EY Parthenon Strategy – Manager – Sustainable Finance, MENA

Competitive business today is all about making intelligent, informed decisions. EY-Parthenon Strategy is a leading advisory organization focused on big-picture strategy consulting, spanning areas that include coming up with long-term strategy roadmaps, market entry & expansion strategy, and growth strategy. We are committed to combining our unconventional thinking with our clients’ smarts to deliver actionable strategies.

       The opportunity

In today’s complex business landscape, creativity has become a necessary ingredient for sustained success. EY-Parthenon has an ideal balance of strengths that combines deep sector and local expertise with top notch analytical and executional capabilities in addition to intimate client relationships, proven processes, and a progressive spirit.

We are looking for seasoned strategy professionals to join our rapidly growing Sustainable Finance team within our EY Parthenon Strategy practice in MENA. As part of EY Parthenon Strategy, you will have the opportunity to deliver projects that make a strong impact on the region and develop your career through a broad scope of engagements, mentoring and formal learning. Whilst helping the financial industry respond to the fast-developing and growing climate risk and sustainable finance agenda – including managing the risks and opportunities from an accelerating transition, responding to new regulation, adapting products and services, and improving transparency and disclosures

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In MENA, you will join a growing team of sustainable finance and ESG professionals, presenting a unique opportunity to make a real difference. You will be working on market leading projects, building networks, consulting on key strategic issues in sustainable finance and ESG, as well as driving the delivery and implementation of these projects.

There are a wide range of exciting projects that you will be able to get involved in, across banking, insurance, wealth and asset management and private equity. You will work with clients at all levels to help them navigate the ESG agenda. Topics we cover include:

• Sustainable finance and net zero strategies for financial services
• Climate change metrics and targets, including SBTi
• Sustainable Finance regulatory developments relevant and applicable to MENA
• ESG governance and broader risk management
• Climate change risk modelling and scenario analysis
• Responsible, sustainable and impact investment strategies and implementation
• Reporting and disclosure, including the application of TCFD, SASB and other frameworks
• Net zero technology solutions

Your key responsibilities
As a Manager in the strategy consulting practice, you will be a key participant in work streams and engagements as you translate client needs into project tasks and deliverables.  You will work closely with clients to define the objective and scope of the engagements and deliverables in consultation with your seniors.

You can expect to spend most of your time working on strategy-related projects which include (but not limited to): long-term strategy roadmaps, growth strategy, market entry & expansion strategy, go-to-market strategy, business-wide digital transformation projects, commercial due diligence, and greenfield projects.

Your clients may include global corporates, governments and public entities, family conglomerates, and sovereign wealth funds. The EY-Parthenon Strategy team typically works directly with C-Suite executives on their strategic and transaction decisions.

Skills and attributes for success
As a strategy consulting professional, you should be able to:

• Develop business strategies using tools such as market analysis, customer research, macroeconomic forecasting, and portfolio optimization.
• Review transaction rationale and/or deal documents to identify critical business issues and risks relating to a proposed transaction.
• Collect, analyse, and translate large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data into realistic plans, goals, and actionables.
• Motivate and counsel junior team members with diverse skills and backgrounds.

To qualify for the role you must have:

• At minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a top ranking school with outstanding academic performance, and at least 4 to 6 years of strategy consulting experience.
• Experience in working on ‘big picture’ strategy projects which includes commercial due diligence, digital transformation, growth strategy, and market strategy.
• Ability to make detailed assessments of industries, products, markets, competitors and customers to identify risks and opportunities.
• Proficiency in the English language, including the ability to listen, understand, read and communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, in a professional environment.
• Effective organization and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to project deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the MENA region, when necessary (approximately 25-50% of time).
• Track record of success and relevant experience in sustainability / ESG at a top tier consultancy, financial institution or other relevant organisation.
• A keen interest in, and understanding of ESG as it relates to financial services (banking, wealth and asset management, insurance, and/or private equity).

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• MBA or Masters from a top tier business school.
• Prior experience with a particular focus on client advisory or strategic planning within a professional services or similar environment.
• Excellent problem solving, project management, facilitation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

What we look for
We are looking for candidates who have a strong aptitude for quantitative and qualitative analysis and the ability to link business strategy to performance. Being a strong team player is critical with the ability to adapt to changing requirements or deadlines in support of our clients’ goals.

What we offer
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. Plus, we offer:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.

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