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.

About the PRI Academy

The PRI Academy (a subsidiary of the PRI) provides industry-leading training for investment professionals on how environmental, social and governance issues (ESG) impact company performance, shareholder value and investment decision making. The training is completely web-based with a global curriculum designed to upskill teams and professionals across investment and capital markets. The Academy is the global leader in responsible investment training having enrolled over 18,000 professionals from almost 90 countries.

Job Description

The PRI Academy associate will join a dynamic and growing team and will play a critical role in supporting operations, client relations, and sales. In an operation capacity the associate will support the Head of Operations in planning, monitoring and managing the day-to-day operations of the PRI Academy, including operational reporting, managing and tracking sales, and the enrolment and invoicing of clients. The associate will also support in the design and implementation of process improvements, policies and new product features.

In a client relations and sales capacity, the associate will be a key part of the customer service team within the Academy. The associate will help drive further growth and revenues for the Academy through various means linking to data insights and client engagement. From a marketing standpoint, the associate will also monitor and leverage client feedback to gain a better understanding of client and industry needs.

This is a high growth role where the new associate will develop knowledge, experience and a network in the field of responsible investment; as well as a broad skillset applicable to any social enterprise or and/or start-up.

Core Responsibilities:

• Provide the highest level of customer satisfaction through excellent sales service, assessing customers’ needs and providing assistance and information on product features

• Undertake sales support activities, including, maintaining commercial details and reports on clients or potential clients, developing business opportunities and researching and analysing sales options

• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and benchmarking

• Support in the production of PRI Academy collateral and marketing materials, including, drafting, proofreading and copy-editing communications

• Provide research for business and strategy planning to include topics such as pricing analysis, competitor analysis, business model research, board papers, etc.

• Support the automation of the customer journey from registration through to issuing certificates, KPI tracking on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis

• Responsible for Academy administration, including, managing the PRI Academy inbox, invoices and sales contracts, customer reminders, financial reporting

• Responsible for maintaining the CRM (customer relations management) database

• Liaise with the PRI communications team regarding events, courses and announcements

• Liaise and coordinate initiatives and opportunities with PRI staff, signatories and clients based internationally

Core Competencies:

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

Analytical

• Incorporates the fullest range of information available into analysis and decision making

• Uses appropriate technical processes/systems to develop and evaluate options in an effective and time-efficient manner

• Assimilates data to draws out relevant insights and findings from analyses

• Identifies opportunities and risks to feed into decision making

• Presents analyses in an appropriate format providing clear and concise recommendations

Business Awareness

• Understands, and always works towards, the mission and the aims of the PRI

• Is curious about what is happening in other parts of the PRI

• Is client centric – seeks to understand, listen, and respond to client needs

• Understands own teams’ objectives and seeks to internalise them in own activities

• Understands who does what at the PRI and uses the knowledge to complete activities

Collaborative

• Approachable, credible, and willing whenever engaging with colleagues

• Actively and appropriately seeks input from others

• Focuses on interacting with colleagues in a positive and open manner

• Listens to what colleagues are saying, considers from different perspectives and tailor’s responses accordingly

Communicative

• Writes succinctly and clearly tailoring level of detail to the requirements of the end user

• Communicates clearly and precisely and able to convey thinking comprehensively

• Provides regular, clear, and concise communications to manager, colleagues, or other relevant people to keep updated on activities

• Structures and prepares well-written, logical outputs with limited guidance and editing

Developmental

• Demonstrates self-awareness actively seeks feedback from others and acts upon it

• Explores new ideas with an inquisitive mind

• Questions the status quo and suggests new ideas

• Seeks out opportunities to drive continuous improvements in ways of working

• Open-minded attitude which welcomes change and new ideas

Structured

• Prioritises and organises time effectively, focussing on the key organisational priorities

• Develops ways of working and processes to execute and improve efficiency across the PRI

• Methodically tackles problems, working with colleagues where necessary

• Takes account of the needs of other colleagues and/or Signatories when considering how to execute a piece of work

• Promotes and utilises effective project management skills

Technical Competencies & Experience:

• Experience working in a professional and international environment; e.g. the financial services industry or similar

• Experience in a sales environment with initial stage sales or inside sales is desirable, as is an understanding of responsible investment / sustainable finance

• Background and knowledge in responsible investment and sustainability

• Financial administration including production metrics and reports

• Knowledge of producing high detail marketing materials

• At least intermediate knowledge of relevant IT (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and ideally Salesforce)

• A confident and professional manner in dealing with senior business professionals

• Strong attention to detail

• Self-starter and ability to learn quickly

• Diplomacy, tact, and ability to work well in teams

• Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills

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

• Good project management skills

We particularly welcome candidates from currently under-represented groups, including black, Asian, and other ethnic minorities, those with a physical or mental disability, LGBTQ+ and those who are neurodivergent.