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.

PRI Governance

The PRI Association, a company limited by guarantee, is governed by the PRI Association Board (the PRI Board) as set out in the Articles of Association of PRI Association. The PRI Board is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the PRI, in particular: establishing the PRI’s mission, vision and values; setting the strategy, risk appetite and structure; delegating the implementation of the strategy to the PRI Association Executive (the Executive); monitoring the executive’s performance against the strategy; exercising accountability to signatories; being responsible to relevant stakeholders. The board is supported by five committees: Finance, audit, and risk; Governance; People and Culture; Policy; and Progression and Accountability Oversight.

Job Description

The Deputy Company Secretary provides secretariat support to the PRI Association Board and committees and takes a leading role in all aspects of governance. The role is an important position within the Governance, Risk and Compliance team that also includes the PRI General Counsel.  

Core Responsibilities:

The role will assist the Director of Governance Risk and Compliance in supporting an effective and high-performing PRI Board, including:   

• Advise on governance to the PRI Board, committees, and the Executive.

• Secretariat support to the Board and committees including commissioning and preparing materials and minute taking.

• Coordination of the PRI Signatory General Meeting (the PRI equivalent of an AGM).

• Reporting about the role and actions of the PRI Board and its committees, including the annual board report.

• Leading on the annual and mid-term directors’ elections processes.

• Onboarding of new directors and UN partners.

• Supporting the annual board and chair review.

• Identify and make recommendations on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the PRI’s governance processes including regular review of governance related policies, rules, and procedures.

• Maintenance of the board and committee portal.

• Coordination of the annual calendar (meetings and agendas) for the PRI Board and committees.

• Provide governance advice and coordinate the on-going management of the PRI Association Group entities and branches.

• Support for other governance related projects, for example the Modern Slavery Transparency statement and associated actions.

• The role will be within the Governance, Risk and Compliance team but will require the individual to work with teams and individuals across the organisation.

Person Specification

• A proven track record of governance expertise and experience. Experience within a mission led or not-for-profit is desirable but not mandatory.

• Experience of governance and compliance related to subsidiaries and branches.

• Experience in providing advice to boards and senior executives.

• Partly or fully qualified Chartered Company Secretary desirable, but not mandatory.

• Excellent written communication (including minute taking) and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills and experience of building strong and productive relationships with senior executives and boards.

• A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others and committed to fostering an inclusive environment. 

• Project management skills, with a strong sense of execution and delivery, working to agreed deadlines, involving relevant colleagues and allowing enough time for review and quality assurance.

• Problem solving skills and a ‘can do’ attitude, able to take ownership of challenges and see them through to resolution.

• Demonstrates a commitment to developing others and a growth mindset, actively pursuing continuous profession and personal development.

• As this is a global role, international travel may be required, although typically infrequently and with plenty of advance notice.

• Language skills, other than English, are desirable but not mandatory.

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.

The PRI is committed to offering flexibility to our employees, both formal (e.g. part-time work) and informal (e.g. a shift in hours to accommodate caring responsibilities). Please talk to us about how we could make this role flexible for you.

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.