• Join an agile, purpose-driven organisation with a great culture and ambition to make a game-changing impact on sustainability 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 closely with key stakeholders across 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, superfunds, 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 is drawing on work undertaken internationally on sustainable finance taxonomies to establish an Australian taxonomy that is credible, usable, and internationally interoperable, while reflecting the Australian context. The taxonomy will provide a common standard for 'sustainable' finance in Australia, thereby helping channel more capital into the transition to a net-zero emissions future.

Over the next 12 months, ASFI is responsible for the development of taxonomy technical screening criteria for priority sectors, and associated technical work on data requirements, 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. To support and inform the taxonomy development process, ASFI also convenes a range of subject and sector-specific taxonomy advisory groups and forums and is undertaking comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Commencing April 2023, ASFI will undertake a period of extensive public consultation.

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

 You can read more about the Australian Taxonomy Project on ASFI’s website: https://www.asfi.org.au/taxonomy.

 Responsibilities:

• Provide secretariat functions to the TTEG, including coordinating meetings and events; preparing meeting minutes; cataloguing TTEG feedback and input; and administering the governance arrangements set out in the TTEG Terms of Reference and Charter.

• Support ASFI’s engagement and communication with the CWG, including assisting in the drafting of meeting papers and preparing both meeting and decision minutes.

• Coordinate taxonomy advisory group (TAG) meetings and catalogue feedback and input from TAG members.

• Contribute to the planning, execution and systematic management of extensive stakeholder consultation, including by coordinating meetings and events; maintaining responsibility for the distribution of meeting materials; cataloguing feedback and responding to a variety of stakeholder enquiries.

• Prepare input for wider ASFI products where relevant to the taxonomy project, including the ASFI website, annual Progress Tracker and monthly member and subscriber updates.

• Manage all project administration, including creating and maintaining effective administrative systems to file and catalogue information; managing a group inbox; scheduling external stakeholder meetings and booking travel for the ASFI Head of Taxonomy.

• Manage competing and evolving individual and team priorities to ensure project deliverables are met in a timely manner.

 Selection criteria

Skills and experience

• Tertiary qualification(s) in public policy, law, economics, finance, environmental science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

• A minimum 2-4 years’ experience in public policy, sustainable finance or a related field, preferably with a focus on climate or environmental policy. Ideal candidate has experience in the coordination of multi-stakeholder projects or policy processes.

• Strong written communication skills. Ideal candidate can distil technical and/or complex information effectively and present it in an accurate, clear and accessible manner for a variety of audiences.

• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ideal candidate is confident in communicating with myriad external stakeholders who have varying degrees of interest in and influence over the project.

• Outstanding attention to detail and organisational skills. Ideal candidate manages their time effectively, can juggle competing priorities and pre-empt project deliverables and dependencies, particularly as they relate to their role.

• Adept at independently undertaking administrative support work, including organising meetings with international stakeholders, booking travel and coordinating the delivery of in-person and online events.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team.

 Attitude and values

• You are adept at working in a small team where people's opinions are valued and listened to.

• You thrive on open communication, transparency and are energised by a dynamic work environment.

• You are willing to roll up your sleeves and have a go at things with a ‘can do’ attitude.

• You are a team player who collaborates to get things done.

• Ideal candidate will be aligned with ASFI's vision and mission.