Sustainable Finance Policy Specialist in London

The Sustainable Finance Division is responsible for developing and coordinating delivery of the FCA’s strategy and commitments in the sustainable finance space – spanning the FCA’s roles as both a regulator and an operating entity. Sitting at the centre of a ‘hub and spokes’ model that links in with divisions and departments right across the FCA, the Sustainable Finance Division comprises a group of committed, highly collaborative individuals. Sustainable Finance is a fast-moving and dynamic space. The Sustainable Finance Policy team is responsible for delivering sustainable finance policy interventions, including developing new rules for ESG Rating providers. Working with teams across the FCA and external stakeholders, we set the standards for the UK financial sector.

We are seeking a highly skilled, ambitious and proactive individual with expert knowledge of ESG Ratings and policy making experience to join the Sustainable Finance Policy Team. The Government has confirmed it will bring ESG ratings into the FCA’s regulatory perimeter and intends to finalise legislation this year. We are working to develop our regulatory framework for those providers. You will have the unique opportunity to shape the new regulatory regime in line with our FCA objectives. You’ll be at the forefront of a priority area of regulation within the Sustainable Finance Division. You will be responsible for providing technical input into the development of the new rules, working with a dynamic, passionate and committed team of policy professionals.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape new rules for a priority policy area for the FCA’s Sustainable Finance Division
• Provide expert advice, judgement and subject matter knowledge to support delivery of policy outcomes
• Gain an in-depth understanding of the regulatory process from policy development through implementation at the authorisations gateway and supervision
• Build a strong internal network, including with senior management, across the FCA
• Build effective working relationships with external stakeholders including HM Treasury, as well as stakeholders across the financial services sector
• Mentor and support the development of colleagues within the team/Division

Which skills are required:

• Expert understanding of key industry and regulatory priorities for ESG data and ratings provision gained through relevant industry, professional or public policy experience
• Prior experience in delivering on high profile and/or complex strategic projects or policy initiatives
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to represent the Sustainable Finance Division and the FCA credibly, both internally and externally
• Strong policy and analytical skills, demonstrating evidence-based, data-led approaches
• Proven ability to manage or support projects from an early stage to completion, working collaboratively to deliver high-quality outputs
• Ability to coordinate inputs, including complex and technical information, from a wide network of stakeholders to develop fair and balanced findings
• Can distil and communicate complex information to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to build and maintain a strong network of effective relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Can operate effectively in a fast-evolving, sometimes uncertain environment, using judgement to adapt quickly as needed
• Flexibility and commitment to the role, including the ability to work well under pressure and sometimes to short deadlines

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and our ambition is to cultivate a culture for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation. Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work/life balance and support our diversity ambitions.

Benefits of working at the FCA:

• 28 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working (work from home up to 60% of your time)
• Private healthcare with Bupa
• A non-contributory Pension of at least 8%
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Competitive flexible benefits scheme

We welcome applications from candidates who are looking for flexible arrangements. Many of our staff work flexibly including working part-time, staggered hours and job shares.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition requiring changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter using the details below and they will be happy to discuss this further with you.

This role is graded as Technical Specialist – Regulatory.

Advert Closing Date: 17th June

CV Review/Shortlist: 19th/20th June

First Round Competency Based Interview: W/C 20th June

Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.

If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contact: Sandeep Guntupalli on sandeep.guntupalli@fca.org.uk

Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.