At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative sustainability and climate index products across EMEA.
- Company: Join MSCI, a global leader in financial markets with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a culture of innovation and growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while collaborating with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in index product management and sustainable investing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a senior leadership opportunity within MSCI's Index franchise - one of the most influential and fastest-growing businesses in global financial markets. The Head of EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Products will own the product strategy, development, and commercial growth of MSCI's Sustainability and Climate index suite across EMEA, while contributing to the global evolution of these product lines.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned index professional with deep expertise in sustainable investing, climate risk frameworks, and the regulatory landscape shaping European asset management. They will combine strategic vision with the operational rigour to drive execution, and will serve as MSCI's foremost EMEA voice on sustainability and climate indexing - with clients, regulators, and the investment community.
The role sits at the intersection of product innovation, client engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, working alongside MSCI's Sustainability & Climate (S&C) Product division, Index Research, regional Coverage teams, and the global Index Product leadership team. This individual will manage a team of three and operate as a key member of the broader EMEA Index Products leadership.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Product Strategy & Roadmap
- Define and execute the EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index product strategy, aligned with global Index priorities and regional market demand.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of new index concepts - spanning climate transition, physical risk, biodiversity, and cross-asset sustainability themes.
- Lead flagship index consultations (e.g. PAB, Climate Action) and drive the evolution of key methodologies in partnership with Index Research and S&C Product.
- Oversee delivery of new index launches, including Biodiversity v2, Physical Risk MVP, and the Energy Transition Framework Index, from design through go-to-market.
- Champion the integration of new data signals (e.g. supply chain, carbon markets) into MSCI's index construction framework.
- Commercial Growth & Client Engagement
- Support expansion of MSCI's Sustainability & Climate ETF and non-ETF index penetration across EMEA in partnership with regional Coverage and Sales teams.
- Serve as a senior client-facing representative for MSCI's sustainability and climate index capabilities - leading strategic roadshows, mandate reviews, and new business pitches with key accounts including asset managers, asset owners, and investment banks.
- Develop client-facing collateral, positioning materials, and competitive intelligence to support retention and new business efforts.
- Establish and maintain AUM tracking and reporting frameworks for the Sustainability & Climate index franchise.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as the primary liaison between the EMEA Index Products team and MSCI's global Sustainability & Climate division, ensuring coordinated product roadmaps and cross-sell alignment.
- Collaborate with S&C Product to enhance existing joint offerings (e.g. ICV) and develop new subscription products that embed S&C datasets within index frameworks.
- Serve as an internal practitioner sounding board for S&C product development, advising on how sustainability signals translate into investable index solutions.
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of three EMEA-based Sustainability & Climate Index specialists.
- Drive team exposure to client meetings across the full spectrum of use cases - mandate reviews, methodology consultations, new pitches, and thought leadership events.
- Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigour, and commercial accountability within the team.
- Contribute to hiring and broader talent strategy for the EMEA Sustainability Index function.
- Innovation & AI Adoption
- Leverage AI and advanced analytics tools to prototype insights, accelerate index product development, and support client-facing analytics (e.g. Energy Transition Framework data tools).
- Champion AI adoption within the team and share best practices with the broader EMEA Index Products organisation.
Your skills and experience that will help you excel:
Essential
- Significant experience in index product management, sustainable investing, or a closely related field within financial services.
- Deep understanding of sustainability and climate index methodologies, including EU-regulation-aligned benchmarks (PAB, CTB, SFDR, EU Taxonomy) and climate transition frameworks.
- Proven track record of defining and delivering complex product strategies from concept through to commercial launch.
- Strong commercial acumen with direct experience engaging institutional clients - asset managers, asset owners, and investment banks - at a senior level.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex methodological concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Collaborative, cross-functional working style with experience influencing without direct authority.
Desirable
- Familiarity with MSCI's Sustainability & Climate data products and their application in index construction.
- Experience across multiple asset classes, including fixed income and multi-asset climate benchmarks.
- Understanding of biodiversity, physical climate risk, or nature-related financial frameworks (TNFD, TCFD).
- Experience working with quantitative research or data science teams on index or product development.
- CFA designation or equivalent professional qualification.
- Proficiency in data analytics or AI-assisted workflow tools.
About MSCI:
What we offer you: Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing. Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces. A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results. A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients. Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, AI Learning Center, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development. Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles. We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups. At MSCI we are passionate about what we do, and we are inspired by our vision - to power better decisions. You'll be part of an industry-leading network of creative, curious, and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself, set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself, our clients, and our industry.
EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head employer: MSCI
At MSCI, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that champions diversity and innovation within the financial services sector. Our EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful product strategies in a collaborative environment, supported by flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits tailored to your needs. With a strong focus on professional growth, our culture encourages continuous learning and development, making MSCI an exceptional place for those passionate about sustainable investing and climate solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like MSCI that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like MSCI that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like MSCI. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like MSCI when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with MSCI's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research MSCI and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that MSCI is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of EMEA Sustainability & Climate Index Head.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSCI
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with MSCI.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at MSCI.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of MSCI. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
