ESG Compliance Specialist (12 mth FTC)

At M&G our vision is: to become the best loved and most successful savings and investment business and we're looking for people who are excited about joining us on our journey. We're digitally transforming and investing heavily in technology and innovation to develop new and improved customer propositions that really raise the bar for our customers. To help us achieve our vision we're looking for exceptional people who live our values and behaviours and who can inspire others; embrace change; deliver results and keep it simple.

We know that an inclusive environment makes us more accessible and ensures we attract, engage, promote and retain exceptional people. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity/nationality, disability, or military service and welcome those who have taken career breaks. We will consider flexible working arrangements or home working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer work place accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

What you can expect from us:
We are committed to creating an environment where you can be exceptional at all you do. To help us deliver this, we promise to:

• Challenge Your Limits by creating a stimulating working environment and providing opportunities for you to be involved in meaningful and challenging work
• Support Your Aspirations with a commitment to learning and development that helps you achieve and build your experience with people who want you to succeed
• Value Your Input whereby leaders and managers will involve you in key decisions, listen to your thoughts and recognise the important contribution you make
• Balance Your Life through a work life partnership that focuses on making this an inclusive, diverse and friendly place to work and offers the flexibility and support that enables everyone to be at their best

How do we support our employees:
All M&G plc employees will be supported in the workplace through our M&G Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). If you need counselling, confidential financial or legal advice. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offers access to qualified professionals who can provide specialist information, advice and support on many issues. It offers a broad range of services, including help with family issues, maintaining work/life balance and mental health support.

The Role:
The objective of the M&G Group Compliance Advisory team is to provide an advisory service to all areas of the M&G Group business in relation to the design and effectiveness of regulatory processes, policies, controls, products, services and outcomes for clients and customers. This role is in the Specialists Team, which comprises of subject matter experts, responsible for supporting the business on the technical queries and delivery of business and regulatory change activities. We are looking for a subject matter expert in ESG /sustainability that can support the business with regulatory issues across the investment lifecycle (marketing, distribution, product, investment).

Key Responsibilities for this role:

• Provide technical advice on ESG legislation - in particular EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
• Be a regulatory specialist who will help interpret and scan for ESG/sustainability issues and help the business understand the regulatory issues across the investment lifecycle (marketing, distribution, product, investment).
• Provide challenge to, and oversight of the first line relating to their regulatory obligations as appropriate.
• Liaison with regulators and legal counsel as required.
• Be proactive and demonstrate well considered judgements.
• Work closely with the wider Advisory and other Compliance teams, sharing knowledge and ensuring a coordinated and consistent approach in delivering Compliance advice.

Key Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Experience of delivering Compliance advice in an asset management environment (at least 5-6 years), including on ESG / sustainable aspects
• Awareness of regulations within the asset management industry.
• Commercially aligned, can do attitude and pragmatic approach to provision of advice
• Experience of UK and EU ESG initiatives (SFDR, TCFD, Taxonomy) is highly desirable
• Good ability to analyse and interpret rules and published guidance from the regulators and other relevant bodies (FCA, CSSF and ESMA).
• Self-starter, high levels of initiative and a strong work ethic
• Ability to analyse complex and evolving positions and ability to express regulatory concepts in a clear and concise manner
• Confident using core Office365 applications (MS Teams, OneNote) and able to embrace technology / new digital tools
• Communicates with conviction across all levels of the organisation
• Team player, supportive with a collegiate approach
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail

Qualifications (Desirable):

• University Degree (or equivalent)
• Relevant investment management qualification (e.g. Investment Management Certificate, Investment Operations Certificate, CFA)
• Relevant Compliance qualification (e.g. International Compliance Association, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment)

Work Level: Manager / Expert
Recruiter Name: Amy Curtis
Location: London, Stirling or Edinburgh

We live by four behaviours at M&G and we ask all our employees to:

• Inspire Others - Support and encourage each other, creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed
• Embrace Change - Be open to change, willing to be challenged and able to adapt quickly and imaginatively to new ideas
• Deliver Results - Focus on outcomes, set high standards and deliver with energy and determination
• Keep it Simple - Cut through complexity and bureaucracy, be clear and decisive and never overcomplicate things