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 Japan on sustainable finance. The Senior Policy Analyst will focus on Japan 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 policy positions, research and engagement related to the Legal Framework for Impact project, and consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Six Principles

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

■ Submit and present policy positions to the Japan financial policy makers and regulators

■ Develop good working relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. industry associations, other investor networks)

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

■ 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 Japan and across PRI core markets; institutional investors and sustainability impact; and the PRI’s strategy on sustainable finance in Japan

■ Identify research and data needs to support PRI’s work on sustainable finance (with most focus on Japan 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 Competences:

In addition, the PRI expects all roles at a ‘Senior Associate’ level within the organisation to demonstrate the following.

■ Analytical

•Uses business knowledge and analysis to identify issues, applying fact-based insight to develop and evaluate options, offering solutions in a timely manner

•Identifies gaps in working practices that impact effectiveness and proposes solutions

•Maintains a professional and impartial stance in assessing all information which feeds into decision making

•Balances rigour with pragmatism in conducting analyses that are fit for purpose

•Effectively reviews and quality-checks all analyses

■ Business Awareness

•Focuses on maximising Signatory or operational value and driving PRI outcomes

•Actively keeps up-to-date with developments both within the PRI and externally

•Utilises knowledge and experience across the PRI to ensure highest quality outputs are delivered

•Balances the internal needs of the PRI and that of Signatory Organisations to deliver outputs

•Understands how own area of responsibility drives value to the PRI and meets its mission

■ Collaborative

•Builds consensus and trust amongst team members and wider colleagues

•Is responsive to feedback, proactively following up to ensure any issues are resolved

•Proactively engages with colleagues in the wider organisation to gain a broader understanding of issues

•Flexes style and approach based on colleagues’ level of understanding and preferences

■ Communicative

•Speaks in a variety of settings, varying style based on type of audience

•Uses a variety of innovative methods in presentations to engage the audience and improve their understanding

•Clarifies matters/issues by absorbing and understanding relevant information and feeding them back in concise terms

•Engages the recipient using their language, tailoring communication style for the audience

■ Developmental

•Knows and leverages own strengths

•Actively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge/ experience

•Gains input and facilitates challenge to improve processes and new ways of working

•Actively seeks and shares feedback wherever possible, as a means of improvement

•Maintains a local network of contacts to encourage knowledge sharing

■ Structured

•Has a strong sense of execution and delivery, working to agreed deadlines, involving relevant colleagues and allowing enough time for review and quality assurance

•Monitors and reports on progress, providing regular updates as appropriate

•Builds time into work plans or projects to assess performance and provide feedback

Technical Competencies and Experience:

■ Good understanding of the PRI, investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to developments in sustainable finance and ESG investing

■ Good knowledge of the Japan sustainable finance agenda and responsible investment issues (stewardship, climate and ESG disclosures etc.)

■ Demonstrable professional experience of engaging with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders and developing policy positions, preferably with some experience in Japanese institutions, public authorities, trade association or public affairs consultancy

■ Outstanding communications and analytical skills demonstrated through professional experience, with professional English and Japanese writing standard and editing skills.

■ Self-starter with ability to work autonomously. Candidates should be comfortable with remote working systems and practices and working alone or as part of a small office.

■ Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to get on well as part of a team, the ability to foster an inclusive working environment

■ A proactive attitude and collaborative approach to working with others

■ 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 Japan