Environmental Social and Corporate Governance Associate

This role is critical for the success of the global ESG Research & Engagement function, and the delivery of sustainability themed products. The analyst will contribute to the development of sustainable and responsible investment norms in the Asian region, where sustainable investment is rapidly growing in prominence. The 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.

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

• Setting and executing on the ESG active ownership agenda for 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 to existing and potential clients

• 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

• Developing and publishing case studies, thought leadership and other research  independently and together with other ESG and investment analysts
  

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience (e.g. buyside asset management, sell-side asset management, ESG data or service providers, 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

• Spoken and written fluency in English and native Mandarin is essential

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

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.