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 US Policy Senior Specialist works across regional and global teams to provide tools and insight to local policymakers, government departments, regulators, standard setters, and PRI signatories to pursue and deliver real-world sustainability outcomes consistent with the implementation of the PRI’s Mission and the Six Principles.

This includes translating the PRI’s global positions on sustainable finance strategies and frameworks, as well as climate, nature, and human rights policy, and developing local positions for the US market, developing positions on and responding to government policy, and making public statements or submissions in the PRI’s name. The work is conducted through evidence-based research and collaborative projects with PRI signatories and other stakeholders. More information on the PRI’s policy approach can be found on our website.

The Policy Specialist will work closely with colleagues in the RI Ecosystems and Initiatives teams based in the US, as well as colleagues in the wider global RI Ecosystems and Policy teams. The successful candidate will focus on the US per the core responsibilities below, however they will be expected to collaborate on policy work in other markets on an ad-hoc basis.

The US Policy Senior Specialist reports to the Head of US Policy in the North America RI Ecosystem.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop strategy and policy positions, consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission Statement, the Six Principles and ensuring consistency with other PRI positions.

• Lead on content development and communications under the guidance of the Head of US policy to support growth of the PRI’s US Ecosystem, increasing PRI Signatory support for sustainable finance policy.

• Submit and present finance and /or economic policy positions to policymakers and regulators at a senior (principal) level.

• Prepare briefing notes and presentations for PRI executives, PRI Ecosystem and global staff on PRI policy activities-- including for the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Build and maintain good working relations throughout the PRI’s North America ecosystem including with key signatories and stakeholders (e.g. other investor networks, policy makers).

• Work to build consensus with US signatories on draft policy positions, calibrating and integrating feedback.

• Work collaboratively with the PRI’s Global Policy Team, Regional Policy Teams and other relevant teams to develop relevant policy positions and seek global regulatory alignment.

• Monitor and research key developments relevant to sustainable finance, the economic transition and climate-neutrality related policies in the US.

• Identify new areas of research and advocacy to support PRI’s work on sustainable finance policy.

• Support more junior members of the team by providing guidance and advice on individual workstreams.

• Advise and assist the Head of US Policy in developing policy priorities and implementation strategies.

• Contribute to wider policy team projects (signatory advisory groups, newsletters, regulatory database, events, other ad-hoc administrative support etc.).

Person Specification

• This list is representative (though neither exclusionary nor exhaustive) of the skills, experience, and behaviours needed to be successful in the role. Applicants will be assessed against the below criteria during the recruitment process.

• Working knowledge of the PRI, investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to sustainable finance and responsible investment.

• Working knowledge of public policy considerations of the US financial sector. Prior work on sustainable finance policy preferred, e.g. ESG disclosure and data, non-financial reporting, corporate governance, proxy voting, etc.

• Previous experience in policy analysis, formulating policy positions and conducting research, preferably including projects relevant to the finance industry.

• Outstanding communications and analytical skills demonstrated through professional experience, with professional English writing standard and editing skills.

• Comfort presenting to groups, speaking in public and facilitating workshops and an ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.

• Demonstrable experience engaging with investors, policymakers, and/or key stakeholders at a senior level.

• Knowledge of or interest in sustainable development and climate change, and their implications for public policy, with a philosophical commitment to sustainable investment and the mission of the PRI.

• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Additional Selection Criteria:-

• Demonstrable experience developing advocacy strategies, preferably with experience working at US policymakers and regulators, trade association, public affairs consultancy or relevant non-profits.

• Comfort with remote working systems and practices, and working alone or as part of a small office.

• Education in economics, public policy, finance, international affairs or similar preferred.

• Advanced degrees (MPP, MBA, JD) or relevant industry qualifications (CFA, CAIA) would be an asset.

We particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups, including Black, Indigenous, and 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.