Head of Financial Policy

Job Description

The Global Policy team provides analysis and recommendations on sustainable finance and ESG policy reforms 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 lead the financial policy team, set up and implement PRI’s financial policy strategy and manage financial policy specialists.

The Head of Financial Policy reports to the Director of Global Policy in the Sustainable Systems Division.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage the development of research, analysis and recommendations on financial policy reform, consistent with the implementation of PRI’s Mission Statement, the Six Principles and ensuring consistency with other PRI positions as relevant
• Manage financial policy specialists in the Global Policy team
• Build consensus within the PRI and with key external stakeholders on PRI global financial policy positions, drawing on available expertise both in house and externally
• Formulate the engagement strategy with policymakers on global financial policy positions
• Build and maintain good working relationships with key financial policy stakeholders at a senior level
• Lead on content development on global financial policy topics by involving relevant PRI teams and work closely with Regions teams to significantly increase PRI Signatories adhesion and support global policy developments
• Prepare briefing notes and presentations for PRI executives on PRI policy activities including for the CEO, Chiefs and team Director
• Represent the PRI at key events on sustainable finance policy
• Contribute to wider Sustainable Systems team work as relevant, including supporting the Board Policy Committee, contributing to PRI policy strategy, developing signatory engagement etc.

Person Specification

• Very good understanding of the investment industry, the financial sector, the structure and operation of the investment chain and issues relating to financial policy reform and international level
• Previous experience working in the financial sector on sustainable finance and climate change-related policy analysis at a senior/lead level, formulating policy positions and conducting research, preferably including projects relevant to responsible investment.
• Good understanding of how international policy developments interact with regional / national policy and regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders at the highest level of office. Demonstrable experience developing advocacy strategies with policymakers and regulators, trade association or public affairs consultancy.
• 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.
• 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 and work in small teams.
• A proactive, “can-do” 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.
• Academic qualification in economics, public policy, finance or international affairs or similar. PhD / post-master education in these areas a plus.

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.

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