Initiative Lead – Clean Air Initiative

ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene shareholders to collectively push companies to tackle climate crises, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.

Position

As part of our Health team, the Initiative Lead – Clean Air Initiative is responsible for driving our air quality campaign strategy, collaborating with institutional investors and pushing major corporates to improve their air quality management. This role is key to advancing corporate accountability, deepening stakeholder engagement, and integrating health into responsible investment practices. The Initiative Lead plays a vital role in our projects and campaigns by refining our strategy, prioritising target companies, and leading the execution of our air quality initiatives.

A typical week would see you strategising with investors, developing compelling arguments for change, leading discussions with major corporations, and drafting impactful communications to stakeholders. You’ll regularly engage with institutional investors and corporate leaders, forming strong relationships and using your expertise to influence air quality management and drive progress in our Clean Air Initiative.

Finally, in this role, you will help ShareAction harness the power of investment to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. By scaling up the Clean Air Initiative, securing long-term funding, and embedding air quality as a critical aspect of responsible investment, you’ll contribute to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.

If this role sounds like something that would build on your current skill set and engage you, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about holding global organisations accountable for their impact on people and the planet. If you’ve managed campaigns in public health, sustainability, or environmental issues, excel at stakeholder engagement, or have a knack for diving deep into complex challenges, we want to hear from you. This role is perfect for someone with experience in research, campaigning, or responsible investment who thrives on working with diverse stakeholders and driving meaningful change. Even if you don’t check every box, we encourage you to apply – skills are transferable, and we’re open to fresh perspectives on achieving our mission.

We are currently formalising our hybrid working policy; however, most of the Health team meets in the office on a weekly basis (and we require the team to come in at least once a month).

What we will do for you

We are a fast-paced organisation that has grown substantially over the past few years. We recognise that our people work hard to advocate for responsible investment and drive meaningful engagement with those who have the power to create a brighter future. Every day, they bring their expertise, passion and persistence to build a world where the financial system serves our people and planet. We want to ensure we provide the right environment for our colleagues to thrive, and we are committed to improving our employee offer where possible.

Currently, we are pleased to offer:

• A commitment to flexible working: over 60% of our employees have some sort of flexible working arrangement in place.
• Hybrid working: we are committed to supporting our staff to work in a way that suits their lifestyle and meets the requirements of their role.
• Internal promotion and development opportunities: we offer a range of ways to improve your skills and focus on what you love, including promotion, secondment, or sideways development opportunities. For some levels of roles, we also offer direct progression.
• The opportunity to help make a difference: we tackle some of the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges. We offer opportunities for you to develop your skills and experience in a friendly, flexible and supportive working environment.
• Unionised work environment: our staff have the opportunity to join the union and are supported by our recognised union, Unite. We regularly consult and negotiate with our employees on workplace matters ranging from working conditions to pay.
• Regular in-person meetings, including all-staff away days, retreats and directorate strategy days to create connected teams.
• 8% non-contributory pension: invested with NEST and their green funds.
• Healthcare cash plan with Westfield that gives you money back on your healthcare costs.
• Employee assistance programme: advice and support, lifestyle discounts and short-term counselling.
• 25 days’ annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus office closure at the end of the year, ensuring everyone gets time to switch off together.
• Enhanced family leave pay: up to 18 weeks paid at 90% for either parent.
• Enhanced sick pay: starting at 5 weeks’ full pay from day one.
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9.00 am on Monday 16th September 2024
First-round interviews: Friday 20th September 2024 (online)
Second-round interviews: w/c 23rd September 2024 (in person)

Our hiring process is anonymised; we won’t ask for a cover letter, and we don’t look at CVs until the interview stage. We do this so that we reduce the opportunity for unconscious biases to affect our decision-making, and so we prioritise skills and expertise over how well you can write a CV.

To be considered for this post you must be legally eligible to work in the UK; unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Please be aware that when shortlisting, we are really keen to get a sense of your unique voice and individual experience, especially if you are using generative AI tools as part of your drafting process.