Senior Climate Finance Officer

The Senior Climate Finance Officer at New York City's Comptroller’s Office oversees the execution of Net Zero Implementation Plans for pension systems, advising on climate-related investment strategies and supervising a small team. Responsibilities include engaging with stakeholders, producing annual reports, and staying updated on climate finance developments. The role aims to enhance the financial health and resilience of New York City through effective climate finance management.
The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the comptroller’s office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long-term challenges we face together.

The Bureau of Asset Management is responsible for oversight of the investment portfolios of the five New York City pension systems. Through a culture of collaboration, individual development, and teamwork that leverages diverse talent and strives for continuous improvement, the goal of the Bureau of Asset Management is to achieve exceptional investment outcomes for all stakeholders; to deliver outstanding support to plan Trustees; and to serve as a responsible steward of the resources of plan beneficiaries and the City of New York.

The Senior Climate Finance Officer reports to the Chief ESG Officer, works closely with Bureau of Asset Management staff, and supervises the Climate Finance team (currently 2 Members) within the ESG area.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Oversees execution of the Net Zero Implementation Plans approved by NYCERS, TRS and BERS to achieve Systems’ goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2040 in their investment portfolios, as well as potential recommendations to the boards of changes to strengthen these plans.

Supervises the staff assigned to work on climate finance and helps supervise the work of other staff in the Office of ESG who help with climate finance work.

Advises on strategies and recommendations for the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) on how BAM and the Systems can continue to address the risks and opportunities of climate change in the Systems’ investment portfolios through investment strategy, proxy voting and corporate engagement, risk management and other areas;

Serves as subject matter expert on climate change for BAM and maintain awareness of latest developments in investor and corporate climate actions, climate policy and regulation, market challenges and opportunities in the transition to a low carbon economy, and climate analytical tools and metrics, and shares updates with Comptroller staff and pension fund trustees.

Engages with industry to identify and develop best practices and ideas.

Oversees and participates in writing and production of annual net zero reports.

Participates in engagement with external climate advocates and stakeholders.

Participates in engagement with current and potential investment managers and service providers on their climate finance work.

Participates in bilateral and collective climate engagements, including with organizations to which the Comptroller’s Office and/or the pension funds belong, such as Ceres, Climate Action 100+, Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance, PRI, and others.

Conducts special projects and other related assignments as may be required.

INVESTMENT MANAGER (COMPTROLLE - 95611

Minimum Qualifications

1) BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in business, finance, economics, policy, engineering or basic/applied science (such as physics, chemistry, material sciences, environmental science, earth sciences, etc.) or a closely related field and six (6) or more years of progressively responsible experience in an investment, ESG or policy role for a financial services, policy/research, business or climate/environmental organization, or in a governmental setting; or,

2) A graduate degree from an accredited college or university in the fields mentioned above and four (4) or more years of progressively responsible experience described in "1" above; or,

3) A satisfactory equivalent of education and experience mentioned above.

Preferred Skills

MBA, CFA, or CAIA.

Experience in one or more of the following areas: multi-faceted campaigning for policy change, climate change policy, science-based target setting, net zero strategy implementation, carbon footprint analysis, scenario analysis, renewables, energy efficiency, stranded asset risk.

Strong organizational and presentation skills with the ability to represent the Systems and BAM appropriately to diverse groups.

Strong time management skills and the ability to work independently, prioritize assignments and meet tight deadlines.

Superior oral and written communication skills and attention to detail.

Strong quantitative skills and Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Ability to work well with colleagues and interact professionally with governmental officials and staff, investors and portfolio companies.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.