Nature Research Analyst

at  Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

Essential

• Exceptional analytical skills – the ability to understand and synthesize complex numeric and written data quickly and accurately
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – the ability to succinctly convey technical information to non-technical audiences
• Motivated, flexible and positive team player with proven ability to successfully manage internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead successful collaborative research projects into complex topics
• Demonstrable interest and experience in climate and nature topics
• Fluent in routine IT tools including Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
• Written and spoken fluency in English.

Desirable

• Understanding of climate science and natural systems
• Experience analysing investments, energy markets, natural systems or economics
• Familiarity with leading nature frameworks including (but not limited to) UNEP’s Encore, TFND (LEAP), and SBTN (AR3T)
• Understanding of corporate emissions accounting, transition plan frameworks and target setting tools.

The full Nature Research Analyst job description can be found here.

THE ROLE

We are seeking to expand our focus on Nature and Biodiversity. Many of our members are looking to understand the impacts and dependencies of their portfolio on Nature and, through initiatives like Nature Action 100 and Finance Sector Deforestation Action, engage with companies to combat deforestation and nature loss. Investors need to be able to evaluate the credibility of companies’ responses to these risks.
Working within Transition Research, your primary role will be to develop guidance that helps our members assess these plans and therefore support their engagements via these initiatives. This guidance will seek to distil complex information about natural systems into outputs suitable for an investor audience, reflecting both investors’ existing commitments and best practice in other frameworks. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the broader work of the team developing resources to help investors assess climate risks and opportunities and supporting investors to undertake corporate engagements.
There will also be opportunities to work across workstreams, including engagement, stewardship, and specific sector work, while working collaboratively with the Investor Strategies and Policy programmes.
While this role is initially offered on a fixed term basis for 24 months, we hope that the contract can be extended, subject to resources.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The work will comprise the following core activities:

• Researching and developing Nature and Biodiversity guidance: To better manage the financial risks (and opportunities) across their portfolios, many of our members are signatories to NA100 and FSDA engagement initiatives. To support their engagement with companies across multiple sectors, we are developing guidance on key topics such as agriculture and forestry. Given the inherent interdependencies of natural systems, this guidance will seek to take a holistic view, fully integrating nature and climate related financial risks. The ability to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitive information into clear and concise outputs is essential.
• Supporting guidance publication and member adoption: Resources for our members are typically developed in consultation with them and a range of external and internal stakeholders. Establishing consensus positions on complex topics and supporting adoption requires adept communication and management skills.
• Contributing to the broader work of the Transition Research team: Our Transition Research team develops resources to help investors assess climate transition risks and opportunities and support their engagement dialogue.
• Assist with the overall research needs of the Corporate Programme: Part of this role will also involve working with the broader team to support investor engagement with companies on climate, deforestation and nature loss topics.