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 Business Development (“BD”), ASEAN will drive the growth and retention of UNPRI signatories across the region, strengthening long-term partnerships with institutional investors and other key stakeholders. This is a senior, strategic role focused on managing complex client relationships across multiple engagement cycles, building trust, deepening relationships and securing collaboration and that advance responsible investment across diverse APAC markets.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy for signatory growth and retention across ASEAN, aligning with UNPRI’s global and regional priorities.

• Build and nurture trust-based relationships with institutional investors, asset managers, and asset owners, ensuring sustained engagement through multiple renewal cycles.

• Serve as a credible voice on ESG integration, responsible investment frameworks, and sustainable finance policy, capable of discussing both theory and practice with senior investment professionals.

• Identify signatory needs and design tailored engagement strategies that translate ESG principles into actionable investment behaviour.

• Oversee key account management for priority signatories, ensuring consistent, high-quality relationship management and measurable outcomes.

• Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative regional business development team, fostering accountability and professional growth in hybrid and cross-border settings.

• Partner with internal teams to align business development efforts with thought leadership, policy engagement, and market intelligence.

• Deliver against KPIs, pipeline metrics, and signatory growth targets.

Person Specification & Selection Criteria

• Proven success in senior business development or client relationship roles within institutional investment, asset management, or sustainable finance sectors.

• Strong record of securing repeated client mandates through long-term relationship management built on credibility, insight, and trust.

• Deep and practical understanding of ESG integration spanning investment processes, stewardship, regulatory frameworks, and policy trends.

• Skilled communicator with the ability to adapt style and substance across markets of differing maturity, regulatory environments, and institutional readiness.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive under pressure, reframing challenges as opportunities and maintaining focus amid ambiguity or shifting priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in finance, economics, sustainability, or engineering related field preferred.

• Fluency in English essential; proficiency in an Asian language would be an asset.

Key Competencies and Criteria

• Relationship Leadership & Trust Building

• ESG and Responsible Investment Expertise

• Cross-Border Collaboration and Leadership

• Strategic Influence & Stakeholder Management

• Adaptability and Problem Reframing

• Commercial and Mission Alignment

• As this is a regional role, international travel will be required   

• Proficiency in English is a must and another Asean language, Bahasa Malaysia, Indonesia or Mandarin is preferable. 

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.