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

The Policy Specialist Canada works across PRI’s regional and global teams to engage with local policymakers, government departments, regulators, standard setters, and PRI signatories across the region to help them pursue and deliver a sustainable financial system consistent with the implementation of the PRI’s Mission and the Six Principles.

Primarily working as a Policy Specialist, Canada, this role will be responsible for collaborating on the development and implementation of the PRI’s regional policy strategy and engagement programme, working closely with colleagues in the RI Ecosystems (RIE) and Initiatives teams based in Canada, as well as colleagues in other PRI regional and global policy teams.

This role will involve developing and engaging on policy positions, statements, submissions, and frameworks relevant to Canada, drawing on PRI’s global policy positions on sustainable finance, climate, nature, and human rights policy. The PRI’s policy work is conducted through evidence-based research and collaborative projects with signatories and other stakeholders. More information on the PRI’s policy approach can be found on our website.

This position will also support the Canada RIE Team in developing the Responsible Investment ecosystem in Canada by providing investors with tools, convening signatories and stakeholders, and supporting PRI’s recruitment of new signatories and the coverage of our existing signatory base in the region.

The Policy Specialist, Canada reports to the Head of North American Policy in the Americas RI Ecosystems team, with a dotted reporting line to the Senior RIE Manager covering Canada, in the Americas RI Ecosystems team. They will work closely with the full Americas RI Ecosystems team.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the development and implement of the PRI’s policy strategy across Canada, consistent with the PRI’s Mission Statement and the Six Principles, ensuring consistency with other PRI positions (where relevant).

• Develop and engage on reasoned and evidence-based policy positions (Consultations, Letters, Sign on Statements, and Policy Reports) consistent with the PRI’s policy approach.

• Develop relationships with and proactively engage with senior members across the PRI Canada ecosystem, including with policymakers, signatories, and stakeholders (e.g., other investor networks and NGOs) to foster joint engagement.

• Prepare and deliver content and communications (emails, policy briefings, webinars, blogs, newsletters) to support the Responsible Investment ecosystem in Canada.

• Develop engagement with Canadian signatories through successful new signatory on-boarding, signatory review meetings, reporting and assessment sessions and other PRI-supported events.

• Support the PRI's participation in events and meetings with key stakeholders (for example, preparing briefings and presentations, follow-up actions, logistics, etc.)

• Monitor and research key developments relevant to sustainable finance in Canada, including but not limited to corporate and investor disclosures, investor duties, taxonomies, stewardship, and sustainability outcomes.

• 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 consultants

• Collaborate with the PRI’s Global Policy Team and RIE Americas Team to align activities in Canada with the broader efforts of the PRI.

Person Specification

• Education in sustainability, economics, law, public policy, finance, international affairs, or a related field is desirable.

• Strong verbal (including public speaking) and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in professional-level French preferred.

• Experience or knowledge in the investment industry, with a good understanding of the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to developments in sustainable finance and responsible investment, including the role that policy plays within Canada.

• Good knowledge of Canadian sustainable finance policies and frameworks (e.g., standards, climate disclosure frameworks, stewardship codes, etc.).

• Knowledge of or interest in climate change, nature and/or human rights, and their implications for public policy.

• Ideally has professional experience engaging with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders and developing advocacy strategies, preferably with some experience in Canadian institutions, public authorities, trade associations, or public affairs consultancy.

• 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.

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

• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously. Candidates should be comfortable with remote working systems and practices as this role is 100% remote.

• Occasional domestic and international travel may be 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.

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.