Job description
About Us
Join a purpose driven-organisation with a great culture and a mission to make a game changing impact on sustainability and social impact through finance. At the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) you’ll have the opportunity to significantly shape the future of sustainable finance by working with industry, government, regulators and civil society in a uniquely pivotal role.
ASFI aims to realign the Australian financial services system so that more money flows to activities that will create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive Australia. We coordinate, facilitate, and drive implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Our vision includes a financial system that:
- Is sustainable, resilient, and stable, able to withstand systemic risks and other shocks;
- Meets the present and long-term needs of all Australians, the environment, and the economy;
- Integrates sustainability risks, impacts, and opportunities into financial decisions;
- Enhances financial inclusion, wellbeing and informed choice; and
- Supports Australia in meeting sustainable development goals, including facilitating an orderly transition to a net-zero, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economy.
ASFI offers a comprehensive range of staff benefits including flexible work arrangements, volunteering leave, annual leave per year increasing with length of service, and support for professional development.
Position Purpose
ASFI is recruiting for a mid-career professional to work across two of ASFI’s core work programs:
Policy Program: collaborating with financial institutions, government, and partner organisations to identify and support public policy reforms that unlock capital for sustainable activities across climate, nature and social impact. This program leverages ASFI’s technical expertise, strong networks, and convening power to drive change and encourage Australian leadership, focusing on Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Sustainable Finance Solutions Program: supporting the development of ‘blended finance’ products that use public and/or philanthropic capital to de-risk private sector finance and investment in climate and sustainability activities. Currently, this program focusses on the Asia-Pacific through ASFI’s partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Key Activities
- Collaborate with Government and finance sector stakeholders to help deliver strong private finance outcomes, especially for COP31 if Australia hosts.
- Lead, with the support of ASFI’s Senior Policy Manager and Program Lead, key elements of ASFI’s engagement with government, parliamentarians, and the finance sector to:
- advocate for financial, climate and sustainability reforms to enable more private capital to flow to sustainable outcomes, including through policy submissions, briefings, round tables, and other engagement; and
- support effective public finance and blended finance mechanisms to mobilise private sector finance and investment for climate and sustainability in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Generate strong support for ASFI’s priority projects, including by working with partners across industry organisations, academia, think tanks and government.
- Encourage and support Australian leadership on sustainable finance policy internationally, particularly in areas such as transition finance.
- Lead delivery of ASFI’s annual state of sustainable finance “progress tracker” report.
- Engage with ASFI members to support effective finance sector engagement and leadership on policy and blended finance, including through ASFI’s COP31 Work Program.
Selection criteria
With a relevant tertiary qualification, you will possess 3-7 years’ professional experience in public policy, strategy, sustainability or related roles. 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.
Required Skills and experience
- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Strong organisation and time management skills.
- Ability to problem solve, manage complex projects in dynamic environments, and work independently or in collaboration with others as required.
- Expertise in public policy, advocacy and engagement including an ability to:
- quickly understand and analyse complex issues;
- test, coordinate and incorporate various stakeholder views; and
- identify and implement opportunities to influence public policy development consistent with ASFI’s policy agenda.
- Experience in designing and managing high quality multi-stakeholder events and engagements.
- Understanding of finance sector, ideally including sustainable finance and investment and/or climate finance and investment practice and policy.
- Ability to collaborate including across multiple time zones, markets and cultures.
- Unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement in both organisation and personal performance.
- Alignment with ASFI’s vision and mission.
Highly regarded skills and experience (not required):
- Experience working in government in a policy development role.
- Experience with international policy or engagement – including in pluri-lateral or multi-lateral fora.
- Understanding of international climate finance including UNFCCC climate negotiations and/or multi-lateral or development finance institutions.
- Understanding of blended finance and experience structuring financial products or transactions to achieve public interest outcomes.
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.