Job Advert Summary

(Permanent position based at WWF-SA Head office in Newlands, Cape Town/Braamfontein)

WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.

Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Background

The ESG investment analyst role will support the focus of increasing environmental sustainability in the investment and financial services industry. It will increase the internal analytical capacity to integrate ESG in investment, lending and insurance as well as developing green financial solutions. The role will span a broad range of responsibilities covering the financial sector and ESG related (primarily environmental) research and analysis, financial due diligence, report writing, communication, project management, and selective administrative aspects.

Minimum Requirements

• Post graduate qualification in Business, Economics or Finance with sustainability or ESG related qualifications as an advantage
• Sustainability discipline.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience working in the Finance or Investment sectors.
• Familiarity with integrating ESG in investments or banking and working on green financial solutions is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when conducting financial analysis.
• Ability to review large quantities of environmental information and identify the material issues relevant to Investment, Lending, and Insurance sectors across WWF SA practice areas.
• Provide analysis using global best practice frameworks and tools focused on climate and nature related financial risks, within WWF strategic landscapes.
• Ability to collate data needed to conduct environmental due diligence.
• In undertaking ESG assessment, determine whether additional specialist or technical assistance is required and commission as necessary.
• Ability to understand the key elements of investment, lending, and insurance processes, as well as development, and how to influence these through due diligence and negotiation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically MS Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Ability to multi-task, organize and assimilate large amounts of information quickly and ability to work to deadlines.
• Ability to build strong relationships with local and international partners to identify areas where it is possible to work in partnerships to create areas of excellence on biodiversity, climate change, water, and other critical environmental related issues.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and team building skills.
• Good stakeholder and people management skills to enable interactions across all Practices and key collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results or outputs in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion to deliver positive environmental and social impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and analysis on financial markets, asset classes, financial products, stakeholders and economic sectors.
• ESG (primarily Environmental) focused research and analysis specifically relevant to investment portfolios e.g. assessment using metrics and targets related to Task Force on Climate-related financial disclosure (TCFD), Task Force on Nature-related financial disclosure (TNFD) Research, analysis, and monitoring of ESG-related standards, indices, regulatory aspects and relevant information systems.
• Working with industry investment teams to ensure environmental sustainability being integrated into investment processes and products.
• Work collaboratively with WWF conservation program areas to find ways to establish practical measures to link conservation and investments
• Preparing and packaging relevant information for communication, reporting and client engagement purposes.
• Administer record-keeping databases; with daily, monthly, and quarterly reporting requirements.
• Manage projects and workflows to ensure timely delivery of outputs within budget constraints
• Represent the organisation at events, conferences, and public engagements, focusing on key topics in sustainable finance

To apply please provide a detailed CV and cover letter fully motivating the relevant skills, experience and creativity that you can bring, together with the names, current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three relevant references.