Senior Climate Finance Officer

The City of New York is seeking a Senior Climate Finance Officer to oversee the execution of Net Zero Implementation Plans for NYC pension systems, aiming for net zero GHG emissions by 2040. The role involves supervising the Climate Finance team, advising on investment strategies related to climate change, and engaging with industry stakeholders. The position is based in Jersey City, NJ, and is not remote.
Company DescriptionJob DescriptionThe 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 - 95611Qualifications1) 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.Additional InformationThe 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.