Real Assets Sustainability US - Investment Management - Associate / Senior Associate

Brief Description

This position reports to the Head of Sustainability for Global Real Assets, who oversees Sustainability strategy and execution across Private Real Estate, Infrastructure and Real Estate Credit strategies in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The Associate role supports the development and implementation of Sustainability initiatives across the global Real Assets platform (9 funds), with a primary focus on real estate (approximately 90%). The role sits at the center of a broad network of stakeholders, working across ~10 internal teams and numerous external partners including consultants, engineers, data providers, and ~50+ third-party property managers globally to drive Sustainability performance, regulatory compliance (including SFDR), and asset-level value creation.

Strategy

Implement Sustainability strategies across the Real Assets global portfolio (90% focus on real estate) throughout the entire investment lifecycle
Oversee and coordinate execution of Sustainability initiatives, such as internal and external reporting, disclosure, benchmarking, and asset-level initiatives to support implementation of operational Sustainability initiatives across portfolio (e.g., energy efficiency, solar, shadow meters, GBC, energy ratings, etc.)
Integration Lead integration of Sustainability practices across the real estate investment lifecycle, from acquisition due diligence through asset management
For new acquisitions, partner with acquisitions team to conduct Sustainability due diligence, review and quality check findings, and ensure Sustainability considerations are included in Investment Committee materials

Asset-Level Implementation

During the hold period, partner with asset management teams, property managers, and external partners to develop and implement asset-level Sustainability action plans and integrate initiatives into asset business plans
Data & Reporting
Oversee utility and Sustainability data collection, validation, and analysis processes across global real estate portfolios, coordinating with internal and external teams (e.g., asset managers, property managers, operating partners, external vendors (e.g., tool providers), etc.) to ensure data accuracy, consistency and coverage
Lead external Sustainability reporting aligned with third-party guidelines (e.g., GRESB, INREV Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, SFDR disclosures, UN PRI, UK Stewardship Code)

Climate Risk & Regulation

Conduct asset-level climate-related risk assessments and complete portfolio-wide analysis leveraging climate risk tools and the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) across MSREI funds
Develop asset-level resilience plans in collaboration with external consultants and asset managers. Engage with insurance team as needed
Stay abreast of global Sustainability regulations and standards, ensuring portfolio’s compliance and advising on potential impacts to the portfolio

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

Prepare and lead quarterly regional executive Sustainability Councils
Prepare Sustainability presentation and status update materials for senior management
Represent the firm in selected industry initiatives and working groups
Source or develop and deliver content to educate investment teams (e.g., annual trainings, newsletters)

Team Leadership

Serve as a central Sustainability point of contact, acting as the “central Sustainability program officer,” coordinating across acquisitions, asset management, portfolio management, and other teams to ensure alignment on priorities and execution of Sustainability initiatives
Responsible for keeping the Head of Sustainability for Global Real Assets regularly informed on Sustainability initiatives, priorities, and key developments across the global portfolio
Oversee junior team members by allocating responsibilities, managing workload, ensuring deadlines are met, and supporting daily responsibilities to support implementation of Sustainability initiatives
Manage Sustainability consultants, including developing scopes of work and contracts, overseeing appointments and performance, ensuring deadlines are met, and maintaining a preferred supplier list