• Join purpose driven organisation, with a great culture and ambition to make a game changing impact on sustainability and social impact through finance   

• Opportunity to significantly shape the future of sustainable finance in Australia and unlock capital for climate, environment and social impact that benefits all Australians. 

• Work with industry, government, regulators, and civil society 

The Organisation: 

The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) was established to realign the Australian financial services system so that more money flows to activities that will create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive Australia. Our members include Australia’s largest banks, super funds, asset managers, insurers and financial services firms who are committed to ASFI’s vision. 

  ASFI is leading and coordinating implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap – an initiative by the finance sector, civil society, academia and government that sets out 37 recommendations for a sustainable financial system. ASFI works collaboratively to accelerate corporate leadership and government policy for sustainable finance. 

Position Purpose:  

ASFI and the Australian Government have commenced a joint initiative to develop an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy. The initiative will draw from work undertaken internationally on sustainable finance taxonomies to an Australian taxonomy that is credible, usable, and internationally interoperable, while reflecting the Australian economy and context. The taxonomy will provide a common standard for sustainable and transition finance in Australia, thereby helping channel more capital into supporting the climate transition and achieving our emissions reduction targets. 

Over the next 12 to 18 months, ASFI will be coordinating the development of technical screening criteria for key priority sectors, and associated technical work on data requirements, methodology for incorporating transitional activities, minimum social safeguards and a ‘Do No Significant Harm’ framework. 

ASFI has convened a Taxonomy Technical Expert Group (TTEG) comprising experts in sustainable finance; whole-of-economy decarbonisation; climate and environmental science and policy; human rights; and Indigenous rights and perspectives. The TTEG’s role is to consider, provide input into and endorse the development of technical screening criteria and other products, with input from taxonomy and sustainability specialists.  

ASFI is the secretariat for the TTEG. ASFI is undertaking comprehensive stakeholder engagement across key sectors of the economy.   

The Australian Council of Financial Regulators’ Climate Working Group (CWG) are overseeing the initial phase of the taxonomy’s development, as part of its role in supporting the Australian Government’s forthcoming Sustainable Finance Strategy. 

Responsibilities: 

The Technical Manager, Taxonomy Development will work closely with the Taxonomy Project Lead and Taxonomy Project Manager to: 

• Undertake key research to inform inputs from taxonomy technical experts including: 

• mapping Australian regulation, policies and laws 

• benchmarking Australian industry best practice 

• technology pathways for the decarbonisation of Australian sectors (drawing on existing research) 

• Undertake research and draft taxonomy technical reports for TTEG endorsement on: 

• Taxonomy governance and institutional arrangements 

• The integration of the taxonomy into the broader sustainable finance architecture 

• Taxonomy future use cases 

• Usability and accessibility of taxonomy alignment.  

• Support Taxonomy Project Manager in the preparation of stakeholder engagement materials based on technical inputs.  

• Manage multiple competing and evolving, individual and project team priorities to ensure the project remains on track and delivers successful outcomes 

• Identify, escalate and address project inefficiencies, risks and issues in a timely manner 

Selection criteria:  

With a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in finance, public policy, law, economics, environment or a related discipline, you will possess a minimum of six year’s professional experience, in sustainability across climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and/or circular economy, and a demonstrated understanding of how sustainability is integrated into ESG considerations by the finance sector.   

Previous experience working on taxonomy development projects in other jurisdictions or on the technical design for sustainable bond criteria, will be highly regarded.   

You are adept at working in a small environment where people's opinions are valued and listened to. You thrive on open communication, transparency and are energised by a dynamic work environment. 

 In addition, you will possess the following skills: 

• Have clear understanding of the climate finance landscape of Australia and of the country’s climate policy  

• Demonstrate experience as lead or technical consultant for projects that have included stakeholder management processes   

• Familiarity with green and other thematic financing instruments    

• Knowledge of international climate finance, green taxonomies and green technical screening criteria  

• Exceptional organisational, project management, and interpersonal skills 

• Experience collaborating internationally, across multiple time zones, markets and cultures 

• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills  

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, prioritise activities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment 

• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement in both organisation and personal performance. 

 The ideal candidate will be aligned with ASFI's vision and mission. This technical manager role will suit someone with 6-8 years of professional work experience. 

ASFI values diversity and is building a workforce that reflects the whole community. ASFI is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) community members, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

 Next steps 

To apply for this position, please complete your application via Applied.  

Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 October 2023, however, as candidates will be assessed as applications are received, there is the possibility the job may be filled earlier than the intended close date. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply as soon as practical.