Sustainable Investing & Impact Measurement For Pension Funds: Align Investments With Purpose

Introduction:

Sustainable Investing and Impact Measurement for Pension Funds equips professionals with the knowledge to align investments with social and environmental goals. This course focuses on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment strategies, measuring impact, and developing sustainable portfolios. Participants will learn to analyze ESG data, implement responsible investment policies, and contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes. By mastering sustainable investing, professionals can enhance portfolio resilience and align pension fund values with global sustainability objectives.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in pension fund management, investment analysis, and sustainability. This includes Pension Fund Managers, Investment Analysts, ESG Specialists, Risk Managers, Actuaries, Trustees, Compliance Officers, Consultants, Financial Advisors, and Sustainability Officers. These individuals require expertise in sustainable investing to effectively integrate ESG factors and measure impact in pension fund portfolios.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of sustainable investing for pension funds.
• Integrate ESG factors into investment policies and decision-making processes.
• Analyze and utilize ESG data and ratings for portfolio construction.
• Develop methodologies for measuring and reporting the impact of sustainable investments.
• Understand the role of engagement and stewardship in sustainable investing.
• Implement strategies for managing climate-related risks in pension portfolios.
• Analyze the impact of sustainable investments on long-term financial performance.
• Understand the regulatory and reporting requirements for sustainable investing.
• Develop strategies for aligning pension fund investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders about the sustainability performance of pension funds.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Sustainable Investing and Pension Funds

• Overview of sustainable investing and its relevance to pension funds.
• Understanding the key drivers of sustainable investing (ESG factors, SDGs).
• Introduction to the principles of responsible investment (PRI).
• Setting the stage for integrating sustainability into pension fund strategies.

Module 2: Principles and Benefits of Sustainable Investing

• Analyzing the financial and non-financial benefits of sustainable investing.
• Understanding the role of ESG factors in enhancing long-term value creation.
• Examining the impact of sustainable investing on risk management and reputation.
• Developing a foundational understanding of sustainable investment principles.

Module 3: Integrating ESG Factors into Investment Policies

• Implementing techniques for integrating ESG factors into investment policies and mandates.
• Understanding the role of ESG integration in asset allocation and portfolio construction.
• Analyzing the impact of ESG screening, thematic investing, and best-in-class approaches.
• Developing strategies for creating ESG-aligned investment policies.

Module 4: Analyzing and Utilizing ESG Data and Ratings

• Understanding the sources and quality of ESG data and ratings.
• Analyzing the strengths and limitations of different ESG rating methodologies.
• Examining the role of ESG data in investment analysis and decision-making.
• Developing strategies for effectively utilizing ESG data and ratings.

Module 5: Methodologies for Measuring and Reporting Impact

• Implementing methodologies for measuring and reporting the impact of sustainable investments.
• Understanding the role of impact metrics and indicators (e.g., carbon footprint, social impact).
• Analyzing the impact of different reporting frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD).
• Developing strategies for communicating impact to stakeholders.

Module 6: Engagement and Stewardship in Sustainable Investing

• Understanding the role of engagement and stewardship in driving positive change.
• Analyzing the impact of shareholder engagement and proxy voting.
• Examining the role of collaborative engagement initiatives.
• Developing strategies for effective engagement and stewardship.

Module 7: Managing Climate-Related Risks in Pension Portfolios

• Implementing strategies for managing climate-related risks (physical risks, transition risks).
• Understanding the role of climate scenario analysis and stress testing.
• Analyzing the impact of climate change on asset valuations and portfolio performance.
• Developing techniques for building climate-resilient portfolios.

Module 8: Impact of Sustainable Investments on Long-Term Financial Performance

• Analyzing the impact of sustainable investments on long-term financial performance.
• Understanding the role of ESG factors in generating alpha and mitigating downside risk.
• Examining the performance of sustainable investment indices and benchmarks.
• Developing methodologies for evaluating the financial performance of sustainable portfolios.

Module 9: Regulatory and Reporting Requirements for Sustainable Investing

• Understanding the regulatory and reporting requirements for sustainable investing.
• Analyzing the impact of sustainable finance regulations and disclosure mandates.
• Examining the role of fiduciary duties and legal considerations.
• Developing strategies for ensuring regulatory compliance.

Module 10: Aligning Investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to pension funds.
• Analyzing the impact of SDG-aligned investments on social and environmental outcomes.
• Examining the role of impact investing and thematic investing in achieving the SDGs.
• Developing strategies for integrating the SDGs into pension fund strategies.

Module 11: Green Bonds and Sustainable Fixed Income Investments

• Understanding the role of green bonds and sustainable fixed income investments.
• Analyzing the impact of sustainable fixed income on portfolio diversification and impact.
• Examining the role of impact reporting and verification.
• Developing strategies for integrating sustainable fixed income into pension portfolios.

Module 12: Impact Investing and Thematic Investing in Pension Funds

• Understanding the role of impact investing and thematic investing in pension fund portfolios.
• Analyzing the impact of investing in specific sustainability themes (renewable energy, sustainable agriculture).
• Examining the role of impact measurement and reporting.
• Developing strategies for integrating impact investing into pension fund strategies.

Module 13: Integrating Sustainability into Asset Manager Selection and Monitoring

• Implementing techniques for integrating sustainability into asset manager selection and monitoring.
• Understanding the role of ESG due diligence and manager engagement.
• Analyzing the impact of ESG performance on manager selection.
• Developing strategies for monitoring asset manager ESG performance.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in Sustainable Investing

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful sustainable investment strategies.
• Learning from best practices across different pension funds and regions.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Sustainable Pension Investments

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in sustainable pension investments (transition finance, nature-based solutions, just transition).
• Developing action plans for advancing sustainable investment practices within pension funds.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.