Analyst (Sustainable Finance Office)

Job Description
Job vacancy: Analyst (Sustainable Finance Office)
Job code: SPI/016/2021

About Strategy, Policy & Innovation:
The Strategy, Policy and Innovation function is responsible for providing advice, analyses and reviews on current and prospective strategies and policies related to key priority areas. This is done through the formulation and implementation of policies that will strengthen Malta's framework for the regulation of financial services and by implementing policy projects in line with the MFSA's strategy and vision. It also proposes new areas which could potentially be delved into by the MFSA and provides insight on how related frameworks may be developed, whilst fostering innovation and enhancing access to financial products. The function has recently been tasked with the setting up of a Sustainable Finance platform, with the aim of supporting the implementation of the Authority's strategy for the integration of sustainable finance regulation across the Authority.

The Role:
The selected candidate will be joining an analytical and multidisciplinary team of policy experts contributing to the development and implementation of a sustainable finance strategy across the Authority, influencing and shaping sustainable finance regulation developments impacting the financial sector in Malta. The selected candidate will be expected to apply his/her academic qualifications and work experience to the various day to day duties as directed by the Head of the Function, or any other official who the Head designates for that purpose. As an Analyst within the Sustainable Finance Office, the eventual appointee will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the programming and management of the MFSA's sustainable finance action plan in line with the Authority's sustainable finance strategy;
• Contributing to strategic analysis and policy development, including the formulation and proposal of innovative approaches in the field of sustainable finance regulation and the scaling up sustainable finance initiatives;
• Supporting the sustainable finance integration and capacity building process by developing and sharing required expertise in sustainable finance regulation and supervision with all relevant operational functions
• Supporting the communications, coordination, and logistical efforts, including any relevant working groups, in line with these objectives
• Preparing research papers and working documents on Sustainable Finance related matters for discussion/approval in the relevant form;
• Participating in local, EU, local and international fora and events, including the relevant committees of the European Supervisory Authorities, when required;
• Undertaking any other tasks as delegated by line management, depending on the Authority's exigencies.

About You:
We are looking for candidates with a solid academic background in either Law, Accountancy, Insurance or in Banking and Finance related background, or in any other Finance related qualification. The chosen candidate is expected to be a confident individual who is flexible, proactive, dynamic, and possess the following skills:

• Excellent attention to detail;
• Well-developed research skills;
• Critical and analytical mindset, with good problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to work well within a team;
• Ability to listen actively and to work on one's initiative;
• Effective communicator in a variety of situations;
• Ability to continue to seek ways of innovating and improving quality and efficiencies in processes and procedures.

The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better, duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC), or a widely recognized professional qualification at a comparable level. Candidates possessing either qualification and/or experience of working within a public policy or investment-related role, and a good understanding of climate finance or ESG integration issues will be given preference.

You will also possess a minimum of three (3) years working in the area of financial services. Candidates with longer working experience relevant to the role will be preferred. Also, knowledge and/or experience in the field of financial services legislation and regulatory framework would be considered an asset. If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least seven (7) years of experience in a similar related role, we would still be interested in speaking with you.

How to apply or query further information:
Candidates are to forward a copy of their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and an accompanying covering letter providing the motivation for the application. 

Other Important Information:
The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates. It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on the comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at the application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website on www.ncfhe.gov.mt under the MQRIC heading. The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage www.mfsa.mt. Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate's appointment liable to termination. Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

*Public Call Permit: 626/2021

Malta Financial Services Authority:
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator for financial services in Malta. It was established by law on 23 July 2002 taking over supervisory functions previously carried out by the Central Bank of Malta, the Malta Stock Exchange, and the Malta Financial Services Centre. The Authority is a fully autonomous public institution and reports to Parliament on an annual basis.