Proxy voting services for the UN

The Office of Investment Management (OIM) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified and experienced vendors to provide independent proxy voting services that support UNJSPF’s fiduciary duty to exercise its voting rights attached to equity holdings in the best long term interests of the Fund and its beneficiaries.

The objective is to establish a service provider to act as an independent third party supporting the Fund’s stewardship objectives, including the integration of corporate governance, environmental, and social (E&S) considerations into proxy voting decisions. The services should support voting across UNJSPF’s global equity universe, aligned with internationally recognized stewardship principles and best practices.

The expected services are as follows:

1. Proxy Research and Analysis

Provision of independent proxy research and analysis for shareholder meetings across global equity markets. Coverage of management and shareholder proposals, including but not limited to corporate governance, board elections, executive remuneration, capital structure, environmental matters, and social issues. Timely availability of research and recommendations in advance of applicable voting deadlines.

2. Voting Policy Implementation

Operational implementation of UNJSPF’s proxy voting policies, including any customized guidelines provided by the Client. Ability to apply sustainability and climate related voting criteria in line with internationally recognized frameworks and the Client’s stewardship guidelines. Ongoing maintenance of voting rules to reflect policy updates communicated by the Client during the term of the contract.

3. Vote Execution

Accurate and timely execution of proxy votes on behalf of the Client in accordance with approved voting policies and standing instructions. Submission of votes in all relevant markets and formats to meet issuer and regulatory deadlines. Management of vote confirmations, reconciliations, and operational exceptions.

4. Case by Case and Priority Voting Support

Support for enhanced, case by case analysis for selected meetings identified by the Client as high priority. Provision of additional qualitative analysis and vote rationales for specific resolutions upon request. Flexibility to accommodate Client directed overrides or bespoke voting instructions.

5. Reporting and Disclosure Support

Provision of periodic reports summarizing proxy voting activity, including vote statistics and alignment with Client policies. Annual reporting is suitable for internal governance, oversight, and public disclosure purposes. Availability of vote level data and rationales to support transparency and stewardship reporting.

6. Systems Access and Client Support

Secure access for authorized Client users to an electronic platform for voting oversight, reporting, and audit purposes. Ongoing client support, including operational assistance and policy related queries. Designated relationship management and escalation points.

Specific Requirements/Information Please note that this is not a tendering process. The UN is looking for pontential bidders for the future Request For Proposal (RFP) which will be published in due course. Interested vendors should submit their Expression of Interest through the link provided under this notice. Any Technical/ commercial proposal is not sought under this Request for Expression of Interest.