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 acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate and ultimately of the environment and society as a whole. The PRI is truly independent. It encourages investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks but does not operate for its own profit; it engages with global policymakers but is not associated with any government; it is supported by, but not part of, the United Nations.

Working at the PRI provides an opportunity to engage with highly motivated, culturally diverse professionals on a wide range of cutting edge issues, such as income inequality through the lens of sustainable finance. The PRI provides scope for development at all levels with opportunities for project leadership and management working alongside some of the most influential signatories and leaders across financial markets and economies.  In combination with a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and flexible working policies, PRI is a highly engaging place to work on truly transformative issues.

Job Description

This position is an exciting opportunity to join PRI to support investors in contributing to achieving a net zero emissions economy by 2050 as a Senior Associate focusing on net zero initiatives.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the Net Zero Financial Service Providers Alliance, which brings together financial service providers to support the goal of global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner (see more information here). We are looking for a team member who is passionate about climate change to help ensure the implementation of net zero commitments across a range of financial service providers. The role will involve operational management of the Alliance as well as content-focused support to sub-groups on implementing net zero commitments.

The role will work closely with PRI teams including Climate & Environment, Investment Practices, Sustainable Financial System, Driving Meaningful Data, Signatory Relations, and Communications. The incumbent will also work closely with the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.

Core Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Secretariat lead to ensure smooth operations of the Net Zero Financial Service Providers Alliance, including organizing meetings, circulating agendas, meeting materials and minutes, shared documentation, etc.

• Provide support to Alliance members in implementing their net zero commitments, with in-depth support for 1-2 sub-groups (sub-groups include index providers, ESG research & data providers, auditors, proxy advisers, credit rating agencies)

• Support the Secretariat lead with maintaining relationships with Race to Zero, Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, and ensure links with other relevant initiatives 

• Ensure connectivity of Alliance work with relevant PRI work and programmes including across Climate & Environment, Investment Practices, Sustainable Financial System, and Driving Meaningful Data

• Coordinate with all relevant PRI teams including Signatory Relations and Communications on Alliance developments

• Provide regular reporting of progress to relevant PRI Heads and Directors, with direct reporting to Head of Climate Programmes

Core Competences:

PRI expects roles at a ‘Senior Associate level’ within the organisation to demonstrate skills across the following core competencies:

Analytical

• Uses business knowledge and analysis to identify issues, applying fact-based insight to develop and evaluate options, offering solutions in a timely manner

• Identifies gaps in working practices that impact effectiveness and proposes solutions

• Maintains a professional and impartial stance in assessing all information which feeds into decision making

• Balances rigour with pragmatism in conducting analyses that are fit for purpose

• Effectively reviews and quality-checks all analyses

Business Awareness

• Focuses on maximising Signatory or operational value and driving PRI outcomes

• Actively keeps up-to-date with developments both within the PRI and externally

• Utilises knowledge and experience across the PRI to ensure highest quality outputs are delivered

• Balances the internal needs of the PRI and that of Signatory Organisations to deliver outputs

• Understands how own area of responsibility drives value to the PRI and meets its mission

Collaborative

• Builds consensus and trust amongst team members and wider colleagues

• Is responsive to feedback, proactively following up to ensure any issues are resolved

• Proactively engages with colleagues in the wider organisation to gain a broader understanding of issues

• Flexes style and approach based on colleagues’ level of understanding and preferences

Communicative

• Speaks in a variety of settings, varying style based on type of audience

• Uses a variety of innovative methods in presentations to engage the audience and improve their understanding

• Clarifies matters/issues by absorbing and understanding relevant information and feeding them back in concise terms

• Engages the recipient using their language, tailoring communication style for the audience

Developmental

• Knows and leverages own strengths

• Actively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge/ experience

• Gains input and facilitates challenge to improve processes and new ways of working

• Actively seeks and shares feedback wherever possible, as a means of improvement

• Maintains a local network of contacts to encourage knowledge sharing

Structured

• Has a strong sense of execution and delivery, working to agreed deadlines, involving relevant colleagues and allowing enough time for review and quality assurance

• Monitors and reports on progress, providing regular updates as appropriate

• Builds time into work plans or projects to assess performance and provide feedback

Technical Competencies & Experience:

• Professional experience in the field of climate change and responsible investment

• Strong programme and operations management skills, including effectively organizing meetings, taking minutes and communicating on progress

• Experience in at least one financial service provider sub-group

• Good multi-stakeholder convening and engagement skills including leading working groups, or similar settings, to deliver against joint objectives

• Ability to work with ambiguity and adapt quickly to changes  

• Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills with the ability to deliver high quality briefings and reports with minimal supervision 

• A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others, the ability to foster an inclusive working environment

• Good relationship management and interpersonal skills 

• IT/system skills (Microsoft Office, CRM, social media, webcasts, etc.) 

• Some regional and international travel may be required. 

• Eligibility to work in UK required

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.