Global Counsel is seeking an Associate Director in London to lead on GC’s sustainable finance and ESG policy work and play a key leadership role supporting our Climate & Sustainability practice. This role is designed for a consultant with the personal drive and commercial awareness to manage the needs of an exceptional portfolio of clients and to develop a growth strategy for the practice. You will work for a range of international clients across multiple sectors including investors, financial services firms, pharmaceuticals, food and drink and manufacturing.

The successful candidate will have at least 8 years relevant experience. The role is well suited to individuals with a background in either regulatory affairs and public policy or investor relations and/or for those looking to transition from a private markets-focused investment or consulting firm into strategic advisory.

The role will be based in GC’s London office with some hybrid working. Candidates must have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Who are we looking for? 

• We want people who love to learn about policy, delving into the detail and building their own network of experts they can call on for insight. Curiosity, intellectual energy and political judgement are vital to this role. You will be adept at handling complexity and ambiguity, able to grasp new issues, scan the horizon for threats and opportunities and form coherent and well-argued policy perspectives quickly.
• We are looking for someone who already has knowledge and expertise in providing strategic and evidence-based advice on sustainable finance, ESG and corporate governance policy.
• You should have at least 8 years of experience either obtained in a similarly rigorous business advisory/consultancy environment; or working in a financial services firm or a buy or sell-side institution working on analysis and research on ESG and sustainable finance matters.
• We want people who have a keen interest in the sustainability agenda, financial services, politics and policymaking. Who can advise on the reputational drivers of policymaking, delving into the detail and building their own network of experts they can call on for insight.
• We want people who have proven project management and organisation skills. Someone who can handle concurrent tasks effectively, manage short- and long-term assignments and lead independent projects.
• We are looking for people who write and speak with precision and flair; if you enjoy problem solving, editing and restructuring writing, you might be the right fit for us. We also value people who work well with data, who can turn a complex spreadsheet into a visual that aids understanding.
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Additional European languages an advantage.

Role and responsibilities:

• Provide expert, strategic, actionable advice and thought leadership to GC clients on the risks and opportunities arising from policy, regulation and politics.
• Tailor advice to clients ranging from the C-suite to public policy teams across all sectors.
• Ensure the successful delivery of client work that will include policy analysis, guidance on political brand strategies, the development of cutting edge thought leadership and innovative approaches to public policy engagement.
• Support to GC’s wider practices including financial services, private market strategic advisory mandates, tech media and telecoms and regional offices on climate and sustainability issues. This will include policy and regulatory due diligence, preparing presentations and tracking market developments.
• Lead business development campaigns and pitch processes.
• Manage and support to build GC’s climate and sustainability practice including the management of junior colleagues, providing support to a talented team in this practice area across our global offices.
• Play a key leadership role in the management, strategic direction and growth of GC’s international climate and sustainability practice.
• Build and maintain partnerships and relationships with a wider network of businesses, policymakers, trade bodies and other stakeholders at senior levels.