Senior Sustainable Finance Research Associate

Let’s be #BrilliantTogether

ISS STOXX is actively seeking a Senior Associate for our Sustainable Finance Research team in Mumbai.

Overview

The Sustainable Finance team of ISS Corporate provides critical Second Party Opinions on Green, Social and Sustainability-Linked Bonds. The team provides issuers on the debt capital market across the globe with independent opinions on the sustainability quality of their transactions. The successful candidate will be part of the dynamic ISS Corporate's Sustainable Finance team, lead a team based in Mumbai, as well as actively contribute to Second Party Opinions mandates for bond issuers. The Team Lead will supervise a team of around 3 persons, report to our APAC Lead based in Hong Kong, and work in close collaboration with the broader team located in London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, New York, Toronto, Mumbai, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The Team Lead will utilize his/her leaderships skills to create and maintain a productive, cooperative and respectful team culture in line with ISS values. Team administration, task allocation, project and capacity planning and managing workflows smoothly will be part of the daily routine. The successful candidate will need to be able to work both independently and collaboratively with the team across different locations. The ability to identify address problems clearly and timely is considered a key success factor. 

The Team Lead will also utilize his/her in depth knowledge on ESG topics to conduct independently Second Party Opinions, engage with various stakeholders, contribute to product and methodology development, and support the growth of the business. Candidates should have a passion for sustainability, enjoy fast-paced and multicultural team work, and have a strong analytical and critical mindset.

Responsibilities

Conduct Second Party Opinions Projects, Reach out and Engage with Stakeholders through Public Speaking and Leadership Articles, subject to experience and expertise.

• Conduct ESG evaluations of Green, Social, Transition and Sustainability-Linked instruments, focusing on their alignment with global frameworks, such as ICMA’s and LMA’s Principles.

• Assess bond issuers’ strategies and commitments, emphasizing alignment with the transactions.

• Liaise with bond underwriters to ensure an accurate understanding of project scopes and facilitate seamless project execution.

• Maintain effective communication with clients and underwriters to facilitate the SPO process.

• Produce high-quality, impartial SPO reports that enable investors to make informed decisions.

• Conduct reviews of post-issuance reports to assess the ongoing adherence of transactions to their stated frameworks and commitments.

Research and Local Context Analysis

• Reach on local taxonomies in APAC (outside of India) and frameworks relevant to Green, Social, and Sustainability-Linked instruments, ensuring alignment with local benchmarks and regulatory requirements.

• Stay updated on global and local developments in sustainable finance to inform SPO assessments and reports.

• Create and share thought-provoking content, including articles, case studies, and white papers, on sustainable bonds and broader ESG topics.

• Represent the organization at public speaking engagements, conferences, and webinars to enhance corporate visibility and footprint in the sustainable finance domain – subject to experience and expertise.

Team Management

• Building and maintaining a productive and inspiring team environment and culture based on ISS values

• Manage a team, including administrative tasks and project planning, and ensured smooth workflows and delivery.

• Talent development including annual performance reviews as well as identification and promotion of talent

• Closely interact with the Sales team on client requests and team’s capacity

• Close collaboration with team leads in other locations

• Detecting emerging issues and developing solutions

• Proactively monitor and ensure client satisfaction

• Contribute to product and methodology development initiatives of the Sustainable Finance Research team

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience relating to sustainability/ESG consulting, environmental consulting, responsible investment

• A master's Degree such as Environmental Science, Sustainable Finance, International Business or a relevant discipline

• A first experience as a manager is a requirement

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to create a productive and inspiring work environment

• Excellent project management/organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment

• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and specific knowledge in Green & Social Bonds, sustainable finance or analysis of corporate sustainability strategy is a requirement

• Familiarity with international principles and taxonomies for green and sustainable finance.

• Excellent analytical skills and conceptual thinking aptitude

• Excellent oral and written command of English is a must

• Experience in working successfully in client-facing roles is required

• Proactive, positive attitude, an innovative, motivated, client-oriented and commercially-aware thinker with strong attention to detail

• Willingness to work with a highly collaborative, flexible and innovative team across different locations

• Attention to detail, open-mindedness and willingness to accept comments from the bottom and top levels

#MIDSENIOR

#ICS

#LI-KK1

What you can expect from us

Our people are the moving force behind ISS STOXX. We are dedicated to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry and empowering them with the resources and support to enhance their career, health, financial and personal well-being. 

We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are invested in our people and are working every day to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Let’s empower, collaborate, and inspire one another. 

Let’s be #BrilliantTogether.

About ISS STOXX

ISS STOXX GmbH is a leading provider of research and technology solutions for the financial market. Established in 1985, we offer top-notch benchmark and custom indices globally, helping clients identify investment opportunities and manage portfolio risks. Our services cover corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence. Majority-owned by Deutsche Börse Group, ISS STOXX has over 3,400 professionals in 33 locations worldwide, serving around 6,400 clients, including institutional investors and companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk. Clients trust our expertise to make informed decisions for their stakeholders' benefit. 

ISS Corporate Solutions, Inc. (“ISS-Corporate”) is a leading provider of cutting-edge SaaS and high-touch advisory services to companies, globally. Companies turn to ISS-Corporate for expertise in designing and managing governance, compensation, sustainability, and cyber risk programs that align with company goals, reduce risk, and manage the needs of a diverse shareholder base by delivering data, tools, and advisory services. ISS-Corporate’s global client base extends across North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as other established and emerging markets worldwide. 

Visit our website: https://www.issgovernance.com

View additional open roles: https://www.issgovernance.com/join-the-iss-team/

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