Responsible Investment Senior Policy Analyst Business Area: Responsible Investment When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts. In your role as Responsible Investment Senior Policy Analyst, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role presents an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of the Scheme’s ambitious Responsible Investment (RI) strategy.
USS’s RI strategy sets a clear direction and ambition for the Scheme to demonstrate visible leadership in responsible investment across the UK and to be recognised as a global leader among asset owners. Policy advocacy is identified by the Trustees as a primary lever for promoting and supporting USS’s position as a Universal Owner—targeting system level issues and championing for the proper functioning of markets. USS’s RI strategy identifies four priorities: Climate, Nature, Governance, and People, which would drive policy advocacy.
Your work will enhance directly the Scheme’s influence on policy and regulatory developments, ultimately contributing to better long term financial outcomes for members.
This role is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about RI and motivated by influencing the debate and outcomes through strategic and effective RI policy advocacy. As a key and trusted member of USS’s RI team, this will be high-profile within USS as it supports USS Executives and Board members, and offers opportunities for public visibility, globally, with relevant policymakers, regulators, standard setters, other investors and investor bodies. As a trusted part of the Responsible Investment team you will: - Policy and Advocacy Leadership
- Monitor for emerging regulatory and market developments across key jurisdictions.
- Participate in USS’s internal policy-related committees and ad hoc working groups.
- Work closely with the RI team, Corporate Affairs, USS Executives and other USS colleagues; you will support the development and delivery of USS’s policy strategy as it relates to the RI priorities (Climate, Nature, People and Governance).
- Support USS’s thought leadership; identifying how this may translate to policy considerations and effective execution.
- Produce internal and external communication materials and undertake wider analysis. This may include, but is not limited to policy briefings, articles, blogs and reports.
Stakeholder Engagement. - Engage actively with various teams and groups across USS to develop and promote USS’s RI policy priorities.
- Engage with key stakeholders on RI policy priorities, including government officials, policy makers and standard setters; ensuring that these priorities are represented in major RI developments around the world.
- Contribute to the formulation of policy advocacy positions for active public engagement opportunities and briefing USS Executives and Directors as they engage with governments, senior policy makers, regulators, journalists etc.
- Act as the RI team’s principal liaison, managing internal and external queries and opportunities.
- Contribute to responses and support the co-ordination of government consultations in conjunction with relevant stakeholders within the RI team and across USS.
- Participate in ad hoc speaking opportunities at relevant RI industry events.
- Represent USS on relevant RI industry groups and forums.
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have: - Experience that may have been gained via roles in the various industries or sectors: RI, policy advocacy, investment, advisory, bank, think tank...etc
- Track record of influencing at senior levels and engaging effectively with regulators, policy makers or standard setters.
- Good understanding of current and evolving RI-related policies in the UK and globally.
- An understanding of the investment implications relating to ESG matters.
- Ability to build strong relationships and networks to facilitate USS’s work with partner organisations, coalitions, and networks.
Attributes - Strategic thinker with sound judgement, political acumen, tenacity and pragmatism.
- Collaborative and diplomatic, with strong relationship-building skills across diverse cultures and viewpoints.
- Self-motivated, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, including written form and public speaking.
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits! How we will reward you - Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values: - Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025). To find out more, please visit https://www.uss.co.uk
USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk. |
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