ESG Models Analyst

Your Team responsibilities

MSCI ESG Research is seeking a Senior Associate in our Zurich office to join our Models and R&D team. The team is responsible for developing new methodologies and innovative frameworks to quantify environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. The selected candidate will primarily support model enhancements for MSCI’s ESG Ratings product, which is used by institutional investors to integrate ESG risks in their fundamental research, portfolio construction, and risk management capabilities.

We are seeking an individual with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills as well as an interest in ESG issues, including how investors integrate ESG factors into their investment processes. Critical thinking, curiosity, and an ability to overcome data challenges with creative solutions are essential to thrive in this high impact role.

What we will offer you: Depending on your location of your role, you can expect …

• Competitive fixed and variable compensation, holiday/vacation allowance & retirement savings plans/pensions
• Employee Resource Groups to support you in and out of the office
• A wide range of benefits including – healthcare, dental plans, risk insurances and (location dependent) – cycletowork schemes, gym benefits, retail discounts,
• A purposeful approach to Wellbeing including training, support networks, membership to wellness platforms and vendors, and active local office communities
• A specific and deliberate planning to the physical offices in which we work, and support for everyone spending periods of time working remotely or at home. This approach mirrors our commitment to transparency and sustainability and puts the safety and wellness of our employees at the center of all we do. We aim to provide productive and sustainable work environments and technology that encourages collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Your key responsibilities

• Contribute to the improvement and maintenance of existing methodologies as well as the development of new models used to assess a company’s exposure to environmental, social, and governance risks included in the MSCI ESG Ratings model across thousands of securities.
• Work closely with other research team members, our software development team, and other stakeholders.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of scalable models in our Python infrastructure.
• Use statistical methods, back-testing and scenario analysis to understand, visualize and document methodology enhancements.
• Promote best engineering practices to ensure data quality assurance at all computational steps.
• Anticipate problems/opportunities and adapt to new challenges.
• Communicate complex topics in a simple way to internal and external stakeholders not familiar with the topics

Your skills and experience that will help you excel

• 6+ years of full-time professional experience in quantitative research or data science role.
• Minimum of Bachelors’ degree required; Advanced degree in related field (Finance, Engineering, Economics, Statistics) or CFA is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with software development, particularly Python, are a must-have. Interest in modern web technologies and experience with Django is a plus.
• Experience in working with structured and unstructured data and ability to find creative solutions to data quality challenges.
• Experience with ESG analysis is not a pre-requisite, but candidate should have a demonstrated interest in environmental, social, or governance issues.
• Fast learner and strong logical thinker. Flexible to adapt to new challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural and geographically distributed team.
• Self-motivated, pro-active and demonstrating an exceptional drive towards delivery.

How we’ll support you

• Coaching and support from experts in your team
• A performance and growth-oriented culture and values
• Opportunities for continuous learning to aid progression
• Goal based objectives and development plans
• Transparent performance-based compensation schemes
• Employee resource groups such as the Women’s Leadership Forum, MSCIPRIDE, Black Leadership Network and Eco-Groups.

About MSCI and our teams:

MSCI is a market leader in Global Indexes, Smart Beta, ESG and Risk Management, and is at the forefront of the secular trends dominating the financial services landscape today. We are committed to the future sustainability and transparency of the financial markets. We create innovative products and services that allow our clients to make more informed investment decisions, and we provide investors with critical performance measurement and risk management data and analytics. Click here to see what we do (link to MSCI brochure)

Our values define the working environment we strive to create. We are inclusive, we champion bold ideas, we always pursue excellence, and always act with integrity. Personal accountability and responsibility are key to success, and we always work as a team to remain client centric.

MSCI is committed to developing a culture and workforce that reflects the clients and communities in which we operate. Increasing our diversity expands our talent pool which helps to accelerate innovation in all we do. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented groups to apply, including women, ethnic minorities and those in the LGBTQ community.

To all recruitment agencies: MSCI does not accept unsolicited CVs/Resumes. Please do not forward CVs/Resumes to any MSCI employee, location or website. MSCI is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs/Resumes.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce. It is the policy of the Firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy/maternity leave), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.