Junior Sustainability Researcher – IM Research

The Junior Sustainability Researcher position offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated young professional to make impact through collaborative investing research on sustainability and ESG. In this role, you will be a key player in supporting the more senior researchers in answering ad hoc research questions, ensuring the delivery of meaningful and actionable research results and insights that inform the investment strategies of PGGM and PFZW. You will work on generic sustainability topics that allow for specialization in specific areas as your career progresses.

You will join a dynamic and diverse team of young professionals and experienced researchers who are dedicated to exploring and implementing a variety of topics. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and welcome your unique insights and contributions.

Your responsibilities will include working on multiple projects simultaneously, such as:

·      Conducting desk research and analysis in collaboration with various internal teams to answer ad hoc questions environmental or social topics; impact and sustainability of investments

·      Monitoring market practices trends and best practices regarding sustainability and ESG-related standards and frameworks, and performing continuous peer analysis.

·      Contributing to periodic internal reporting regarding economic and financial markets and societal transitions (e.g., the transition and country monitor).

The Research department is a newly established department dedicated to exploring innovative developments regarding risks, returns, and sustainability in the investment domain. This includes investigating macro economy, financial markets, geopolitical developments and sustainable transitions to support the strategic 3D objectives of PGGM and PFZW. The department aims to create a comprehensive research ecosystem, from an external perspective and share insights primarily internally and occasionally externally. The team currently consists of 12 members, who will collaborate across PGGM’s Investment Management domain on various interdisciplinary topics.

The main activities of the department include:

• Building a strong internal and external research ecosystem with effective stakeholder management
• Defining the research agenda to address both explorative and ad hoc research requests
• Conducting actionable research that aligns with the research agenda
• Performing recurring research, both forward-looking and retrospective, incorporating 3D thinking throughout

For this challenging role, we are looking for a candidate who identifies with the following attributes and qualifications:

• WO master’s degree with strong academic performance, ideally in environmental science, sustainable finance, sustainability or related field
• <3 years of research experience assessing sustainability metrics, impact assessments, and best practices to deliver insights for strategy, portfolio management and investment teams
• Relevant work experience in sustainability, sustainable investing research or a related field is preferred
• Genuine interest in sustainable investments
• Analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative. Affinity with data management and data analysis tools. Knowledge of data science/programming is a plus.
• Goal-oriented mindset, precise attention to detail, quick continuous learner eager to adapt to new perspectives
• Proactive and collaborative mindset, ability to build coalitions and cooperate with internal teams, external stakeholders, academia, and peers
• Supportive attitude, enjoys helping other solve problems
• Flexibility to work on multiple topics and projects
• Excellent communication skills, with an open-minded and reflective approach to foster collaboration and convey information effectively

At PGGM, we are proud of our core values: trust, teamwork, and innovation. These values grew out of the best stories from our colleagues—moments when they were at their best. We believe those moments arise when you can be 100% yourself. At PGGM, we value the unique combination of your personal and professional qualities. Because what truly matters at PGGM is people, one hundred percent! At PGGM, you can count on:

• A pleasant workplace at our office in Zeist, and from the end of 2027, in the heart of Utrecht.
• A gross monthly salary, in scale 15, between €5.221,- and €7.458,- based on 36 hours, depending on your knowledge and experience.
• A thirteenth month’s salary.
• A solid pension plan as a participant in the PFZW pension fund (71% paid by PGGM, 29% by the employee).
• An annual Fit for the Future budget of €300 net, which you can use to improve your mental, physical, or financial fitness.
• A generous training budget for internal and external courses or education.
• More than 27 vacation days (employees can choose to exchange up to two national Christian holidays for days that are important to them).
• Flexibility in working hours and remote working opportunities.
• A net internet allowance of €45 per month (€540 per year).
• Group discounts on supplementary health insurance (21% in 2024) and dental insurance (15% in 2024).
• A remote working policy with reimbursement of up to €900 including VAT to set up an ergonomically sound home office.
• More information about our employment conditions and salary scales can be found in onze CAO.

Junior Sustainability Researcher:

Do you, as Junior Sustainability Researcher, want to share responsibility with us for providing a good pension for more than 5.6 million participants? Then apply for this vacancy.

Do you have questions? Please contact recruiter Dennis Derks at dennis.derkss@pggm.nl.

Information about the application procedure can be found on our website.

PGGM and hybrid working

At PGGM, we have created a hybrid work environment that allows us to combine flexibility and collaboration. Our employees have the opportunity to work both at the office and remotely, depending on their personal preferences and the nature of their work. By offering hybrid working, we want to give our employees the freedom to develop their own working style while at the same time preserving the benefits of a shared workplace.

Application process

Once we receive your application, we will go through several steps to see whether you are a good fit for us and we for you. In the recruitment and selection procedure for new employees, PGGM collects and processes personal data. PGGM considers it important that this is done carefully, confidentially, transparently, and in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related legislation. You can read in this document what happens to your personal data.

For intermediaries

We are aware that many parties are eager to help us search or offer their services for this vacancy, but at PGGM we handle our recruitment ourselves. We therefore do not appreciate acquisition for recruitment & selection assignments or unsolicited offers of CVs, and we will not process them. If we decide to seek external support, we will reach out to you.