Sustainable Finance Analyst, Asia

Join our growing team in Asia as we work towards a zero-emissions future.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) is looking for a Sustainable Finance Analyst to join our team in Asia. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with strong analytical and communication abilities, as well as an extensive understanding of the Asian financial markets and the sustainable finance industry. The candidate should be driven, capable of independent work, adept at multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and adhering to deadlines without much supervision, all within a remote work setting. A strong dedication to IEEFA's mission to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable, and profitable energy economy is essential.

The analyst will be part of IEEFA’s expanding sustainable finance team in Asia. The team's goal is to pinpoint and examine critical sustainability factors and the impact of climate risk on investments, lending decisions, and how institutions and markets are regulated for such risks. The role includes exploring ways to overcome obstacles and leverage opportunities for channelling funds into sustainable investments and projects, whether through public, private, or multilateral means.

Joining our team means becoming part of a vibrant, rapidly evolving group that conducts vital analysis to accelerate the energy transition in Asia. This position offers significant potential for professional development and growth, with the chance to work on initiatives spanning multiple countries and markets.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Independently research and write original, compelling, professional reports and commentaries on sustainable finance issues in the Asia region. This includes varied topics including green capital flows in projects and investments, green and transition bonds and other financial instruments, ESG and related categorizations and sustainability standards, regulatory standards and taxonomies, and greenwashing.
• Conduct financial analysis, modelling, market analysis, and support the development of data visualizations.
• Work closely with the Research Lead, Sustainable Finance, Asia, to refine impact strategies and advance IEEFA's initiatives concerning Asian financial markets. This includes tracking and reporting on performance outcomes.
• Prepare and submit responses to relevant sustainable finance consultations by financial regulators, sector industry bodies, and standard setters.
• Possess a good understanding of the credit rating process, including the weaknesses that enable companies with poor environmental practices to obtain favourable ratings. Investigate these weaknesses and propose improved practices to strengthen the resilience of credit ratings especially from an environmental risk standpoint.
• Research and highlight instances where ESG rating agencies and financial institutions exhibit policy discrepancies or engage in greenwashing, particularly through their investment, lending, or service offerings to energy companies.
• Engage with policymakers across Asia to establish relationships that facilitate a deeper comprehension of the rationale behind their policies and to potentially shape future policy directions.
• Connect with the wider financial sustainability community to gain insight into their practices and foster relationships that could influence financiers' perspectives on sustainable investments.
• Create and deliver presentations for public, media, and industry briefings.
• Horizon scanning for sustainable finance news – sharing or, where appropriate, providing assessments and insights gained from relevant press articles, annual reports, investor presentations and industry reports both internally and with external partners.
• Provide insights to the media and respond to requests for views to assist in building an informed public media narrative on greening finance.
• Peer review activities, maintaining IEEFA’s high research standards.
• Other duties as assigned by the Research Lead, Sustainable Finance, Asia.

Required Qualifications or Attributes

• At least five years relevant experience in sustainable finance either as a practitioner within banking, investment management or corporates, in policy-making or regulation, or in consulting, with a focus on Asia-Pacific markets.
• A degree in finance, economics, accounting, or engineering and/or with professional certifications (e.g. CFA) or appropriate and relevant market-oriented experience in lieu of those degrees.
• Possess expertise in the financial ecosystem, with an understanding of how the financial system relates to the energy sector being a beneficial additional qualification.
• Ability to assess corporate financial accounting statements and interpret statutory filings, standards and regulations.
• Strong research and analytical skills and can look at the big picture while maintaining attention to detail. This includes experience in a wide range of data or financial policy research, in-depth critical analysis, and writing/presenting research from scratch.
• Competence in simplifying and presenting analytical insights and data relevant to market dialogue on complex finance issues.
• Proven skill in clear and effective communication, both verbal and written, in English. Knowledge of one or more Asian language will be an advantage.
• High degree of technological proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and familiar with mainstream financial database searches and use (e.g. Bloomberg, Refinitiv) and demonstrated ability to learn new software and applications.
• A collaborative professional who excels in teamwork, ready to join a dynamic team where unity and cooperative spirit drive success.

Compensation

Full-time 12-month fixed-term employment contract with the option of extension by mutual agreement and a market competitive remuneration. Pay rates are also based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. 

Work Schedule

Full-time, 5 days/week with occasional evening or weekend work as required.

Travel

Some travel is required. All global team members attend IEEFA’s annual conference and international team retreats.

Physical Demand and Work Environment

Must be able to work for prolonged periods at a computer. Computer work can involve repetitive motion, eyestrain, back, and neck strain.

EOE Statement

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at IEEFA. All members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing all team members with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy/parental status or disability status.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

IEEFA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at +61 422 859 321. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To Apply

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. The first review of applicants will begin on 03 Jan 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please be sure to add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.