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 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 policy team provides tools and insight to international standard setters, signatories and policy makers to advance progress towards a regulatory and investment environment consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission Statement and the Six Principles.

This includes developing positions on government policy and making public statements or submissions in PRI’s name. The work is conducted through evidence-based collaborative projects with PRI signatories and other stakeholders. More information on the PRI’s policy approach can be found on our website.

The successful candidate will support the development and implementation of the PRI’s policy strategy in the UK on sustainable finance. The Policy Associate will focus on the UK per the core responsibilities below, however they will be expected to support policy work in other markets on an ad-hoc basis.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop draft policy positions, consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission Statement, the Six Principles and ensuring consistency with other PRI positions where relevant

• Promote draft positions in consultation with signatories, including via the PRI Collaboration Platform; calibrating and integrating feedback

• Submit and present policy positions to UK government and regulators as well as international institutions and supranational organisations

• Develop good working relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. other investor networks, policy makers)

• Prepare and deliver content and communications (emails, policy briefings, webinars, blogs) to help PRI Signatories understand and contribute to sustainable finance policy developments

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

• Monitor and research key developments relevant to: sustainable finance in the UK and across PRI core markets; institutional investors and sustainability impact; and the PRI’s UK strategy on sustainable finance

• Identify research and data needs to support PRI’s work on sustainable finance (with most focus on the UK and investment impact)

• Contribute to wider policy team projects (signatories advisory group, newsletters, regulatory database, events, other ad-hoc administrative support etc.)

• Preparing briefing notes and presentations for PRI executives on PRI policy activities including for the CEO, team Director and team Heads

Core Competencies:

PRI expects roles at an ‘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 client centric – seeks to understand, listen, and respond to client 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 a 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:

• Good understanding of sustainable finance, investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to developments in sustainable finance

• Professional experience of engaging with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders and developing engagement strategies, preferably with some experience in UK institutions, public authorities, trade association or public affairs consultancy. Candidates with a strong academic background and experience will also be considered.

• Experience in policy analysis, formulating policy positions and conducting research, preferably including projects relevant to responsible investment.

• Outstanding communications and analytical skills demonstrated through professional experience, with professional English writing standard and editing skills

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

• Self-starter with ability to work autonomously

• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to get on well as part of a team

• A proactive attitude and collaborative approach to working with others. The ability to foster an inclusive working environment

• Knowledge of or interest in sustainable development and climate change, and their implications for public policy, with a philosophical commitment to sustainable investment and the mission of the PRI

• Education in economics, public policy, finance or international affairs is desirable

• Must be eligible to work in the UK.

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.