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, such as income inequality 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 Senior Lead will report to the Director of Sustainable Markets and will be responsible for delivery programmes of work focussed on enabling the use of reliable and comparable sustainability data from corporations through the investment chain.

Driving meaningful data is a top priority for PRI’s signatories. Their ability to shape and influence sustainability outcomes depends on sustainability data. In this role, you will be at the forefront of market efforts to resolve sustainability data challenges and support investors multi-faceted need for meaningful ESG data in the future.

To this end, you will be responsible for developing industry-leading research and analysis on sustainability reporting and disclosures, with a particular focus on data and metrics, engaging with regulators and standard setters to help shape the future of sustainability reporting landscape, and project manage initiatives relevant to sustainability data with PRI signatories and teams.

Core Responsibilities:

■ Provide expert advice to further develop the PRI’s Driving Meaningful Data and work programme.

■ Work with the Director of Sustainable Markets to develop the global PRI view on measurement and reporting of company and investor practices and their contribution to sustainability outcomes.

■ Collaborate across the PRI’s content and issues teams to ensure a consistent and joined up approach to the fast evolving data needs of investors

■ Provide expert advice to PRI’s Policy Team in order to translate the global view on measurement and reporting of company and investor practices into regional ESG/sustainability disclosure recommendations.

■ Prepare innovative research and analysis relating to sustainability reporting and disclosure topics, with a particular focus on data and metrics.

■ Develop clear and compelling communication materials to explain complex issues.

■ Lead specific projects/initiatives relevant to PRI’s DMD programme and establish networks with signatories and stakeholders where relevant to your expertise

■ Establish a network with key industry players, including financial and voluntary sustainability standard setters to shape and influence the future of sustainability reporting landscape

Core Competencies:

PRI expects roles at an ‘Expert level’ within the organisation to demonstrate skills across the following core competencies:

Analytical

• Provides expert insights to internal and external audiences

• Offers high-value, innovative ideas in all situations

• Uses expertise to offer robust alternative solutions or guidance. Constructively challenges ideas and outputs with the aim of improving them

Business Awareness

• Is attuned to the aims of the PRI and of Signatories/other stakeholders and understands how to deliver optimum solutions that work for all

• Thinks and encourages others to think holistically about the business

• Recognises, and knows how to work with, key influencers both internally and externally. Understands when and how own insights and experience are valuable to the PRI and its work

Collaborative

• Develops and maintains strong relationships across the organisation and allows own expertise to be utilised through these networks

• A trusted expert with the ability to add value wherever required

• Drives knowledge sharing across the organisation. Spots opportunities for collaboration and capitalises on them

Communicative

• Deepens the knowledge and understanding of all relevant stakeholders by conveying complex issues in an easy to understand manner

• Provides impactful, value-added advice to whomever needs it

• Eloquently articulates complex matters to audiences that may not be fully conversant in the subject matter. Uses specialist knowledge to influence and inspire others

Developmental

• Diligently maintains and utilises external networks as a means of furthering own knowledge to apply at the PRI

• Acts as a coach and/or mentor to other members of staff

• Creates opportunities to share expertise with others to allow them to learn, grow and succeed. Acts as an agent for change by proactively identifying opportunities for improvement

Structured

• Takes a continuous learning approach to every aspect of work

• Intervenes with pragmatic recommendations for improvement where required

• Uses own assessment of external developments to incorporate into organisational activities and priorities

• Identifies where own expertise can add value within work plans and activities across the organisation. Rigorously delivers against project plans, involving all relevant colleagues along the way

Technical Competencies & Experience:

■ Subject matter expert in ESG data and performance metrics

■ Outstanding analytical and research skills.

■ Proactively identifies emerging issues and approaches problems in a structured and rigorous way

■ Deep understanding of investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain, and of policy and regulatory issues relating to sustainability disclosures;

■ Detailed knowledge of corporate sustainability reporting and / or impact reporting frameworks and investor disclosure frameworks

■ Extensive experience in developing sustainability performance metric and standards

■ Ability to navigate the complex reporting landscape and influence industry leaders and decision makers

■ Strong programme and project management skills, including experience in designing and delivering projects to tight deadlines and delivering in a matrix setup

■ Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills

■ A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others, the ability to foster an inclusive working environment

■ As this is a global role, international travel may be required.

Desirable:

■ Masters degree or PhD in a relevant field, ideally including studies in finance, science, mathematics, engineering or economics