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 of UK & Ireland, Responsible Investment Markets will have the overall responsibility for enhancing Responsible Investment awareness and practice within the UK & Ireland market, supporting close to 800 signatories and managing a team of UK & Ireland Responsible Investment Managers.  

The Head will be Responsible for setting the strategy on how best to develop the local responsible investment ecosystem as well as for the coordination and local implementation of global PRI initiatives to drive progressive signatory action. This incorporates convening signatories and stakeholders, supporting signatory progression through outreach and advice, and supporting meaningful policy outreach within the market.

The role also involves the management of the PRI’s recruitment of new signatories and the coverage of our existing signatory base within the market. The role requires understanding of the local policy and regulation environment, working closely alongside the UK policy team colleagues in creating an enabling environment conducive to better responsible investment practices.

Domestic and international travel will occasionally be required primarily for signatory meetings, industry events and internal meetings. In addition, the Head will work closely with the Director of EMEA to provide strategic direction and support within and across PRI teams.

This is a great time to join the PRI as it is experiencing growth in both its presence and membership around the world at a time when responsible investment has entered the mainstream. The majority of investors now recognise the importance of incorporating ESG factors into their investment and ownership activities. Our aim over the next 10 years is to bring responsible investors together to work towards sustainable markets that contribute to a more prosperous world for all – working at the PRI, as a UN supported organisation, is a direct contribution to this mission.

Reports to the Director of EMEA

Will manage two existing UK & Ireland Responsible Investment Managers, with capacity for the team to grow further

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Director of EMEA, Markets  in delivering against the team’s business plan and budget

• Provide regular reporting to the Director of EMEA and Chief as required

• 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 and by collaborating with other country heads and responsible investment officers 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; in particular, working with Policy, Sustainable Systems and Investor Initiatives, 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 have been assigned to enhance signatory engagement and mobilize the RI ecosystem.

• Understanding of key local market issues and players amongst colleagues.

• 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 UK & Ireland regional business plan and budget that contributes to the overall EMEA Markets 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.

• Line management of existing Responsible Investment Managers within the UK & Ireland Markets team, supporting their professional development, setting team strategy and delegating responsibilities accordingly.

Person Specification and Selection Criteria

• Well-developed people management skills and experience of leading a team.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, reporting standards, corporate governance etc.) within the UK & Ireland market

• Previous experience within the asset management and/or asset owner industry is essential

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.

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.