Head of Middle East & North Africa, Responsible Investment Ecosystems

Head of Middle East & North Africa, Responsible Investment Ecosystems

Employment Type - Full time

Location - Hybrid Dubai, UAE

Salary - 460,000 - 540,000 AED

Closing: 8:00pm, 5th Jan 2025 GMT

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 for Middle East and North Africa Responsible Investment (RI) Ecosystems will have the overall responsibility for enhancing Responsible Investment awareness and practices across the MENA region.

The Head will be responsible for setting strategy on how best to develop the local responsible investment ecosystems as well as for the coordination and local implementation of global PRI initiatives to drive progressive signatory action. This incorporates convening signatories and stakeholders in individual markets, supporting signatory progression through outreach and advice, and supporting meaningful policy outreach within those markets, working closely with the Head of Africa and other Heads across Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

The role also involves recruitment of new signatories and the coverage of our existing signatory base in the region. The role requires understanding of the local policy and regulation and working closely with our policy team colleagues in creating an enabling environment conducive to comprehensive RI practices.

There are currently no team management responsibilities; however, management responsibilities may expand as PRI deepens its penetration in the region.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the RIE Directors and Chief Responsible Investment Ecosystems Officer in delivering against the team's business plan and budget
• Raise awareness of Responsible Investment amongst regional asset owners, investment managers, service providers and other PRI stakeholders.
• Outreach/Growth: target the recruitment of new signatories amongst public and corporate pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, endowments/foundations as well as key investment managers and investment consultants as per agreed strategic targets.
• Signatory engagement: build relationships with strategic signatories important to the overall successful development of the local RI ecosystem.
• Stakeholders: Strengthen relationships with key targeted stakeholders in the region to support the development of responsible investment locally.
• Team Collaboration: Aid in the overall team effectiveness by contributing to team meetings and collaborating with colleagues within the region and across other regional RI Ecosystem teams.
• Working across PRI: Initiate and strengthen working relationships with PRI's other teams on local market-related issues.
• Projects/Working Groups: Contribute to and in some cases lead the ongoing delivery of any specific working group or ad hoc projects that are aligned to the RI ecosystems strategy and that of the wider organization.
• Events: Represent PRI at relevant events to help raise the organisation's profile in the region.
• Local Market Business plans: Prepare and deliver the regional business plan and budget that contributes to the overall RI Ecosystems strategic objectives.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to more junior members of the RI Ecosystems team.

Person Specification

• Leadership skills and the ability to think strategically and systemically.
• A collaborative and consultative approach to working with others.
• Ability to influence decisions at a senior level.
• Well-developed people management skills.
• Excellent business development skills.
• Excellent networking, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills in English.
• IT/Digital skills proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Subject matter expertise and understanding of ESG and the broader finance space.
• As this is a global role, regional travel will be required.

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. 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.