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 Head for Middle East and North Africa Responsible Investment (RI) Ecosystems will have the overall responsibility for enhancing Responsible Investment awareness and practises across the MENA region.

The Head will be responsible for setting strategy on how best to develop the local responsible investment ecosystems as well as for the coordination and local implementation of global PRI initiatives to drive progressive signatory action. This incorporates convening signatories and stakeholders in individual markets, supporting signatory progression through outreach and advice, and supporting meaningful policy outreach within those markets, working closely with the Head of Africa and other Heads across Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

The role also involves recruitment of new signatories and the coverage of our existing signatory base in the region. The role requires understanding of the local policy and regulation and working closely with our policy team colleagues in creating an enabling environment conducive to comprehensive RI practises.

There are currently no team management responsibilities; however, management responsibilities may expand as PRI deepens its penetration in the region.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the RIE Directors and Chief Responsible Investment Ecosystems Officer in delivering against the team’s business plan and budget

• Raise awareness of Responsible Investment amongst regional asset owners, investment managers, service providers and other PRI stakeholders.

• Outreach/Growth: target the recruitment of new signatories amongst public and corporate pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, endowments/foundations as well as key investment managers and investment consultants as per agreed strategic targets.

• Signatory engagement: build relationships with strategic signatories important to the overall successful development of the local RI ecosystem. This can be achieved through a combination of 1:1 and group signatory meetings, Reporting and Assessment sessions/Communities of Practice and other PRI-supported events.

• Stakeholders: Strengthen relationships with key targeted stakeholders in the region to support the development of responsible investment locally

• Team Collaboration: Aid in the overall team effectiveness by contributing to team meetings, including cross-functional meetings focused on building PRI’s emerging markets presence and engagement, and by collaborating with colleagues within the region and across other regional RI Ecosystem teams and the wider organisation.

• Working across PRI: Initiate and strengthen working relationships with PRI’s other teams on local market-related issues, serving as the PRI’s expert in the region, ensuring the latest PRI tools and guidance are taken to the local signatory base as appropriate.

• Projects/Working Groups: Contribute to and in some cases lead the ongoing delivery of any specific working group or ad hoc projects that are aligned to the RI ecosystems strategy and that of the wider organization.

• Events: Represent PRI at relevant events to help raise the organisation’s profile in the region, network across the local RI ecosystem and help showcase relevant recent research, initiatives and guidance.

• Local Market Business plans: Prepare and deliver the regional business plan and budget that contributes to the overall RI Ecosystems strategic objectives as well as those of the broader PRI. This will include providing a clear picture of the local market via provision of data, knowledge of local trends etc.

• Provide coaching and mentoring to more junior members of the RI Ecosystems team, including sharing technical knowledge and expertise where appropriate

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

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

• Ability to influence decisions at a senior level and change the behaviour of others both internally and externally. Possess well developed emotional intelligence and diplomacy skills enabling them to build their unique brand/profile.

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

• Excellent business development skills including the ability to investigate growth opportunities using active listening and powerful questioning to understand stakeholder needs, provide solutions and influence outcomes

• 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 verbal (including public speaking) and written communications skills in English. Ability to engage and motivate, present complex information and lead meetings with senior stakeholders. Strong facilitation skills. Diplomacy, tact, and ability to build consensus within diverse perspectives.

• IT/Digital skills proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc). Proficiency in Salesforce, Asana and other relational database systems is an asset.

• Subject matter expertise and understanding of ESG and the broader finance space, notably around the sustainable finance agenda and responsible investment issues (ESG disclosure and data, stewardship and proxy voting, reporting standards, corporate governance etc.) within the MENA region. A general understanding of the MENA region's public policy considerations in the finance and investment industry. An understanding of the global space is an asset.

• As this is a global role, regional travel, along with intermittent travel outside of the region, will be required primarily for signatory meetings, industry events and internal meetings.

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.