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Manager Sustainable Investing

KENFO - Fonds zur Finanzierung der kerntechnischen Entsorgung • Germany • Added on Jul 17, 2026
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You will manage the integration of environmental, social, and governance factors into a massive and diverse investment portfolio. This role focuses on the end-to-end ESG lifecycle, from performing due diligence on infrastructure and private equity deals to monitoring existing assets and presenting technical reports to executive committees. You will also represent the fund in international working groups to help shape global sustainable finance standards.

This position is at the heart of Germany’s first sovereign wealth fund, where capital preservation meets ethical responsibility. Financing the long-term storage of nuclear waste is a unique societal mission; by ensuring these billions are invested sustainably, you directly link the country’s energy history with a greener financial future. It is a rare chance to apply high-level ESG expertise to an institutional vehicle of immense public importance.

This suits someone who possesses a strong analytical background in asset management and the diplomatic skills to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. You should be comfortable translating intricate ESG data into clear strategic narratives for high-level stakeholders.

FAQ de l’offre

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves embedding ESG criteria systematically into the investment process. You will be responsible for conducting ESG due diligence across various asset classes, with a particular focus on illiquid investments like infrastructure, private equity, and real estate. Beyond initial assessments, you will lead the monitoring and reporting of sustainability performance for the existing portfolio. This includes preparing high-level briefings and decision templates for the board and specialized committees, ensuring that the fund's sustainability strategy remains transparent and actionable.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working at a sovereign wealth fund provides unparalleled exposure to large-scale institutional asset management. You will gain deep technical insights into how ESG factors influence risk and return profiles across different markets and asset classes, particularly in the complex realm of alternative investments. Furthermore, you will have the chance to represent the fund in international sustainability organizations. This offers a front-row seat to the development of global standards and regulations, allowing you to build a network of world-class experts in the field of sustainable finance.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a university degree in economics or social sciences, complemented by practical experience in sustainable investing or ESG integration. Background in asset management or a similar investment-focused environment is highly preferred to understand the nuances of capital markets. Technical proficiency in ESG frameworks like PRI or UN Global Compact is essential. On a personal level, you should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex data clearly in both German and English, as the role involves significant communication with international partners and internal executives.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a specific understanding of the long-term nature of KENFO’s mandate. Your application should reflect not just knowledge of ESG, but an appreciation for how sustainability ensures financial stability over a multi-decade horizon, which is critical for a fund of this nature. Highlight any specific experience you have with illiquid asset classes. Since the role involves infrastructure and private equity, showing you understand the unique ESG challenges of private markets—such as data availability and direct stakeholder engagement—will give you a significant competitive advantage.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses on the practical application of ESG integration to mitigate financial risk and drive positive impact. This includes aligning the fund’s diverse portfolio with climate goals and social standards, ensuring that every Euro invested supports a broader sustainability strategy. There is also a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and transparency. You will help ensure the fund adheres to evolving national and international standards, such as SFDR and PRI reporting, maintaining KENFO's reputation as a pioneer in responsible public investment.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is the diversity of the portfolio. Applying consistent ESG metrics across liquid stocks as well as complex private debt or real estate projects requires significant methodological flexibility and analytical rigor. Additionally, navigating the high public visibility of a government-linked fund means that ESG performance is often under scrutiny. Balancing technical investment requirements with the expectations of political stakeholders and the general public requires a high degree of sensitivity and professional diligence.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing ESG due diligence reports for a potential new infrastructure investment. This is followed by a meeting with the investment management team to discuss how specific sustainability risks could impact the long-term valuation of a private equity holding. In the afternoon, you might shift to stakeholder communication, perhaps drafting a briefing for a board meeting or participating in a virtual session with an international working group. The day often concludes with monitoring regulatory updates to ensure internal processes remain aligned with the latest standards.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a member of a small, highly specialized sustainability team, you will have significant visibility within the organization. This close proximity to the leadership team and board of trustees provides a fast track for professional development and strategic influence. Although the role is a fixed-term parental leave cover, the experience gained at Germany's largest public endowment is a prestigious addition to any CV. Success in this role opens doors to senior ESG leadership positions within the broader European financial sector or other public-sector institutions.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Investment Management and Risk Management teams to align sustainability goals with financial targets. Collaboration with the Legal and CEO departments is also frequent, given the strategic and regulatory nature of the work. Externally, you will engage with Asset Managers and international bodies. These interactions are focused on ensuring that the entities KENFO invests in are adhering to high ESG standards and contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable finance best practices.

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