The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) is seeking a Sustainable Finance Analyst for a contracted consultant or employee role based in Europe. We are looking for an experienced professional with excellent analytical and communications skills and a deep knowledge of the European financial markets and sustainable finance sector. The consultant must also possess a commitment to IEEFA's mission to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.
This role will be integral to IEEFA’s European Financial Markets Initiative, a multi-year effort to accelerate the integration of meaningful sustainability factors and climate risk regulation into decision making across financial markets and institutions in Europe. The successful candidate will be IEEFA’s first dedicated financial analyst in Europe, joining a small, dynamic and growing team. As well as performing critical analysis to inform debate on sustainable finance issues, this role contains significant opportunity for expansion and growth, subject to performance, including coordinating and managing multiple research workstreams and analysts in future.
IEEFA is a rapidly-growing NGO/non-profit think tank that conducts research and analysis on financial and economic issues related to energy finance markets, trends and policies. Headquartered in the United States, IEEFA has a global team of analysts and communications personnel, including significant presence in the greater Asia Pacific region and a growing Europe-based team and network of partners. The Europe team works collaboratively with IEEFA colleagues and other organisations both internationally and in the region.
IEEFA produces a significant volume of original research, as well as ongoing analysis and reports on issues affecting energy, and finance industries. Our major research reports, daily commentaries, press coverage, and other resources can be found on our website: www.ieefa.org.
The organization’s research products and commentary are used by a variety of organizations and individuals involved in the energy and finance industry, including investors, just-transition organizations, environmental organizations, business and labor leaders, market analysts, academic researchers and educators, legislators, attorneys and government administrators. IEEFA’s work is widely cited across the mainstream press and in trade publications.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Independently research and write original, compelling, professional reports and commentaries covering sustainable finance issues such as green capital flows, ESG standards and greenwashing
- Work closely with the Director, Europe to refine impact strategies and drive forward IEEFA’s work relating to financial markets in Europe, including performance outcome monitoring and reports
- Prepare and submit responses to relevant sustainable finance consultations by financial regulators
- Conduct financial analysis, modelling, and market analysis in Excel
- Examine strategy announcements and performance of various sustainable financial instruments and funds
- Research and highlight examples of policy inconsistencies or greenwashing by ESG ratings agencies and financial institutions, including via their investments/lending/services for energy companies
- Assess the plans of promoted private finance institutions and initiatives (such as selected GFANZ groups) against actual actions and performance
- Research, interpret and publish financial data; analyze strategy announcements and financial performance; track performance of relevant financial instruments
- Create and deliver presentations for public, media, and industry briefings
- Horizon scanning for sustainable finance news – downloading and sharing 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
- Establish and engage with relevant private stakeholders (e.g. investors, policy think-tanks, regulators) across Europe and represent IEEFA at meetings and industry events
- Peer review activities, maintaining IEEFA’s high research standards
- Other duties as assigned by IEEFA's Europe Director
Qualifications and Skills
- Seven or more years’ relevant experience in finance, market analysis, and/or energy or related fields
- 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
- Expert understanding of finance, economics, and quantitative analysis with deep experience analyzing financial instruments and/or investment portfolios across multiple asset classes
- Experience making investment or capital allocation decisions for major financial institutions, including integrating sustainability considerations into investment processes
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and with good political judgment both orally and in writing
- Ability to collaborate with, coach, and mentor a diverse team of colleagues or partners, with ability to constructively influence and guide thinking on complex technical, economic, and financial matters
- Fluent in English language with preference for an additional European language
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and with good political judgment both orally and in writing, in both analytical and persuasive formats
- High degree of technological proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word and demonstrated ability to learn new software and applications
About You
- You are keen to bring your skills and experience to a small and dynamic team to make a difference
- You are very self-motivated, able to work independently, able to multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines with limited direction while working remotely
- You have a demonstrated ability to learn new software and applications
- You have excellent writing skills demonstrated through publications, reports, and commentaries
- You are team-oriented with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- You enjoy a challenge and have a commitment to IEEFA’s mission
EOE: We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity, equity and inclusion at IEEFA. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing all employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy/parental status or disability status.
Term and Schedule: The initial full-time contract will be negotiated within a range of 4 and 5 days per week for 12 months. Our intention is that the contract will be renewed annually by mutual agreement.
Work Location & Travel: This is a remote position for candidates located in Europe. Some travel may be required. All global team members attend IEEFA’s annual conference and international team retreat.
To Apply: Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter and writing sample.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first review of applicants will begin in late-February 2023.
Please be sure to add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.