Real Assets Sustainability US - Investment Management - Senior Associate

Morgan Stanley Real Assets (“MSRA”) is the global real assets investment management arm of Morgan Stanley. MSRA is comprised of 4 investment teams focused on private real estate equity, private infrastructure equity and private real assets credit strategies. With 20 offices in 13 countries throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, regional teams of dedicated real assets professionals combine a unique global perspective with local presence and significant transaction execution expertise. As of June 30, 2025, MSRA manages $76 billion of investable capital.

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (“MSREI”) is the global private real estate investment management business of Morgan Stanley. One of the most active property investors in the world for over three decades, MSREI employs a patient, disciplined approach through global value-add / opportunistic and regional core / core-plus real estate investment strategies. With 17 offices throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, regional teams of dedicated real estate professionals combine a unique global perspective with local presence and significant transaction execution expertise. MSREI currently manages $54 billion of gross real estate assets worldwide on behalf of its clients.

Brief Role Description

This position will report to the Head of Sustainability for Global Real Assets who oversees sustainability strategy and execution for Private Real Estate, Infrastructure and Real Estate Credit strategies across the U.S., Europe and Asia.

This Senior Associate role will manage the development and implementation of Sustainability strategies across the global real estate portfolio for MSREI’s flagship Global Value-Add / Opportunistic Fund series. This role involves collaborating with internal teams and external partners to enhance sustainability performance, regulatory compliance including SFDR requirements, and drive value creation through sustainable initiatives.

ESG Strategy & Integration:

• Develop and implement the ESG strategy for the Global Real Estate Fund, ensuring alignment with Article 8 EU SFDR requirements.
• Lead the integration of sustainability practices across all stages of the investment process, from acquisition and due diligence to asset management and exit.

ESG Data Management and Reporting:

• Establish key performance indicators to monitor and report on the sustainability performance of assets, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure maximized accuracy, consistency and coverage of ESG data
• Assist in assessing the viability of Article 8/Article 9 (aligned with EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) compliant strategies for select REI funds with support from in-house legal and compliance team
• Lead external ESG reporting aligned with third-party guidelines (e.g., INREV Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, SFDR disclosures, UN PRI, GRESB, UK Stewardship Code)
• Responsible for responding to ongoing investor ESG DDQs/requests

Implementation:

• Collaborate with internal teams to support development and implementation of fund/asset operational efficiency strategies such as energy efficiency, solar, shadow meters, electrification, pursuing green building certifications, etc.
• Manage ESG consultants (develop the scope of work and contracts, oversee appointments and performance and maintain preferred supplier list)

Climate-Related Risks Assessments:

• Conduct asset-level climate-related risk assessment and complete portfolio-wide analysis leveraging climate risk tools and the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) across REI funds
• Create asset-level resilience plans in collaboration with external consultants, asset managers and insurance team

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Prepare and lead quarterly regional sustainability council meetings
• Provide regular updates and presentations to senior management, ensuring alignment on ESG strategy and fund performance

Training & Capacity Building:

• Source or develop, and deliver content to educate investment teams (e.g., monthly webinars, newsletters), ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate sustainability considerations into their daily work
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of global sustainability regulations and standards, ensuring the portfolio's compliance and advising on potential impacts to the portfolio

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate or undergraduate degree holder
• 5+ years of experience working in a real estate / real assets business and specifically within an ESG/sustainability capacity
• Experience with ESG reporting frameworks including PRI, GRESB, TCFD, SFDR, EU Taxonomy
• Strong intere