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 Australian policy specialist works across regional and global teams to provide tools and insight to local policymakers, government departments, regulators, standard setters, and PRI signatories to pursue and deliver real-world sustainability outcomes consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission and the Six Principles.This includes translating the PRI’s global positions on sustainable finance strategies and frameworks, as well as climate, nature, and human rights policy, and developing local positions for the Australian market, developing positions on and responding to government policy, and making public statements or submissions in PRI’s name. The work is conducted through evidence-based research and collaborative projects with PRI signatories and other stakeholders. More information on the PRI’s policy approach can be found on our website.

The Policy Specialist will work closely with colleagues in the RI Ecosystems and Initiatives teams based in Australia, as well as colleagues in the wider global RI Ecosystems and Policy teams. The successful candidate will focus on Australia per the core responsibilities below, however they will be expected to collaborate on policy work in other markets on an ad-hoc basis.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop policy positions (Consultations, Letters, Sign on Statements, and Policy Reports), consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission and Six Principles, and ensuring consistency with other PRI positions (where relevant) as well as building support from signatories.

• Promote draft policy positions in consultation with signatories, including via the PRI Collaboration Platform and the Regional Policy Reference Group (RPRG), calibrating and integrating feedback.

• Submit and present policy positions to the Treasury, APRA, and ASIC and other key national policymakers, government departments, regulators, and standard setters.

• Develop relationships with and proactively engage with Government and relevant officials consistent with the PRI’s policy approach.

• Maintain good working relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. investor networks such as ASFI, RIAA, ACSI, IGCC, FSC, and NGOs) to foster joint engagement.

• Prepare and deliver content and communications (emails, policy briefings, webinars, blogs, newsletter) to help PRI signatories better understand and contribute to sustainable finance policy developments in Australia.

• Prepare briefing notes, key messages, and presentations for colleagues on PRI policy activities in Australia, including the CEO, Directors, and Heads, as well as for media engagements.

• Support the PRI's participation in events and meetings with key stakeholders (for example, preparing briefings and presentations, follow up actions, logistics, etc.)

• Monitor and research key developments relevant to sustainable finance in Australia, including corporate and investor disclosures, investor duties, taxonomies, stewardship, and sustainability outcomes.

• Contribute to PRI’s Global policy team projects

• Provide regular reporting to the Head of APAC Policy, Director APAC, and Chief of RI Ecosystems APAC, as required.

Person Specification

• Good understanding of the PRI, investment practice, the structure and operation of the investment chain and developments in sustainable finance and responsible investing.

• Good knowledge of Australian sustainable finance policies and frameworks (e.g., ISSB standards, climate disclosure frameworks, stewardship codes etc.)

• Demonstrable professional experience engaging with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders and developing advocacy strategies, preferably with some experience in Australian institutions, public authorities, trade association or public affairs consultancy

• Previous experience in policy analysis, formulating and developing policy positions and conducting research, preferably including projects relevant to responsible investment

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

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

• Knowledge of or interest in climate change, nature and/or human rights, and their implications for public policy

• Education in sustainability, economics, law, public policy, finance, international affairs, or similar is desirable.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to get on well as part of a team

• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

• Must be eligible to work in Australia without requiring any sponsorship.

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.

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.

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.