Associate / Vice President, Emerging Markets Fixed Income Product Strategist

About this role

BlackRock's Emerging Markets Fixed Income group is seeking a Product Strategist who will be responsible for directly contributing to the promotion of the range of products and strategies managed by the Emerging Markets Fixed Income team. The candidate will utilize their intimate knowledge of the asset classes, the product range and our investment process to work with sales through all the firm's sales channels. The person will operate in a team environment and will report to the head of EM Fixed Income Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a proxy for portfolio managers, acting as an expert on products, markets, and capabilities during client meetings, product reviews, conferences, and internal training sessions.
• Act as the primary contact for internal distribution channels (institutional, retail, and financial institutions), providing insights on investment philosophy, process, ESG integration, risk, performance, and other relevant product information. Efficiently lever internal resources to respond to client inquiries and information requests.
• Proactively address clients' investment, business, and operational challenges by serving as the key liaison between the investment team and internal departments (compliance, legal, operations, marketing, and relationship management).
• Participate in strategy and product meetings with portfolio managers and other strategists to gather insights for investment commentaries and commercial narratives.
• Develop and maintain a variety of materials to support commercial activities, including customised decks for internal and external consumption.
• Contribute to the creation of reports, RFPs, and thought leadership pieces that articulate the team's views and strategies.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of Fixed Income markets, with a particular focus or interest in Emerging Markets.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, often under tight deadlines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively in client meetings.
• Solutions-oriented approach to resolving client issues, with a focus on building strong client relationships.
• Thorough understanding of the asset management industry, its products, and distribution channels.
• Highly organized, energetic, self-motivated team player with high ethical standards and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to inspire and influence others about the product area and foster strong relationships with both clients and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• At least 4 - 5 years of experience in a product specialist or related role, with a focus on Fixed Income.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in finance, economics or a related field.
• Investment Management Certificate or other professional qualification is preferred.
• Expert user of desktop applications (e.g. PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and familiar with information/data systems (e.g. Bloomberg, Morningstar).