Associate, Net Zero Initiatives (12 Month Fixed Term Contract) (2024)

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 Responsible Investment (RI) 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

This position is an exciting opportunity to join the PRI Sustainability Initiatives team to support investor action on the global transition to net zero as an Associate.

PRI’s sustainability initiatives team is responsible for supporting signatories to take collaborative, responsible investment action. This support is provided through specific initiatives focussed on sustainability risks and outcomes and requiring leading action by signatories.

The successful candidate will join the Net-zero Initiatives and Collaboration sub-team and will play a key role in supporting net-zero initiatives. The role will include supporting investor capacity building on net zero, including through supporting the PRI secretariat’s in external initiatives, organizing net zero workshops and events for investors that are at various stages of their net zero journey, and supporting the implementation of net zero commitments by PRI signatories.

We are looking for a team member who is passionate about combatting climate change and is keen to support the investment community on implementing climate actions and net zero commitments. The role will work closely with external partners, the broader Sustainability Initiatives team as well as other PRI teams including Stewardship, Responsible Investment Ecosystems, Sustainable Systems, Events and Communications.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support work of net zero initiatives where needed, including support to PRI’s involvement in the Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance, Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, Net Zero Financial Service Providers Alliance;

• Ensure smooth organization and implementation of workshops and events, including organising meetings, collating meeting materials and write-ups;

• Draft, co-ordinate and collate input on key deliverables including briefings, reports and guidance documents;

• Undertake research and analysis to support climate programmes and net zero initiatives where needed;

• Coordinate with all relevant PRI teams including Responsible Investment Ecosystems and Communications on Alliance developments.

• Due to the global nature of the net zero initiatives, and our close working with partners in different timezones, some flexible working outside of core working hours may be required on occasion (e.g. in relation to key stakeholder meetings).

• Provide regular reporting to the Head of Net Zero Initiatives & Collaboration and Director of Sustainability Initiatives as and when required.

Person Specification

• Demonstrates entry level specialist knowledge as relevant to the role, with ability to present options and analyses in an appropriate format providing clear and concise recommendations.

• Excellent written communication and verbal presentation skills

• Prioritises and organises time effectively, focussing on the key team priorities, to ensure efficient and timely delivery of work.

• A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others & committed to fostering an inclusiveenvironment.

• Exposure to engaging investors on climate change and/or environment;

• Strong multi-stakeholder engagement skills including in virtual setting

• Ability to work with ambiguity and adapt quickly to changes;

• Demonstrates an organised and efficient approach, proactively identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working, and implementing improvements.

• Excellent networking, relationship management and interpersonal skills and experience of building strong and productive relationships at all levels

• IT/Digital skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, website management systems, CRM, social media, webcasts, etc.)

• Language skills, other than English, are desirable

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