Location London
Job-type Contract
Salary £Competitive
Reference 18281

Acre is proud to partner once again with the Equator Principles Association to help them hire their first CEO. The Association promotes and encourages the development, adoption and implementation of the Equator Principles (EP), which serve as a common baseline and risk management framework for financial institutions to identify, assess and manage environmental and social risks. 2023 marks the 20-year anniversary of the EPs, which has now grown to include more than 135 Financial Institutions in 38 countries.

This is a new role for the Association and reflects the strong growth of this important global E&S network. As the CEO, you will report to the Chair and EP Steering Committee and be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of the Association's activities and implementation of the Annual Workplan. You will work closely with the EP Secretariat and, for the first time, provide independent non-EPFI leadership of the Association.

It will be a high-profile role in which you will be responsible for driving the Association's Annual Workplan, working with some of the largest global banks to deliver on the Association's strategic objectives. You will also support engagement with external stakeholders, including other E&S initiatives, institutions such as the IFC and civil society.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting the Steering Committee on governance, management structure and other strategic management issues

  • Reviewing EP Guidance and managing the delivery of new thematic-specific guidance

  • Supporting and enhancing EP Association reporting, including the production of an annual 'activity report'

  • Leading EP Association meetings, including the EP AGM

  • Development and implementation of the Annual Workplan for the Steering Committee

  • Engaging and overseeing the work of third-party service providers and consultants

  • Reviewing prospective EP adoptions and implementation of recent joiners

  • Supporting external relations with various supranational bodies, regulators, CSOs and industry partners

  • Identifying opportunities for EP to engage and influence wider E&S sector initiatives and providing input, as appropriate

The role is flexible in terms of location and hours; candidates should expect to work the equivalent of 3-4 days per week but more when required. Key deliverables will be expected each year on/around the EP AGM, along with other deliverables throughout the year in line with the Annual Workplan.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

  • Extensive practitioner experience with the Equator Principles, specifically the implementation of EP either from a financial institution or as a consultant

  • Skilled at operating in complex stakeholder environments - internal relationships, CSOs, industry, and other supra-national bodies at the senior level

  • Ability to effectively represent EP externally, such as through reputation in the sector, level of expertise

  • Experience developing and leading projects, including oversight of consultants, processes etc.

  • Broad experience in sustainable finance and wider ESG

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence how the world's largest financial institutions respond to one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. You will be helping the banking and finance industry globally to better manage and report environmental and social risks. If you have strong EP practitioner experience and proven leadership skills, then please apply on the link below or reach out to Bibin at bibin.emmanuel@acre.com.