Head of Asset Management

Description

Purpose of the job:    

Is responsible for the financial and operational performance of the BIS’s various portfolios, own funds and third-party portfolios and the BIS Pension Fund. Leads the design, scope and execution of the investment strategy for these portfolios, as well as of the marketing strategy for third-party portfolios. 
Plays an active role in client facing activities and represents the BIS Banking Department at conferences and high level meetings.
As member of the Banking Department Management Group, contributes to the strategy and general management of the Banking Department.

Principal accountabilities:    

1. Strategic accountabilities
•    Designs the strategy for investments in accordance with the BIS’s overall strategy. Ensures the effective execution of the BIS’s overall investment strategy. Actively monitors and mitigates the investment risks of the BIS’s various portfolios under given financial market conditions. 
•    Provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight for the BIS’s investment activities with regard to: (a) the Bank’s own funds, (b) external funds and (c) the BIS Pension Fund.
•    Provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight for client management services (such as marketing and sales) and the operational/infrastructure support of the Bank’s asset management activities.
•    Monitors the effectiveness of the Bank’s investment policies, actively mitigates related risks and recommends changes to overall investment policy, when necessary under given financial market conditions. 
•    Acts as a thought leader and strategist with regard to financial investment; demonstrates business development, innovation and client outreach capabilities as well as knowledge of complex products and services in the context of the Bank’s investment policy and displays strong understanding of the institutional needs and frameworks. Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and analysis capabilities in relation to investment policymaking, markets, product development, competitor activities and trends as well as identifying their strategic significance for the activities of the BIS. 

2. Direction and management of the Asset Management unit:
Is responsible for the financial and operational performance of the unit; and provides ongoing direction, supervision and control for the core investment areas:
•    Portfolio management: Makes investment decisions in the various portfolios with a view to increasing performance over the specific investment horizons. Ensures that financial investments are done in accordance with the BIS transaction procedures (properly input and captured) in the trading and risk systems, regulations, investment guidelines and risk parameters. Directs the investment process and the regular investment strategy reviews. Provides direction for new product development. Ensures that the performance and risk of asset management portfolios relative to the benchmarks are properly monitored and assessed. 
•    Third-party asset management: Provides direction with a view to satisfying customer demand, increasing the size and profitability of the portfolios and diversifying revenue sources for the Bank. Ensures that the BIS investment pools are properly supervised within applicable governance and compliance directives.
•    External fund management: Provides direction for and monitors the external fund programmes.
•    Client management and services: Supervises and ensures the development and execution of marketing/client-facing strategies and outreach for BIS third-party asset management (development of clients, new services and pricing policies and monitoring of competitors). Ensures an effective service infrastructure: efficient business processes, operations and flow of work in the area, and optimal use of technology. 
•    Works in partnership and collaborates with various BIS business areas to ensure the implementation of the investment strategy and compliance with internal policies and procedures.
•    Provides information and reports on markets to Banking management.

3. Member of Banking management:
•    Actively contributes to the policymaking function of the Banking Department Management Group. As a member of this management team, plays an active role in the day-to-day management of the Department as a whole. Contributes to business strategy and implementation of initiatives. Provides specific input on all matters related to asset management as well as on other issues related to the overall financial operations of the Bank. Plays an active role in a number of decision-making committees, such as the New Banking Activities Committee (NBAC) and the BIS Pension Fund Portfolio Committee (PFPC). Represents Banking management vis-à-vis external parties.
•    Contributes to management activities outside his/her area of direct responsibility (eg participating in Banking projects/initiatives, defining departmental reorganisations). 

4. Staff leadership:
•   Leads, directs and motivates the unit’s staff, through effective performance management, delegation and support of professional development. Takes individual personnel decisions on issues such as recruitment, transfers, promotions and disciplinary measures. 

Qualifications:    
•    MA/MSc in economics, finance, business or equivalent.
•    Clear record of achievement in asset/liability management and portfolio management.
•    Understanding of the parameters surrounding supranational and central banking institutions.
•    Excellent verbal and drafting skills in English (knowledge of another major language an advantage).

Skills:  
•    Analytical, managerial and leadership skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
•    Proven ability to work effectively with and across multiple constituencies at a senior level.

Work experience:
•    At least 10 years of experience in an executive, senior position in a significant and highly respected financial institution. Senior and successful experience in managing assets.
•    Demonstrated, established client knowledge through relevant and complementary experience.

Other personal characteristics:
•    Unquestioned integrity and the highest ethical standards.
•    A keen interest in financial markets; learning agility and drive for results.

What we offer:
In return, we offer a highly rewarding work environment at the hub for central bank cooperation. You will join our team in the international city of Basel in Switzerland alongside colleagues from more than 60 countries. 

We offer a competitive compensation package (tax-free), including a comprehensive set of expat and relocation benefits and allowances. In addition, thanks to our status as an international organisation, we are able to hire globally and welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, and located anywhere in the world.

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