Job Overview:
The EDC Singapore branch office is seeking a motivated and resourceful person to join our ESG team as an Environmental and Social (E&S) Risk Advisor for the Indo-Pacific region. The ESG team is responsible for helping fulfill EDC’s commitments to conduct business in a responsible and ethical manner and integrate our ESG values into the business we do. The E&S Risk Advisor will be responsible for conducting due diligence on the business we support for our customers doing business or looking to expand into the Indo-Pacific region. Our vision for this role is to be an integral part of the business team to help manage relationships with our customers and partners and guide them on their ESG journey and ensure this journey is reflective of the E&S risks in their business. The role will be supported through close collaboration with the head office ESG group in Ottawa.
This is an opportunity for an individual who is a resourceful E&S risk analyst, who can form strong relationships with EDC clients in the Indo-Pac region, EDC business teams and ESG colleagues whether based in Singapore, the Asia Pacific Region or Canada and who thrives in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• For EDC financing and insurance transactions, advises on, with minimal guidance, the assessment/validation and recommendation of common, defined Environmental and Social noncredit risks and mitigants for EDC’s financing and transactions. In some instances, this may involve the application of the Equator Principles, IFC performance Standards, the UNGPs and/ or other international best practice standards. Under guidance, undertakes the assessment/validation and recommendation of complex, irregular non-credit risks involving broad sets of mitigants. Or for same, provides advice on risks, mitigants and related processes and guidelines.
• Works with EDC underwriting teams, business development and fellow ESG colleagues to manage key client relationships and outreach to prospects through providing ESG guidance, education and resources.
• Based on his or her subject matter expertise, recommends changes to policies, processes, standards and environmental and social due diligence practices that would improve the management of the environmental and social risks of EDC’s financing transactions.
• In collaboration with EDC business teams, negotiates with EDC clients the incorporation of environmental and social commitments in financing documentation to prevent, mitigate, or address the environmental and social risks on EDC’s commercial transactions.
• Analyze and determine adequacy of key environmental and social documents, such as monitoring reports, sustainability reports, action plans, audit reports, environmental and social-related policies, etc. with the aim of promoting alignment with international best practice and standards.
• Produces and/or edit documents in line with organizational style guidelines and prepares information for consumption by EDC risk management committees, business teams, senior management and/or external clients.
• Contribute to the management of partnering relationships with internal clients, building effective working relationships and providing high-quality professional services to support in delivering business strategy and plans.
• Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of ESRM policies, procedures, programs and/or products, resolving complex or contentious queries and issues and enabling others to take appropriate actions.
• Maintain and renew a deep knowledge and understanding of the organization's ESRM policies and procedures and of relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, and ensure transactions adhere to required standards.
• Develop an understanding of EDC’s mandate, Indo-Pacific strategic focus and financing products, and identify opportunities to advance sustainability agenda with clients in the region.
• Occasionally support EDC on Environmental and Social-related interactions with relevant external stakeholders.
Screening Criteria:
• Completion of a degree in environmental or social sciences or in a sub-discipline such as ecology, environmental management, environmental and social risk management, climate change, biodiversity, water resources, international development, sustainable development, human rights, gender studies, occupational health and safety, community relations & resettlement, law (environmental or human rights) or engineering.
• Knowledge of E&S risk management principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and demonstrated ability to manage relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in E&S risk management, consulting, impact assessment, environmental or social auditing, or equivalent industry experience within EDC’s relevant business sectors (e.g. Extractive Industries, Agrifoods, Advance Manufacturing, Clean Tech and Renewable Energy, Apparel, utilities and Infrastructure).
• Evidence of success in prioritizing and meeting deadlines in an environment that requires managing multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Evidence of ability to discern, distill, and concisely and clearly communicate (written and verbally) key issues in complex business transactions and provide advice based on client needs.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to a quarter of working hours.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across geographies.
• Fluent in English for oral communication as well as reading and writing. Assets
• Familiarity with international E&S standards, including among others, the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards and the Equator Principles.
• International experience or expertise in the areas of biodiversity and conservation, agri-food, occupational health and safety in developing markets, climate change and/or carbon risk, gender or social issues, human rights or E&S risks identification of assessment in the Indo Pacific region.
• In addition to English, can communicate in one or more local Indo-Pacific language.
Eligibility
• EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents).
Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements
