Vacancies

Sustainable Finance Specialist

Job Introduction

Handelsbanken is a recognised leader in values-led responsible banking with an MSCI AAA Sustainability rating. We are dedicated to driving positive impacts for society through increasing focus on climate change, nature and wider Sustainability. We have committed to reach net zero by 2040 across our customer lending, investments and own operations, and have submitted interim targets for SBTi validation.

The Bank continues to develop its capacity and skills in this area, including the recruitment of several roles that will be instrumental in operationalising its ambitious sustainability strategy. We have set an initial goal for 20% of Handelsbanken Group’s overall lending to be green, social or contributing to the borrower’s measurable, sustainable transition by 2025.

To accelerate towards this initial goal, an ‘Sustainability Advisory Team’ of green and sustainable finance specialists is being created. These specialists will work across our decentralised UK network of branches, helping relationship managers and their clients develop and finance strategies in response to climate change, nature loss and other ESG priorities.

The role-holder will use their detailed knowledge of evolving approaches, technologies, sectoral dynamics and financing structures each day in their work. Principally, they will help branches identify specific opportunities within their portfolios, provide background briefings to upskill colleagues, participate directly in customer meetings, support robust credit applications, and ensure transactions are structured and monitored in line with best practice.

Main Responsibilities

Identify opportunities: Work with Branch Sustainability Manager to support branches to identify eligible opportunities within upcoming facility renewal and new opportunities within our existing and prospective customer bases.
Customer advice: support branches in sustainability-related meetings and/or prepare relationship managers ahead of meetings
Structure sustainable lending transactions: assist branches in providing sustainable products and structures to their customers for all branch-based lending
Research & analysis: Remain well versed in industry best practices, sectoral developments, emerging technologies and approaches, hot topics, etc, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s frameworks and policies as they evolve
Upskill branch network: provide training and insights on customer-relevant topics
Maintain sustainability 'pitchbook': Ensure a standard, timely set of materials is available to branches ahead of customer meetings
Enhance customer risk management: Through upskilling and challenge, enhance the branch’s due diligence and sustainability-related understanding of their client
Support customer communications: Suggest topics and provide content for the Bank’s regular customer communication programme

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…

Recognised corporate banking qualifications would be expected, such as CFA, GARP, CISI, ACCA.
Evidence of commitment to structured learning and continuous professional development in areas of sustainability and sustainable finance would also be sought.
First-hand experience of advising and structuring a range of sustainable finance transactions. Including - though not exclusive to - the real estate sector and built environment
Fluency with a range of relevant external standards and evolving practices, including but not limited to LMA Green Loan Principles and Sustainability Linked Loan Principles, sustainable finance frameworks, and other reference frameworks such as SBTi and GRI
Strong knowledge of the economic and policy dynamics driving the UK’s sustainability transition, at both macro and sectoral levels
First rate relationship management

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.

What is in it for you?

We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.

There will be a 3 stage interview process with a mix of virtual and face-to-face.

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email uk_talent@careers.handelsbanken.co.uk.

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.

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