Investment Officer, Real Estate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) is responsible for managing the assets of the United Nations' pension fund, which is a significant global investment portfolio exceeding $100 billion. The Office of Investment Management (OIM), which is part of the UNJSPF, oversees this portfolio and is tasked with ensuring optimal investment returns while adhering to responsible investment principles. The OIM is headquartered in New York City and employs staff from over 40 countries, reflecting a diverse and international workforce. The organization is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible investment practices, and it plays a crucial role in managing the financial security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of UN staff members worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Investment Officer, Real Estate position is integral to the management of the UNJSPF's global real estate portfolio, which is valued at over $5 billion and consists of more than 125 investments in various real estate funds. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Investment Officer (SIO) to analyze and manage investments in global real estate markets. This role requires a balance between long-term strategic goals and short-term performance objectives, necessitating thorough market research and portfolio analysis. The incumbent will also be responsible for conducting due diligence, monitoring portfolio performance, and ensuring compliance with risk control parameters. The position demands a proactive approach to exploring investment opportunities and integrating responsible investment principles into the analysis and management of the portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Investment Officer include assisting the SIO in managing the Fund's assets in global real estate markets, conducting pre-investment due diligence, and providing analytical support for investment decisions. The incumbent will monitor portfolio holdings, conduct security analysis, and appraise the performance of external managers. Additionally, the role involves conducting thorough investment research, performing fundamental analysis, and synthesizing information from various sources to inform investment recommendations. The Investment Officer will also contribute to the development of investment strategies, participate in asset allocation discussions, and prepare reports for senior management. The position requires regular travel for investment conferences and meetings, ensuring the incumbent stays informed about market trends and opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of commercial real estate markets and investment structures, as well as portfolio management. Proficiency in financial modeling, financial statement analysis, and the use of analytical tools is essential. Familiarity with valuation analysis and financial tools such as Bloomberg and Pitchbook is also required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, maintain integrity, and show a commitment to professional excellence. Strong teamwork and accountability skills are necessary, as the role involves collaboration with colleagues and adherence to organizational standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Economics, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) certification is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise in investment analysis and management.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in quantitative and qualitative investment analysis within commercial real estate markets is required. Experience in investment management, particularly within institutional investor organizations such as pension funds, endowments, or foundations, is highly desirable. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of the complexities of real estate investments and the ability to analyze and execute investment strategies effectively.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, while French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English, as per the UN Language Framework, to effectively communicate and collaborate within the organization. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New York City and may require domestic and international travel at least once a month. The job does not specify a contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities within the UNJSPF's investment management framework. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.