ABOUT US
We’re one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers, with CAD$243.7 billion of net assets as at March 31, 2023. We invest funds for the pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montréal and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. Capturing and leading complex global investments requires us to work as one to seize valuable opportunities, in close collaboration with some of the world’s top companies. At PSP, you’ll join a team of motivated and engaged professionals, dedicated to propelling our organization further than ever before.
Position Description
EXPERIENCE THE EDGE
At PSP, we encourage our employees to grow, forge powerful relationships, contribute, and fuel inspired investment launchpads. We are committed to a culture that fosters collaboration and allows us to think beyond, in an interconnected way. We advocate for our employees to speak up, learn, experiment, share, and be part of an inclusive work environment where diversity is embraced.
ABOUT THE TEAM
In the last years, geopolitical risk emerged as an important factor in the investment decision-making process. The rise of geopolitical tensions around the world and the fragmentation of markets added new dimensions to the investment risk, which a global investor such as PSP must consider. This led to the creation of a specialized position in the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) group, inside the Macroeconomic team.
We are looking for an experienced, highly qualified person who will take charge of the structuring and development of the geopolitical risk assessment mandate inside PSP’s CIO group. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in the geopolitical risk area, supported by both academic credentials and professional experience. He/She will have to propose a vision for the development of this mandate, elaborate a road map, and put it into practice. Finally, He/She will have to build a team of specialized experts capable of attaining the mandate's objectives.
ABOUT YOUR ROLE
As a Senior Manager, Geopolitical Risk, you’ll:
Propose a vision for the development of a geopolitical risk assessment function inside the CIO group adapted to PSP’s needs, with a focus on investment activities
Producing and implementing a geopolitical risk strategy, providing a definition of the geopolitical risk in an investment context, and identifying where it fits into PSP’s risk mitigation framework
Conceive a road map identifying the main stages in the development of this mandate and propose the appropriate strategies to achieve the objectives at each stage
Build and manage a team of experts capable of delivering the objectives and ensuring the successful fulfilling of the mandate
Supervise and coordinate the production of a geopolitical risk assessment framework, including identifying the data providers most appropriate for PSP’s needs, updating data, and revising the framework
Brokering the connection between key geopolitical risk advisory services and all of PSP, in particular the CIO
Conceiving and putting in practice an implementation strategy at the level of the organization, including presenting the framework to ExCo and to managers across asset classes, to ensure a transparent and uniform implementation across the organization
Liaising with key internal and external stakeholders: Enterprise Risk, Transversal Risk, Tail Risk Group, Emerging Risk Forum, Maple 8 peers, experts in the field of international relations and geopolitical risk
Advising Economics team, ExCo, Risk, Corporate security, and deal teams within PSP Investments on geopolitical risks relevant for the economic scenario and for the investment activities
Supervise and coordinate the everyday activities of the geopolitical risk team, including:
Drafting internal and external communications on geopolitical risk (briefing notes for ExCo for external meetings etc.) while ensuring a high relevancy for PSP’s investment activities
Support decision making through data collection, analysis and formulation of options and recommendations
Perform project-related research including assessing geopolitical trends, best practices across industry, and issues-based research
Performing strategic surveys by monitoring specialized sources and media, and informing the decision-making factors inside the CIO group
We offer a tailored employee experience and competitive total rewards and benefits package* designed to attract and retain diverse global talent, reward performance, and reinforce business strategies and priorities. Beyond salary and incentive pay eligibility, you have access to:
A flexible hybrid work model with a mix of in-office and remote days based on business groups, teams, and roles
A hybrid allowance to support any hybrid related needs
Competitive pension plans
Comprehensive group insurance plans
Unlimited access to virtual healthcare services and wellness programs
Generous and inclusive paid family leave
Vacation days available on day one with additional days on milestone service anniversaries, and summer Friday afternoons off
Investment in career development
*Benefits package may vary based on your employee type.
At PSP, we aim to provide an inclusive workplace where we leverage diversity and where everyone feels valued, safe, respected and empowered to grow. As part of this leadership commitment, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified applicants and strive to offer an inclusive and accessible candidate experience. If you require any accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Required Skill / Experience
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Proven track record on geopolitical issues, particularly in relation to macroeconomics and investment. Experience in assessing geopolitical risk in a financial institution is a definite asset.
A master’s degree or a PhD in international Relations (with a focus on Economics or International Economic Policy an asset)
Minimum of (5) years and more of relevant work experience, including team- and project-management experience
Experience with research and evaluation, supported by strong analytical and managerial skills
Excellent written communication skills with a strong sense for identifying the aspects relevant for PSP’s activities
Ability to manage a team of experts and manage multiple projects demands
Ability to build effective stakeholder relationships, both inside and outside PSP
Experience in the financial sector and investment activities, an asset
Bilingualism: English and French (frequent interactions in English with PSP employees based in our offices in Hong Kong, London and New York, and interactions in French with employees in our local offices in Montreal and Ottawa)
