The Association for Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia ("ASrIA") was founded in 2001 as a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to promoting the growth of sustainable and responsible finance in Asia.  It is based and registered in Hong Kong.

ASrIA's Vision

To be Asia's premier organisation for sustainable finance providing

(A) Insightful research
(B) Influential networks
(C) Thought leadership

ASrIA's Goal

To increase the practice of sustainable finance across the region in clear and measurable ways.  Where sustainable finance can be the solution, to assist in the eradication of Asia's worst environmental and social problems.

ASrIA was the first organisation in Asia to raise the profile of sustainable investment and create a 'space' for debate and action on sustainable finance across Asia.  ASrIA has a powerful reason for its existence given the environmental and social challenges facing the region.  The diverse network of interests that ASrIA has attracted around the world is testament to this.  ASrIA's reputation for high quality research and service is widely recognised.

Since 2001, ASrIA has:

• Attracted 100+ member organisations, including numerous leading investment institutions, to the Association and fostered a community of sustainable financiers in Asia.
• Created the website www.asria.org which hosts approximately 15,000 hits per day and is linked to a 6,000 name mailing list of ebulletin subscribers 
• Released ground-breaking research about sustainable finance issues in Asia, including 'Taking Stock - Adding Sustainability Variables to Asian Sectoral Analysis' and the annual 'Carbon Disclosure Project, Asia ex-Japan, Report'.
• Initiated well-funded, significant projects for developing sustainable finance in Asia - for example, surveys of SRI and its potential in Asia's Emerging Markets, and the ADB financed Asian Pensions Training Programme
• Launched a number of web-based portals providing Asian-relevant resources on issues such as the SRI Funds Portal, the Climate Change Portal and Toxic Chemicals Portal.
• Organised multiple events around the region which facilitate improved understanding and networking.
• Generated quality media coverage on sustainable finance with CNN, CNBC, Asian Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Far Eastern Economic Review, FinanceAsia.com, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune, New Straits Times, Nikkei Kinyu Shimbum, SCMP and others

Alongside the achievements of the Association highlighted above, there have been broader SRI developments in the region.  Notably in addition to Japan, local funds have been established in Hong Kong, Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia, and global funds have been registered for sale in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. Numerous SRI related indexes have also been established. SRI research initiatives have been set up in Korea and Thailand.  News coverage of SRI related issues has increased significantly, as has the volume of SRI-related conferences and seminars.  Corporate environmental reporting awards were introduced in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

Looking forward to the medium-long term, we aim to continue to build on our early successes and achieve the following: 

• Grow the diverse ASrIA membership base and foster the bridge that is developing between the finance/business communities and civil society in Asia
• Continue to raise the profile and quality of debate about sustainable finance in the region
• Encourage and assist in the launch of SRI funds and research initiatives in Asia and raise awareness about them
• Conduct more research on the scope and value of sustainable finance in the region and the forms it needs to take in Asia as compared to other parts of the world, particularly given the developmental nature of many of Asia's markets
• Ensure Asia remains firmly on the global sustainable finance agenda and foster the education of global communities on Asian opportunities and issues
• Implement critical projects for developing sustainable finance in the region and raise funds for implementing those projects
• Make continued progress with region-wide educational outreach programmes on sustainable finance, targeting key opinion formers such as financial analysts, pension trustees and regulators in the region.
• Support corporate accountability initiatives in the region and work with other organisations with similar goals

2.  About the position

ASrIA is looking for a highly motivated, well-organised individual to continue to develop and expand on the organisation's strengths and in the achievement of its vision and goals. 

a) The ED will be expected to:

* develop ASrIA's core and programme work
* conceptualise, implement and lead the projects taken up by ASrIA
* grow and manage the global and regional membership base
* manage the staff team
* involve board members, advisers, members and ASrIA's supporters in the most effective ways
* attract funders and raise additional funding to support ASrIA's work 
* ensure that the finances are properly and efficiently managed
* act as a spokesperson for ASrIA and sustainable finance in Asia
* raise and sustain ASrIA's public profile and reputation

b)  We will consider all applicants for the ED position, irrespective of professional and personal background.  However, key selection criteria will include the following:

* ENTHUSIASM FOR SUSTAINABLE FINANCE IN ASIA:  a clear understanding of, and alignment with, the values and commitment underlying ASrIA's mission and its approach to work as a membership association 

* TEAM PLAYER:  evidence of a collaborative, yet decisive individual who is motivated by working with others both within and outside of Asia. 

* LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS:  Experience as a team leader and a reputation for integrity, ethical commitment and for being a leader who inspires a positive and highly motivated outlook in his/her team.

* STRATEGIC AND CONCEPTUAL LEADERSHIP FOR SRI:  evidence that past business or other experience can act as an appropriate base for developing such leadership

* PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF FUND RAISING:  preferably for work of a comparable nature, from foundations and the business or investment community

* ABILITY TO WORK WITH POLICY MAKERS:  skills to discern where changes in public policy or professional practice in the investment field can help to advance the positive impact of SRI

* EXCELLENT NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: a track record of initiating and building networks.  The ability to communicate effectively with all ASrIA stakeholders around issues and goals that will attract and maintain ASrIA's present and potential constituencies, including strong public speaking skills;

* COMMITMENT:  initially intending to act as the ED for at least three years, but with appropriate adaptability and flexibility to develop the role as the organisation progresses

Other things being equal, we prefer candidates with professional experience in the Asian region, especially the financial services industry, preferably with knowledge of Asian investment markets and processes.  We also strongly favour candidates with exposure or expertise in environmental, social and governance issues.  In addition we value country-level expertise, especially if it provides links to key SRI constituencies in Asia.  Experience of conceptualising, writing, editing, and publishing research is highly valued.  Fluency in English is mandatory and knowledge of at least one Asian language is preferable.

3.  Salary

Compensation will depend upon background and experience of candidates but will reflect the norms of the non-profit community in Hong Kong and the region.

4.  Pension

Statutory contribution to Mandatory Provident Fund in Hong Kong.

5.  Holidays

21 days per annum together with an additional 3 days on fixed dates at Christmas/New Year. 

6.  Office location

The post will be based at ASrIA's Hong Kong office, which is currently at 401 Dawning House, 145 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong.

7.  Direct Report

ASrIA Chair and accountable to the Board of Directors.

8.  Application Procedure

Candidates should send a full CV and letter of application explaining the extent to which they meet the key selection criteria and what they would bring to the role to: Toland Sherriff,  ASrIA, 401 Dawning House, 145 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong ,e-mail recruitment@asria.org (applications by fax will not be accepted).

Please specify availability/notice period.

Application deadline 20h August 2008.

All shortlisted candidates will be contacted by phone and/or e-mail. Please note, as we are a small organisation, we are not able to notify unsuccessful candidates.

ASrIA values diversity and seeks to be an equal opportunities employer. 

Any confirmation of post will be dependent on the willingness of the applicant to take up full time residence in Hong Kong and be accepted for a work visa by the Hong Kong Government.