Sustainable Investment Analyst

The Senior ESG Analyst will focus on North Asia and be responsible for generating and internally disseminating research on the environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities affecting the companies and securities in which we invest in our public markets business (listed equities and fixed income). The successful candidate will be someone that combines deep analytical skills, a profound understanding of ESG risks and opportunities (particularly those affecting issuers in Asia), and the ability to interact with, educate, and influence investment professionals on ESG factors through supportive research and generating original thought leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to execute on the ESG research agenda and priorities defined in the region in consultation with Head of ESG in Asia.

This role is considered critical for the success of the global ESG Research & Integration function. There is potential for the role to be a high profile one that pioneers the development of sustainable and responsible investment norms in the Asian region, where sustainable investment is rapidly growing in prominence. The Senior ESG Analyst must be highly motivated to contribute to key projects that benefit the global work agenda and will report to the Head of ESG in Asia who is based in Singapore.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting proprietary research to assess ESG risks/opportunities and strategies of issuers of equities and bonds, designed to support portfolio management teams to incorporate the appropriate risk/reward profile of investments into valuations and to assess ESG risks/opportunities at a portfolio level

• Developing and publishing thought leadership pieces independently and together with other ESG and investment analysts

• Setting and executing on the ESG active ownership agenda for Asia, especially North Asia, in partnership with investment staff, or in partnership with investor peers for collaborative engagement, with the aim to position Manulife IM in a leading position on ESG stewardship in the region

• Providing education and training on specific ESG risks/opportunities to investment staff

• Researching and providing opinions to investment teams on certain proxy ballot items

• Supporting external sustainable investing reporting obligations, e.g. annual PRI reporting, client surveys and RFPs

• Supporting global sales staff to present the firm's ESG integration systems and achievements in Asia

• Representing Manulife Investment Management at responsible investment and financial industry events, and defining priority initiatives for co-sponsorship and engagement

• Supporting regional investment teams with research and engagement activities that feed into thematic ESG investment strategies

The successful candidate will have the following experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience (e.g. buyside asset management, sell-side asset management, NGO research and advocacy, etc.) translating into deep understanding of corporate governance, environmental and social issues in terms of their impact on investment process and outcomes in public equities and fixed income investments

• Experience writing and producing investment reports and research notes, preferably with a strong sustainability focus and incorporation of ESG factors into valuation methods

• Deep Asia expertise and interest, including strong understanding of corporate governance trends and challenges in the region, awareness of dynamics and diversity of Asian political and economic systems

• Experience with public presentations and working collaboratively with other groups and peer investors

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage competing work streams

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form

• Prior investment management experience highly regarded

• Relevant financial qualification highly desirable, e.g. CFA, MBA, Masters of Finance, etc.