APAC Research Director

****We accept applications from any APAC countries***

About the Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute (AFII)

AFII is a global non-profit organisation empowering fixed income markets to drive the global climate transition.

The AFII strategy is three-fold: (1) initiate movement by creating cutting edge, intellectually robust ideas and research on how to shift fixed income markets to support the climate transition; (2) accelerate movement by converting ideas into practical solutions for investors to make better decisions when investing in the climate transition; (3) generate volume of fixed income capital flows to climate friendly investments through targeted communications, advocacy and outreach.

AFII is entering into an exciting new phase of its development since its launch in 2020. AFII aims to become a highly specialised, market-driven organisation in the non-profit domain where the output and style of AFII's work will be in line with Tier-1 investment banks. To achieve AFII's core objectives, the organisation has put the asset owner and asset manager community (such as pension funds, Sovereign Wealth Funds and other entities with fiduciary duty to end-investors) as the key stakeholder to engage, educate and empower. The organisation strives to integrate conclusions of its research into investment decisions by asset owners and managers.

We offer a collaborative, start-up environment where you will be a part of a larger purpose and evolving high-performance culture that empowers you to make an impact.

Context

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has significant capital requirements to support its energy transition.

The relative size of fixed income markets ($130 trillion) and their unique role in providing new capital, including in financing many more entities than just public companies, presents an opportunity to deliver a successful energy transition in this dynamic and globally significant region.

AFII aims to combine its advocacy efforts with its expertise in fixed income to create visibility for global investors on the risks and opportunities to diversify their portfolios and finance the climate transition in the region.

Role Summary

The role of APAC Research Director will be to track general market flows and dynamics in the context of the climate transition in the APAC region, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia and the developments in Japan regarding its GX policy. They will produce innovative research and engage with industry stakeholders as well as collaborate with the team on key topics.

Research at AFII is conducted across the whole credit spectrum and not only labelled bonds, with a clear market perspective, and the aim to fully integrate climate risk and impact into portfolio management. Therefore, an understanding of alpha generation, long/shorts, benchmarking, derivatives and macro market drivers would be beneficial for this role.

The Research Director will also have day to day responsibility for the identification of, engagement with and development of relationships with key market participants to achieve the highest possible penetration and impact of the organisation's work.

AFII runs a compact, dynamic team where being able to deliver in a fast-paced environment is crucial; this requires creativity, attention to detail, and capacity to work independently as well as the ability to collaborate well with other team members.

AFII currently has offices in the City in London and Stockholm, and representation in Malaysia; work location is flexible.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Research

• Research, analyse and evaluate a variety of industries, companies, and securities in the APAC credit markets with large carbon footprints.
• Conduct insightful, forward-thinking research.
• Support Portfolio team with idea generation.
• Write innovative market research targeting fixed income practitioners, most importantly portfolio managers.
• Contribute to thought leadership/ white paper creation: working closely with investor stakeholders, the successful candidate will support the production of thought pieces for AFII's readership.

Track, evaluate and monitor climate exposed credit investments

• Track and evaluate credit transactions impacting the APAC climate/energy transition.
• Review/monitor ongoing performance of targeted credit transactions.
• Map value chain for targeted credit transactions
• Play a supporting role in AFII's portfolio strategy

External Engagement

• Build relationships with FI market stakeholders in the region through direct outreach and through network events
• Advance AFII ideas by disseminating information and data regarding AFII's research to key stakeholders

Internal

• Participate in and contribute to weekly meetings.
• Regular reporting on all areas listed above.
• Other relevant duties and projects as assigned.
• Stay ahead of the curve on AFII's research and core competencies.
• Actively input into the development of AFII's strategy

About you

General

• 8-10 years industry experience
• In depth knowledge of APAC capital markets. Knowledge/expertise in Japan's domestic market an advantage.
• Exemplary client engagement skills with the ability to maintain and extend client relationships.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to clearly articulate sophisticated concepts, ideas, and processes.
• Disciplined organization and project management skills with the ability to multi-task quickly and efficiently.
• Fluent in English; Asian language skills in a professional context an advantage.
• Self-starter who can work effectively on their own as well as with a team, while being resourceful and able to work with other groups to obtain the information necessary to complete tasks.
• Highly proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
• Attention to detail and a sense of urgency around deadlines.
• Ability to develop strong and trusting relationships with external stakeholders swiftly and effectively.
• Presence, maturity, and credibility to present effectively.

Credit analysis

• Strong mathematical and statistical ability to synthesize information from data and quantitative analyses.
• Fixed income experience in a buy-side, sell-side, or data provider role.
• Strong technical fixed income skills, familiarity with fixed income derivatives and fixed income indices.
• CFA qualification, CFA candidacy, IMC qualification, an advantage
• Good understanding of sustainable finance developments in the region desirable.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to [Confidential Information] by September 30.

*AFII is an equal opportunity employer*

AFII is committed to diversity and inclusion. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.