ESG Issues reports to the Senior Director, Systems Strategy and Analysis.

Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for management and delivery of the PRI’s research and priorities on environment (including climate), social and governance related sustainability outcomes, in line with the PRI’s strategy.

• Responsible for the contribution to the sustainable systems change plan for ESG teams.

• ·Guide, support and facilitate the work of E, S, G Senior Leads to ensure a common approach to working across the PRI’s products and services for signatories, while allowing these Senior Leads to set the substantive positions.

• Ensure delivery against the team’s responsibilities under the business plan and in line with budget.

• Accountability for ensuring the team meet agreed deadlines, acting as a point of escalation for team performance and quality issues.

• Provide oversight and management of direct reports, supporting their development and managing their performance effectively to help the team fulfil their potential.

• Maintain and facilitate open exchange and dialogue with key stakeholder groups that contribute to strategic objectives for PRI’s work on environment, social and governance issues.

• Represent PRI externally on the PRI’s approach to ESG issues and outcomes, especially in terms of how the PRI bridges and connects the change drivers between ESG issues in the single change plan, in signatory engagement, high level meetings and with the media.

• Support and encourage the Senior Leads, ESG issues to be visible and available experts on their issues in signatory engagement, high level meetings and with the media.

• Provide regular reporting to the Executive as required.

Person Specification

• Leadership skills (including role-modelling positive behaviours, being genuine and vulnerable, driving change and making things happen) and the ability to think strategically and systemically and act for the long-term benefit of the organisation

•  Well-developed people management skills (including providing feedback & challenge, coaching and developing individuals) and the ability to build and lead high performing hybrid teams 

• Excellent networking, influencing and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong and productive relationships and demonstrate credibility at a senior level as a trusted partner in different circumstances (remote/in-person or internal/external) with a clear understanding of what drives people and how to achieve optimal outcomes  

• Strong facilitation skills. Diplomacy, tact, and ability to build consensus.

• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills. Identifies trends (and risks) and solves problems in a structured and rigorous way with a view implementing improvements

We particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian, and other People of Colour, those with visible or non-visible disabilities, LGBTQ+ candidates and those who are neurodivergent.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.