Research Analyst recruitment

PURPOSE:

• Support Head of Tactical Asset Allocation (“TAA”) and Managers to fulfil and discharge his/her responsibilities.
• Assist the Head of Tactical Asset Allocation (“TAA”) Managers in setting investment strategy, implementing tactical asset allocation, and measuring its success; tactical asset allocation is large driver of AUSA financial outcomes.
• AUSA relies on external managers and therefore, must have robust process and evaluation criteria in place to asses the value proposition of those managers
• Investments must have market facing personnel and expertise to fully discharge responsibilities of department

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Tactical Asset Allocation

Assists the Head of TAA in determining tactical asset allocation decisions, associated alpha generation, risk tolerances, and implementation. Assists in the creation of frameworks for analyzing alternative investment and risk scenarios. Assists in forecasting market changes based on economic and industry analyses; monitors technical trading trends.

• Tactical Asset Protection

Assists in the creation and implementation of tactical asset protection strategies which identifies and implements attractive tactical hedging strategies. This may include using arbitrage or risk transfer funding strategies to pay for tactical asset protection.

• Investment Benchmarking

Assists the Head of TAA Managers in creating maintaining asset class performance benchmarks, asset class guidelines and associated manager performance criteria. 

• Asset Manager Evaluation

Assists the Head of TAA Managers in evaluating external asset managers using a comprehensive and systemic process evaluating not only investment performance, but firm due diligence, operational risk assessment, and other considerations.

• Risk Management

Assists the Head of TAA Managers by utilizing available instruments (e.g. cash, derivatives) to implement relevant portfolio management outcomes related to risk management. Works with investment risk management and quantitative team in the integration of innovative models, structures and new investment vehicles (e.g. new hedging tools, reinsurance structuring, favorable tax and regulatory options).

• Relationship Management

Serves as a key relationship manager between AUSA and key external managers. 

• Cross-Functional Investment Direction

Assists the Head of TAA and Managers by working with other functional areas to implement investment strategies to enable the organization to realize on asset/liability objectives utilizing sophisticated investment tools including futures, swaps and options.

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Quantitative market data, research and analysis related to fixed income assets classes, return, and risk

• Market research and analysis to assist the investment staff and insurance organization in making investment decisions with respect to asset allocation 

• Conduct research and analysis on: various external asset managers which includes their competencies and competitiveness of product offering; and investment performance specifically focused on active risk budgeting, alpha generation and asset class guidelines

• Translation of research and analysis into creative ideation relating to tactical asset protection strategies, expected hedging costs, benefits, implementation strategies

• Market research and analysis and the creation of investment presentations for internal and external constituents

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Bachelor’s or graduate degree in economics, finance, or other related field or equivalent experience.

• A graduate degree (e.g. MBA) or CFA is preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• Two or more years of experience in investments.

• Minimum two years experience specifically in investment analytics/modelling and asset allocation.

• Working knowledge of capital markets, specifically fixed income and derivatives

• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to work well with people at all levels of the organization and develop/nurture external relationships

Aviva is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.