Location: London

Basis: Full-time

Level: Associate

Salary: £24,000-30,000 p.a.

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

The Associate, Planning and Operations will be a part of the team that provides data, research and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) from across the organisation. This information is used  to help better inform decision-making, effectiveness at all levels of the organisation (from all staff, to the management / leadership forums, to the PRI Board), and assist with future planning (at the Executive and board).

The role will be within the Planning and Operations team but will require the individual to work with teams and individuals across the organisation.

The role will also assist with elements of the corporate secretariat work, associated with the PRI Board and its committees, including board planning, effectiveness and papers.

The role is a good introduction to both the PRI and responsible investment.

This role reports to the Director of Planning & Operations.

Core Responsibilities:

■      Data analysis on signatory (and non-signatory) trends.

■      Signatory consultations / surveys analysis as appropriate.

■      Assistance with the development of systems to monitor and report against strategic and management KPIs.

■      Assistance with the monitoring and reporting on projects within the project management system.

■      Establishing reports / dashboards for teams across the organisation.

■      Preparation of briefings and presentations for the planning and operations team.

■      Implementation of cross-organisational systems and projects.

■      Assistance with annual planning processes, Executive and board, as appropriate.

■      Assistance with regular reporting to the board, including against the measures and other items (analysis / special projects) as appropriate.

■      Drafting board and committee papers.

■      Responsibility for the annual PRI Board election process and other projects as appropriate.

■      Assistance with elements of board (effectiveness) processes, including board / chair assessment.  

■      Provide regular reporting to Director of Planning and Operations as required.

Core Competencies:

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

■ Analytical

•Incorporates the fullest range of information available into analysis and decision making

•Uses appropriate technical processes/systems to develop and evaluate options in an effective and time-efficient manner

•Assimilates data to draws out relevant insights and findings from analyses

•Identifies opportunities and risks to feed into decision making

•Presents analyses in an appropriate format providing clear and concise recommendations

■ Business Awareness

•Understands, and always works towards, the mission and the aims of the PRI

•Is curious about what is happening in other parts of the PRI

•Is Signatory centric – seeks to understand, listen and respond to Signatory needs

•Understands own teams’ objectives and seeks to internalise them in own activities

•Understands who does what at the PRI and uses the knowledge to complete activities

■ Collaborative

•Approachable, credible and willing whenever engaging with colleagues

•Actively and appropriately seeks input from others

•Focuses on interacting with colleagues in an positive and open manner

•Listens to what colleagues are saying, considers from different perspectives and tailor’s responses accordingly

■ Communicative

•Writes succinctly and clearly tailoring level of detail to the requirements of the end user

•Communicates clearly and precisely and able to convey thinking comprehensively

•Provides regular, clear and concise communications to manager, colleagues or other relevant people to keep updated on activities

•Structures and prepares well-written, logical outputs with limited guidance and editing

■ Developmental

•Demonstrates self-awareness: actively seeks feedback from others and acts upon it

•Explores new ideas with an inquisitive mind

•Questions the status quo and suggests new ideas

•Seeks out opportunities to drive continuous improvements in ways of working

•Open-minded attitude which welcomes change and new ideas

■ Structured

•Prioritises and organises time effectively, focussing on the key organisational priorities

•Develops ways of working and processes to execute and improve efficiency across the PRI

•Methodically tackles problems, working with colleagues where necessary

•Takes account of the needs of other colleagues and/or Signatories when considering how to execute a piece of work

•Promotes and utilises effective project management skills

Technical Competencies & Experience:

■      Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills.

■      Experience with research and data analysis.

■      A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others.

■      Excellent analytical skills.

■      IT/system skills (Microsoft Office, website management systems, CRM, etc.)

■      Good project management skills.

■      Proactive self-starter who looks to improve projects / systems / functions.

■      Attention to detail.

■      Interest in responsible investment is desirable.