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’s three distinct capabilities relate to the core elements of the PRI’s approach to achieving a sustainable financial system.

• Translate RI (Responsible Investment) thought leadership into insights and practical support that is tailored to what signatories need to progress their RI practice

• Convene our vast network to create opportunities for collaborative action

• Harness our global scale to influence policymakers and regulators to effect system change

Job Description

The Head of Policy, APAC, works across PRI’s regional and global teams to provide tools and insight to local policymakers, government departments, regulators, standard setters, and PRI signatories across the region, to help them to pursue and deliver real-world sustainability outcomes consistent with the implementation of the PRI’s Mission and the Six Principles.

The Head of Policy, APAC, will be responsible for developing and implementing the PRI’s regional policy strategy and engagement programme, working closely with colleagues in the RI Ecosystems and Initiatives teams based in APAC, as well as colleagues in other PRI regional and global teams.

Managing a team of five policy analysts located in China, Japan and Australia, this role will oversee the development and advocacy of policy positions, statements, submissions and frameworks relevant to APAC, drawing on PRI’s global policy positions on sustainable finance as well as on climate, nature, and human rights policy.  The PRI’s policy work is conducted through evidence-based research and collaborative projects with signatories and other stakeholders. More information on the PRI’s policy approach can be found on our website (add link)

The Head of Policy, APAC reports to the Director in the APAC RI Ecosystems team, with a dotted reporting line to the Director, Global Policy.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the PRI’s policy strategy across APAC, consistent with the PRI’s Mission Statement, the Six Principles and ensuring consistency with other PRI positions.

• Lead the APAC policy team, overseeing their day-to-day work and development of reasoned, evidence-based policy positions. Review and validate deliverables and develop more junior members of the team by providing guidance and support where necessary.

• Build and maintain good working relationships at senior levels across the PRI Asia Pacific ecosystem, including with policymakers, signatories and stakeholders (e.g. other investor networks), with a focus on Asia ex-China and Japan.

• Work closely with country Heads within the PRI’s RI Ecosystems team to build consensus with signatories on draft policy positions, calibrating and integrating feedback and generally increasing signatory support for sustainable finance policy.

• Collaborate with the PRI’s Global Policy Team, Regional Policy Teams and other relevant internal teams to develop policy positions and contribute to wider policy team projects and initiatives (Global Policy Reference Group, newsletters, regulatory database, events, etc.)

• Oversee the delivery of grant-funded work in China to support the PRI’s work on economic transition and stewardship.

• Drive internal and external communications of PRI’s APAC policy work, working closely with the Head of Communications, APAC to promote and advocate PRI’s positions to policymakers, regulators and the media.

• Contribute to briefing notes and presentations for PRI executives, RI Ecosystem colleagues and global staff on PRI policy activities– including for the CEO and Board.

• Monitor key developments relevant to sustainable finance, the economic transition and responsible investment in APAC to help inform PRI’s policy strategy and prioritisation of  work.

Person Specification

This list is representative (though neither exclusionary nor exhaustive) of the skills, experience, and behaviours needed to be successful in the role. Applicants will be assessed against the below criteria during the recruitment process.

• Working knowledge of the PRI, investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to sustainable finance and responsible investment.

• Line management experience, particularly the ability to mentor and support more junior team members

• Working knowledge of public policy considerations in the Asia Pacific finance and investment industry. Prior work on sustainable finance policy preferred, e.g. ESG disclosure and data, stewardship, non-financial reporting, corporate governance, proxy voting, etc.

• Previous experience in policy analysis, formulating policy positions and conducting research, preferably including projects relevant to the finance industry.

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

• Comfort presenting to groups, speaking in public and facilitating workshops and an ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.

• Demonstrable experience engaging with investors, policymakers, and/or key stakeholders at a senior level.

• Comfort with remote working systems and practices, and working alone or as part of a small office, managing a dispersed team remotely

• Must be eligible to work in Singapore without requiring VISA support or sponsorship.

Additional Selection Criteria

• Demonstrable experience developing advocacy and engagement strategies, preferably with experience working in Asia with a policymaker or regulator, trade association, public affairs consultancy or relevant non-profits.

• 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, international affairs or similar preferred.

• Advanced degrees (MPP, MBA, JD) or relevant industry qualifications (CFA, CAIA) would be an asset.

• Asian language skills an advantage.

The PRI is committed to offering flexibility to our employees, both formal (e.g. part-time work) and informal (e.g. a shift in hours to accommodate caring responsibilities). Please talk to us about how we could make this role flexible for you.

We particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian, and other People of Colour, those with visible or non-visible disabilities, LGBTQ+ candidates and those who are neurodivergent.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.