Corporate Governance Research Trainee - Iberian Market - Spanish Speaking (Fixed-Term Contract)

ISS STOXX GmbH; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

ISS STOXX seeks a pool of talented and self‑motivated research trainees for January 2027. Our trainees will join the Iberia team and work alongside experienced analysts during the proxy voting season.

As a Corporate Governance Research Trainee, you will support the research process behind the voting recommendations provided to our clients, which include some of the world's leading institutional investors. The role focuses on the analysis of shareholder meeting agenda items and corporate

Qualifications

• Native-level Spanish is required.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); reading proficiency in Portuguese is an advantage.
• A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Law, Political Science, International Relations, or related field, or currently pursuing such a degree.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills with the ability to transform complex information into clear analysis.
• Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of information from multiple sources under tight deadlines.
• Independent work style with initiative and team collaboration; organized and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Support the research process behind voting recommendations for ISS STOXX clients.
• Analyze shareholder meeting agenda items and governance practices of publicly listed companies.
• Review disclosures, annual reports, governance and remuneration reports, notices, and filings.
• Assess proposals such as election of directors, remuneration, auditor appointments, and capital authorities.
• Draft detailed reports explaining rationale behind voting recommendations within guidelines.

Skills

Spanish (native-level)

English fluent

Portuguese reading (advantage)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, Finance, Law, Political Science, International Relations or related

Job description

ISS STOXX empowers investors and companies to build for long-term and sustainable growth by providing high-quality data, analytics, and insight. We are committed to positively impacting the environment and society through our market‑leading solutions and leading by example. Our clients have long turned to ISS STOXX to apply their corporate governance views, identify environmental, social, and governance risks, and manage their global proxy voting needs.

Need a refresher on what Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting are?

• Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Boards of directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders’ role in governance is developing continuously with investors increasingly acting as responsible stewards and taking into account a wide range of ESG topics. This may include considerations such as the appointment of directors, approving executive remuneration schemes, M&A, and equity issuances.
• Shareholders are invited by public companies they have shares in to vote on a wide range of topics during annual general meetings and special meetings. They can delegate their voting power to a representative, who will then be considered a proxy. Here at ISS STOXX, we provide the research, insight and recommendations for our clients to make informed voting decisions.

Enter the world of corporate governance and responsible investment and jumpstart your career by gaining exposure to the fundamental affairs of businesses and economies on a global scale.

What You Will Do

ISS STOXX seeks a pool of talented and self‑motivated research trainees for January 2027. Our trainees will join the Iberia team and work alongside experienced analysts during the proxy voting season. As a Corporate Governance Research Trainee, you will support the research process behind the voting recommendations provided to our clients, which include some of the world's leading institutional investors. The role focuses on the analysis of shareholder meeting agenda items and corporate governance practices of publicly listed companies during the AGM (annual general meeting) season. You will review company disclosures, annual reports, governance reports, remuneration reports, meeting notices, and other public filings to assess proposals submitted for shareholder approval. These may include the election of directors, executive remuneration, auditor appointments, capital authorities, and other governance‑related matters. Working within ISS' benchmark voting guidelines, you will help analyze meeting proposals, conduct research, and contribute to the preparation of detailed reports explaining the rationale behind each voting recommendation. This role is research‑intensive and requires strong analytical and written communication skills. The focus is on corporate governance, shareholder rights, and helping institutional investors make informed voting decisions at shareholder meetings.

What You Will Bring To ISS STOXX

• Native‑level Spanish is required.
• Fluent in English (both spoken and written). Reading proficiency in Portuguese is an advantage.
• A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field, or currently pursuing such a degree.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills, with the ability to transform complex information into clear and concise analysis.
• The ability to review and synthesize large amounts of information, including quantitative data, from multiple sources within tight deadlines.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, take initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• An organized, structured, and proactive approach to work.
• Prior experience or demonstrated interest in corporate governance, capital markets, company law, ESG, or financial markets will be considered an advantage.

But above all else we are most interested in the things that make you, you. The unique personal qualities, extracurricular activities and accomplishments that show who you are as a person and what value you could bring to the team.

What You Will Gain From This Traineeship

• Develop a strong understanding of corporate governance practices across Spain and Portugal.
• Gain hands‑on experience analyzing AGM and EGM proposals and applying ISS voting guidelines.
• Strengthen your analytical, research, and professional writing skills through the preparation of governance research reports for institutional investors.
• Receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from experienced corporate governance analysts.
• Build expertise in interpreting company disclosures, governance reports, remuneration reports, and other regulatory filings.
• Work in an international, collaborative environment that values integrity, transparency, and professional development.

This traineeship is remunerated 2,242.81€ gross per month and will run for 5.5 months, from the 18th of January 2027 to the 30th of June 2027. Trainees are required to work from the ISS STOXX office 5 days a week and must be based in the country of employment from Day 1 of the traineeship. Please note that this is a fixed‑term position with financial remuneration (salary), rather than a formal internship. Students seeking a placement as part of their academic program are welcome to apply and are encouraged to check with their university whether the experience can be recognised as part of their curriculum.

What You Can Expect From Us

Our people are the moving force behind our work. We are committed to building a culture that values diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. If you have the skills, passion, and drive to help us bring clarity and transparency to capital markets, we want to work with you. Together, we can grow your career in an environment that fuels creativity, drives innovation, and has real impact.

About ISS STOXX

ISS STOXX delivers world‑class research, data, and technology solutions that empower capital market participants to pursue their visions with confidence. Our expertise spans indices, corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence, giving clients the tools they need to uncover opportunities, manage risks, and navigate evolving regulations. We are made up of 4,000 professionals operating across 20 countries and serving approximately 5 000 clients, including many of the world’s leading institutional investors. Our scale and reach give us deep market knowledge, while our innovative methodologies allow us to offer our clients tailored insights that drive impact and success.

ISS STOXX Governance

ISS STOXX Governance delivers comprehensive corporate governance research, analytics, and investor voting solutions supported by a global, high‑quality data set spanning diverse markets and topics. Our offerings equip investors with the depth and scale needed to meet evolving stewardship priorities. We provide flexible voting policy options, including fully customizable reports, backed by experienced research teams located worldwide, ensuring clients benefit from both global insight and local market expertise.

ISS STOXX is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, age, height, weight, citizenship status, national origin, social origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy status, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, military service or status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status"). All activities including, but not limited to, recruiting and hiring, recruitment advertising, promotions, performance appraisals, training, job assignments, compensation, demotions, transfers, terminations (including layoffs), benefits, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, are and will be administered on a non-discriminatory basis, consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.