Analyst, Alternatives

Company Description

Supporting millions of Aussies since 1988 with low fees and competitive long-term performance. Profits back to members, not shareholders

Closing date: 28th June 2024

Please note Rest does not accept speculative resumes from recruitment agencies 

Job Description

About Us

Established in 1988, Rest is one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds.

We support nearly two million members, with around $75 billion of funds under management and are recognised as a responsible investment leader*. We believe when members understand and engage with their super, they’re more likely to get a better retirement outcome.

Everything we do at Rest is underpinned by our values and behaviours, we want to Be Daring, Keep it Simple, Take Action and Have Grit. To put it simply we want our people to thrive and love the work they do.

About the Job

Alternatives at Rest is a thematic-led Whole-of-Fund strategy that looks to act as a completion portfolio to express themes not otherwise well-covered by other asset classes. The portfolio has a large direct agriculture exposure and will over time consider areas such as natural assets, food and sustainability, climate technology and emission reduction.

The primary role of the Analyst, Alternatives, is to provide analytical and operational support in the development of Rest’s Alternatives strategy, and the implementation and ongoing management of Rest’s Alternatives portfolio in accordance with that strategy. You will be required to provide support for the achievement of the investment objectives of the various investment mandates managed by the Alternatives team and contribute to due diligence of fund opportunities and co-investment deals, contribute to monitoring portfolios and preparing reports and presentations for Investment Committee.

Working within a large asset owner this role requires a strategic and tactical approach to perform as an investment specialist within the Private Markets and broader Rest Investment Team. From time to time, you may be required to work on opportunities across other unlisted asset classes or assist other unlisted asset class teams.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

The key accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Provide input into the development and construction of the Alternatives portfolio

• Contribute to research and developing investment theses across Alternatives areas including natural assets, food and sustainability, climate technology and emission reduction.
• Contribute to developing and investing in new private market asset classes, research new sectors to identify attractive new investment opportunities that meet Rest’s whole of fund objectives.
• Undertake sector mapping to identify attractive direct, fund, or other opportunities that address the investment themes.
• Contribute to the development of the Rest’s views and strategy on global Alternatives.
• Provide quantitative support for Alternatives portfolio construction decisions.

Supporting the Alternatives team in implementing and managing the Alternatives Portfolio

• Undertake Alternatives investment research.
• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality investment papers, research outputs and portfolio information.
• Undertake quantitative due diligence on fund and direct investment opportunities.
• Participate in qualitative, on-site due diligence on global fund and direct investment opportunities.
• Provide quantitative analysis of manager and portfolio performance, and build and maintain complex financial models.
• Contribute to responsible investments objectives including integrating responsible investment into the investment process.
• Contribute to review and negotiation of fund terms and separate account structures.

Establishing and maintaining relationships

• Building positive and enduring beneficial relationships with partners, investment managers, other investors, advisors and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive representation of the Fund’s external brand and reputation, including attendance at industry events and external presentations, at the guidance of the Head of Growth Alternatives.

Collaboration

• Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, building strong- bonds with the investment team, and the teams that support and contribute to the success of the investment program.
• Support the development of a collaborative approach across the total organisation and support organisation-wide projects, when required.
• Provide input (when required) into other unlisted asset classes investments.

Qualifications

About You:

Qualifications

• Relevant educational qualifications including, but not limited to Business, Finance, Economics Commerce or law degree

Required experience, understanding or credentials including:

• Demonstrated industry experience, including hands on experience in in real assets, private markets investing, impact investing, financial or strategic advisory, investment or strategic management, financial valuations and due diligence, or experience from within a related industry.
• An ability to communicate effectively and work with numerous teams to triangulate ideas and uncover whole-of-fund opportunities.
• An understanding of investment risks and returns across investment markets, an appreciation of "whole of fund" issues in portfolio construction and the role of private market investments in a portfolio.
• Understanding of the role of an investment team working for an asset owner.
• Understanding of or interest in ESG factors and the integration of these into the investment process.
• Displays a thorough understanding and strong commitment to the organisational Rest values.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience in undertaking research and demonstrated report writing skills.
• A drive to develop deeper knowledge and a preparedness/inclination to "think outside the box".
• A self-aware and confident nature with strong attention to detail.
• The role will require the ability to undertake regular international travel.

Additional Information

Benefits

Our benefits have been designed so you can tailor your experience with us and include:

• Personal and professional development opportunities 
• Flexible, hybrid working – work to suit your lifestyle (must be based in Australia) 
• Purchase leave scheme and gender neutral 16 weeks paid parental leave 
• Super Contribution Continuation for 12 Months of parental leave 
• Meeting free breaks (Rest Stops) 
• Income Protection Insurance 
• Rest Excellence awards (peer recognition awards based on Rest’s values and behaviours) 

If you share our values, believe you can help make a difference for our members and want to be part of a leading superannuation fund with a Super culture, please click Apply Now.

Rest is committed to creating a flexible work environment and culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion - where people feel welcome, safe to be themselves and inspired to do their best.

We value the different backgrounds, lived experiences and abilities our diverse team brings. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all ages, cultural backgrounds, faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations and thinking styles. This includes people with disability, neurodiverse individuals, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples and those with disrupted work history due to career or other breaks.

Please note only people with the right to work in Australia will be considered.

*Funds under management as at 30 June 2023. Rest is recognised as a Responsible Investment Leader by the Responsible Investment Association Australia (RIAA) in its Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2022.

Rest will review applications prior to the closing date and may close the role earlier