Senior Manager (Sustainable Finance Office)

Job Description
Job vacancy: Senior Manager (Sustainable Finance Office)
Job code: SPI/014/2021

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 Senior Manager (Sustainable Finance) role is a unique opportunity to contribute 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. Working closely with the Head of Strategy Policy and Innovation, as well as the MFSA's Sustainable Finance Working Group and other internal relevant stakeholders, you will be responsible for leading a core team focusing on:

• 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;
• Developing expertise and supporting MFSA's core functions with capacity building in their respective area of business;
• Acting as a point of reference for enquiries and information, and providing direction to internal stakeholders in the area of sustainable finance;
• Supporting the Sustainable Finance Working Group in close liaison with the Steering Committee in matters requiring coordination between functions as well as with the underlying communications, research and development work, and logistics;
• Conducting outreach initiatives for external stakeholders in liaison with the MFSA's Sustainable Finance Working Group and Communications;
• Representing the Authority and participating in local and international meetings and events as required;
• Organising internal training initiatives in conjunction with the MFSA's Financial Services Academy;
• Preparing research papers and working documents on Sustainable Finance related matters for discussion/approval in the relevant form;
• Undertaking other tasks as delegated by the Head and the Office of the Chief Officer, Strategy Policy and Innovation.

About You:
We are looking for highly motivated, capable candidates who would like to apply their work experience and academic background and relevant qualifications encompassing finance and sustainability, to technical policy and organisational matters relating to Sustainable Finance. Candidates would be expected to have a good knowledge of EU policy implementation processes, preferably with experience of working within a public policy or investment-related role, and a good understanding of climate finance or ESG integration issues.

In addition, the selected candidate is expected to have sound leadership, people management skills, with the ability to define priorities and provide a quality contribution where it is most needed. The role also calls for strong project management, coordination and organisational skills with experience of effectively leading workstreams. The chosen candidate is expected to be a confident individual who is flexible, having a critical and analytical mindset. The individual is required to have excellent oral, written and presentation skills. Candidates would be expected to demonstrate an ability to identify and exercise judgement, in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team. In addition, strong relationship and negotiating skills and an ability to work collaboratively at senior levels internally and externally are also essential.

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 recognised professional qualification at a comparable level. You will also possess a minimum of eight (8) years working in the area of financial services, with solid experience in financial regulation. If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least fifteen (15) years of relevant experience in a similar related role, we would still be interested in speaking with you.

The following skillset is a must for this position:

• The ability to multi-task and work on own initiative;
• The ability to work in a team;
• Good verbal and written communication skills and have a desire to learn
• Conversant with Microsoft Office platforms including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

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: 627/2021

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.