Policy Manager

The Organisation:

The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) has been established to realign the Australian financial services system so that more money flows to activities that will create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive Australia. We do this by coordinating, facilitating and driving implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

ASFI is committed to realigning the finance sector to create a sustainable and resilient financial system by directing capital to support greater social, environmental and economic outcomes consistent with the Roadmap.

Our vision is for an Australia that has a financial system:

• That is sustainable, resilient and stable and can withstand systemic risks and other shocks and strains
• Meets the present and long-term needs of all Australians, the environment and the economy
• Where financial decisions are informed by and consider sustainability risks, impacts and opportunities
• That enhances financial inclusion, wellbeing and informed choice
• Where capital flows support Australia to meet sustainable development goals, including facilitating and orderly transition to a net-zero, resource efficient and social inclusive economy

Our work is modelled on the work and progress internationally to align the finance sector with the goals of a resilient and sustainable economy.

In additional to the ability to do highly impactful work, as part of a great team with fantastic partners, ASFI offers a comprehensive range of staff benefits including:

• Flexible work arrangements (location, hours and patterns of work)
• Reimbursement of mobile phone expenses
• Access to volunteering leave
• 4 weeks of annual leave per year, increasing annually based on length of service
• Support for professional development

Position Purpose

The Policy Manager will lead the implementation of ASFI’s policy and government engagement workstream which works with the Australian Government at the political and Departmental level, with MPs and Senators to:

• Influence financial sector policy and regulation to better integrate sustainability considerations, accelerating the transformation of the financial system and enabling ASFI members to meet their climate, sustainability and social impact commitments
• Influence climate, environment and social policy, regulation, programs and commonwealth investment vehicles so that they enable and support more private capital to flow to these outcomes
• Generate strong support (and funding) for ASFI’s priority projects and the role that the finance sector plays in building a sustainable, resilient and inclusive Australia
• Encourage Australian leadership on sustainable finance internationally, particularly in areas such as transition finance to ensure international inter-operability of regulatory systems and that the Australian financial sector remains internationally competitive

The position will also be responsible for delivering key ASFI projects such as the annual progress tracker, representing ASFI externally, and contributing to other ASFI work streams.

This role is suited to an experienced professional who is well organised and experienced at policy development and stakeholder engagement, particularly with government stakeholders, with a track record of delivering results in this area.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implementation of ASFI’s government engagement strategy, working with ASFI members and other partners in the sustainable finance ecosystem to get strong government (Ministerial and Departmental) support for ASFI’s agenda and implementation of the Roadmap, with oversight and support from the Program Lead and CEO.
• Identifying and capitalising on opportunities to work more closely with government to accelerate implementation of the Roadmap, utilising ASFI members experience and expertise including through the design and execution of high quality mulit-stakeholder events such as roundtables, webinars, and panel events.
• Leading ASFI’s engagement on sustainable finance policy and regulation, in line with the Roadmap priorities. Communicating this knowledge with ASFI members, enabling them to navigate the complex policy and regulatory landscape and ultimately enabling them to meet and scale up their climate and sustainability commitments.
• With the CEO, identify how this work can contribute to ASFI revenue.
• Delivering the annual progress tracker report, from project inception to public launch.
• Managing multiple, competing and evolving, individual and team priorities to ensure you deliver successful outcomes.
• Independently preparing the structure and content of funding submissions and/or governance reports (i.e. status updates, Advisory Committee or Board papers) from draft to final stage, requiring minimal editing by the CEO and other stakeholders.
• Independently preparing for and leading the facilitation of internal and external meetings/workshops in areas of responsibility.
• Identifying, escalating and addressing risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Negotiating and managing stakeholder expectations in relation to project delivery timeframes, budgets and risks, with oversight from the CEO.

Selection criteria

With a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in finance, public policy, law, environment or a related discipline, you will possess a minimum of seven years’ experience in sustainable finance and/or public policy, ideally with a focus on climate or environmental matters.

You are adept at working in a small environment where people’s opinions are valued and listened to. You thrive on open communication and are energised by a dynamic and fast paced work environment.

In addition, you will possess the following:

• Expertise in policy development, advocacy and engagement including an ability to quickly understand and analyse complex policy developments; test, coordinate and incorporate various stakeholder views; identify and implement opportunities to influence public policy development consistent with ASFI’s policy agenda through stakeholder engagement and other activities.
• Experience in designing and managing high quality multi-stakeholder events and engagement such as meetings, roundtables and panel events, in a way that advances ASFI’s policy interests – including through effective agenda setting and actively supporting briefing of and engagement by ASFI members.
• Experience in leading complex projects characterised by changing dynamics and myriad of relationships.
• Knowledge of sustainable finance and investment industry and/or climate change and sustainability issues
• Strong organisational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience collaborating internationally, across multiple time zones, markets and cultures
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills including proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders within varying spheres of influence.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, prioritise activities and meet deadlines in an ever-evolving environment.
• Unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement in both organisation and personal performance and alignment with ASFI’s vision and mission.
• Experience working in government in a policy development role will be highly regarded (but is not required)
• Experience with international policy or engagement – including in pluri-lateral or multi-lateral fora – will be highly regarded (but is not required)

ASFI values diversity and is building a workforce that reflects the whole community. ASFI is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) community members, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.