VP, Emerging Market Local Debt Portfolio — Macro Alpha Lead in London

VP, Emerging Market Local Debt Portfolio — Macro Alpha Lead in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
JPMorganChase

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead investment strategies in Emerging Markets, focusing on local rates and currencies.
  • Company: Join J.P. Morgan, a global leader in financial services with a commitment to diversity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for travel and networking.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the dynamic world of emerging market investments.
  • Qualifications: 5-10 years in EM local rates with strong analytical and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.

The Global Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities team (GFICC) at J.P. Morgan Asset Management is one of the world's deepest and best-resourced fixed income managers, with expertise across all major fixed income sectors, including niche markets. Every investment decision in our fixed income solutions is underpinned by the proprietary research of a globally integrated team of sector specialists. Our shared research language, combining fundamental, quantitative valuation and technical inputs, facilitates the comparison of ideas across sectors and geographies.

The Emerging Market Local Debt team is responsible for managing Local Currency denominated Government bond portfolios within GFICC, as well as contributing to the Emerging Market macro view across the broader GFICC team. The team has a long and proven track record in managing portfolios throughout various cycles over the last 20 years. It has also launched innovative products in the sector which position the team well to see significant asset growth in assets as investors are reconsidering the space more strategically.

Role Summary

Own the generation, evaluation, and implementation of investment ideas in Emerging Markets (EM) local rates and currencies to deliver excess returns consistent with the portfolios' risk budgets, investment guidelines, and benchmark constraints. Develop and articulate macro and market views across assigned EM countries/regions, and translate those views into portfolio positioning recommendations. Collaborate across the Global Fixed Income, Currency & Commodities (GFICC) platform to incorporate cross-sector insights into EM Local portfolios and to communicate the EM Debt (EMD) team's house view to internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Idea Generation and Implementation: Source, structure, and execute trade ideas across EM local curves and relative value expressions, targeting alpha within defined risk limits and liquidity parameters. Manage positions through the full lifecycle: entry, risk calibration, performance attribution, and exit, with clear documentation of thesis, catalysts, and risk factors. Optimize country and curve exposures (e.g., duration, DV01 allocation, curve shape, breakevens) in line with portfolio objectives and client guidelines.
  • Macro and Country Coverage: Maintain and present a rigorous macro framework for assigned EM countries/regions. Produce timely, high-conviction recommendations informed by data, policy trajectories, and market technicals; update views as catalysts evolve.
  • Cross-Platform Collaboration: Partner with global rates, FX, credit, and quant teams to integrate cross-asset insights into EM Local portfolios. Communicate the EMD team's views to portfolio managers, traders, and client-facing teams; contribute to investment committees and risk forums.
  • Risk Management and Governance: Adhere to portfolio guidelines, risk budgets, and compliance requirements; ensure positions align with approved mandates and liquidity profiles. Monitor and report key risk metrics (e.g., tracking error, VaR, stress, scenario/sensitivity analysis); escalate deviations promptly and propose mitigation actions. Contribute to formal performance attribution and post-trade reviews, including lessons learned and process improvements.
  • Research, Tools, and Process: Build and maintain models, dashboards, and datasets supporting signal generation, valuation, and risk monitoring (e.g., carry/roll, term premium, fair-value frameworks). Leverage coding and LLM-based tools to accelerate research, backtesting, and documentation while adhering to data governance standards.

Decision Remit and Scope

Primary decision remit: Propose and size trades within the EM Local rates opportunity set; implement trades subject to portfolio manager approval and risk limits. Coverage scope: Assigned EM countries/regions in EMEA and/or broader EM as determined by the team; may shift as team needs evolve. Risk parameters: Operate within pre-agreed risk budgets (e.g., DV01, tracking error, country limits) and liquidity thresholds; comply with client and regulatory constraints.

Required qualifications, capabilities and skills

  • 5-10 years of experience managing or taking risk in EM local rates, including hands-on execution in government bonds and interest rate derivatives.
  • Demonstrated track record of alpha generation and sound risk management under varying market regimes.
  • Strong macroeconomic grounding and fixed income market expertise (policy analysis, inflation dynamics, market microstructure).
  • Proficiency with analytical toolsets and coding for research and monitoring (e.g., Python, R, or similar), and effective use of large language models for workflow acceleration.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present views, trade rationales, and risk assessments clearly to investment committees and stakeholders.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

Preferred qualifications, capabilities and skills

  • Degree in economics, finance, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA) are a plus.
  • Direct risk-taking background (e.g., trading, portfolio management, hedge fund desk analysis) in EMEA rates.
  • Familiarity with portfolio construction techniques (e.g., risk budgeting, factor exposures, optimization) and with performance attribution frameworks.

Success Measures

  • Consistent excess return generation within risk budgets and drawdown limits.
  • High-quality investment memos and country updates with clear catalysts and risk scenarios.
  • Effective collaboration and timely dissemination of views across the platform.
  • Robust risk oversight evidenced by clean audit/compliance reviews and disciplined trade documentation.

Work Model and Reporting

Reports to: EM Debt Portfolio Manager/Head of EM Local Rates. Location: London; some travel for on-site meetings, conferences, and due diligence may be required.

About Us

J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, providing strategic advice and products to the world's most prominent corporations, governments, wealthy individuals and institutional investors. Our first-class business in a first-class way approach to serving clients drives everything we do. We strive to build trusted, long-term partnerships to help our clients achieve their business objectives.

We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs.

About the Team

J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management delivers industry-leading investment management and private banking solutions. Asset Management provides individuals, advisors and institutions with strategies and expertise that span the full spectrum of asset classes through our global network of investment professionals. Wealth Management helps individuals, families and foundations take a more intentional approach to their wealth or finances to better define, focus and realize their goals.

VP, Emerging Market Local Debt Portfolio — Macro Alpha Lead in London employer: JPMorganChase

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Global Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities team. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to contribute to impactful investment strategies in emerging markets, all while being supported by a globally integrated team of experts.

JPMorganChase

Contact Details:

JPMorganChase Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land VP, Emerging Market Local Debt Portfolio — Macro Alpha Lead in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work at J.P. Morgan or in similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your macroeconomic knowledge and fixed income expertise. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with EM local rates and how you’ve generated alpha in various market conditions.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of models or dashboards you've built that support investment decisions. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to leverage data effectively.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at J.P. Morgan.

We think you need these skills to ace VP, Emerging Market Local Debt Portfolio — Macro Alpha Lead in London

Investment Idea Generation
Emerging Markets Expertise
Risk Management
Portfolio Management
Macroeconomic Analysis
Fixed Income Market Knowledge
Analytical Toolsets Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP, Emerging Market Local Debt role. Highlight your experience in managing EM local rates and your track record of alpha generation. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis and macroeconomic insights, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with analytical tools like Python or R. We love seeing candidates who can leverage tech to enhance their research and decision-making.

Communicate Clearly:Your ability to present complex ideas simply is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate your communication skills. Whether it’s through your writing style or how you articulate your experiences, clarity is key for us!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at JPMorganChase

Know Your Macro Inside Out

For a role like this, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of macroeconomic principles and how they affect emerging markets. Brush up on recent trends, policy changes, and economic indicators in the regions you'll be covering. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your depth of knowledge.

Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills

Since the job requires proficiency in analytical tools and coding, be prepared to discuss your experience with Python, R, or similar languages. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to generate insights or improve processes. This will highlight your technical capabilities.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that test your risk management skills and decision-making under pressure. Think of specific scenarios where you had to manage risk or make tough investment decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.

Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of successful collaborations from your past. Highlight how you communicated complex ideas to different stakeholders and how you integrated cross-sector insights into your work.