Reports to: Project Lead: Taxonomy and Natural Capital 

 Position Status: 18-month fixed term contract, with possibility of extension.  Fulltime but open to discussions around flexible or part-time work.  

 Location: Flexible location with travel to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne as required. 

 Remuneration: Remuneration package of between $110,000 - $130,000 depending on experience.  

• Join purpose driven organisation, with a great culture and ambition to make a game-changing impact on environmental sustainability through finance 

• Opportunity to significantly shape the future of sustainable finance in Australia

• Work with researchers, industry, government, regulators, and civil society in a uniquely pivotal role 

 About ASFI: 

 The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) has been established to realign the Australian financial services system so that more money flows to activities that will create a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Australia. We do this by coordinating, facilitating and driving implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Our members are Australia’s largest financial institutions across superannuation, investment management, banking, insurance and financial services, all of whom are committed to our mission and to doing more on sustainable finance. We work closely with partners across government, universities, NGOs and industry organistions and collaboration is at the heart of how we work.  

Position Purpose: 

The ASFI taxonomy development project is a joint industry-government initiative to develop an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy. 

Building on work done on sustainable finance taxonomies internationally, this project will work with experts and stakeholders across the Australian financial system to design and develop an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy that is credible, usable and internationally inter-operable, while reflecting the Australian economy and context. It coordinates with the development of taxonomies in other jurisdictions, across the Asia-Pacific region, the European Union, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

The taxonomy development project will develop taxonomy screening criteria for key priority sectors, and associated technical work on data requirements, methodology for incorporating transitional activities, minimum social safeguards and ‘Do No Significant Harm’ framework.  

ASFI will convene a new Technical Expert Group (TEG) comprising experts in sustainable finance, climate science, industry, policy and Indigenous representation to oversee the development of screening criteria and other products with input from taxonomy and sustainability specialists.  

As part of this work ASFI will also undertake comprehensive stakeholder engagement across key sectors.  

The Australian Council of Financial Regulators Climate Working Group (the CWG) will oversee this phase of taxonomy development, as part of its role supporting the development and implementation of the Government’s Sustainable Finance Strategy.  

Responsibilities: 

The Project Coordinator, Taxonomy development will support the Taxonomy Project Lead to: 

•  Operationalise the taxonomy development project work plan 

• Coordinate and review key inputs from taxonomy technical experts  

• Undertake the secretariat functions for the key taxonomy governance institutions including inputs to the Australian Council of Financial Regulators Climate Working Group (the CWG) and the Taxonomy Exert Group (TEG) 

• Plan and manage extensive stakeholder consultation including multiple advisory groups and international engagement forums 

• Manage multiple competing and evolving, individual and project team priorities to ensure the project remains on track and delivers successful outcomes 

• Identify, escalate and address project inefficiencies, risks and issues in a timely manner 

• Negotiate and manage stakeholder expectations in relation to project delivery 

• Support the preparation and review of key project outputs. 

• Manage contracting and deliverables from technical consultants.   

Selection criteria: 

With a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in finance, public policy, law, economics, environment or a related discipline, you will possess a minimum of four year’s professional experience, in responsible investment, sustainable finance, public policy, or corporate management, ideally with a focus on climate or environmental matters. 

Previous experience working on taxonomy development projects in other jurisdictions or on the technical design for sustainable bond criteria, will be highly regarded.   

 You are adept at working in a small environment where people's opinions are valued and listened to. You thrive on open communication, transparency and are energised by a dynamic work environment. 

 In addition, you will possess the following skills: 

• Experience coordinating public policy/regulation projects or other significant and complex projects characterised by changing dynamics and myriad of stakeholder relationships 

• Knowledge of sustainable finance and investment industry and/or climate change and sustainability issues 

• Exceptional organisational, project coordination, and interpersonal skills 

• Experience collaborating internationally, across multiple time zones, markets and cultures 

• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills including proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders from Government, civil society, industry and the financial sector.  

• Ability to distinguish and manage the expectations of diverse stakeholders who will hold varying degrees of interest and influence in the taxonomy project outcomes 

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, prioritise activities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment 

• Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement in both organisation and personal performance. 

The ideal candidate will be aligned with ASFI's vision and mission. A project coordinator role will suite someone with between 4-6 years professional work experience.   

ASFI values diversity and is building a workforce that reflects the whole community. ASFI is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) community members, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Applications will remain open until Friday 26 May 2023, however, as candidates will be assessed as applications received, there is the possibility the job may be filled earlier than the intended close date. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply as soon as practical.