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Head of Sustainability

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Head of Sustainability

Job details

Posted2025/06/13
SalaryAED
500,000
Location
Middle-East, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates
Job TypeFull Time
Discipline
Sustainability, Sustainability Leaders & ESG Management
Reference224-2025-H

Job Description

A major financial institution in the UAE is seeking to appoint a forward-thinking Head of Sustainability to lead the strategic integration of ESG and climate priorities across its operations and investment activities. This is a pivotal leadership role for a commercially driven sustainability expert who is passionate about aligning financial systems with long-term environmental and social value.

Reporting to the executive leadership team, the Head of Sustainability will shape and execute a group-wide strategy that drives compliance, innovation, and market differentiation in the rapidly evolving world of sustainable finance. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge, stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to translate global sustainability frameworks into regional financial practice. This is a hybrid role based in Dubai, offering both the collaborative benefits of on-site work and flexibility for strategic planning and external engagement.

Job Responsibilities

  • Strategic development: Design and lead the bank’s sustainability roadmap, ensuring alignment with UAE Net Zero 2050, and global regulatory frameworks
  • Sustainable finance innovation: Collaborate with product, investment, and risk teams to embed ESG in lending portfolios, green bonds, and new financial instruments
  • ESG governance: Strengthen ESG integration across business units, embedding climate-related risk disclosures (e.g. TCFD, ISSB) and sustainability KPIs
  • Policy and regulation: Ensure proactive alignment with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 and relevant international standards (CSRD, EU Taxonomy, etc.)
  • Leadership and training: Develop internal capabilities through executive workshops, ESG learning programmes, and board-level reporting
  • Stakeholder engagement: Act as the primary liaison for regulators, investors, ratings agencies, and government-led sustainability initiatives
  • Reporting and assurance: Oversee ESG data collection, sustainability reporting, and third-party assurance processes in line with industry best practice
  • Innovation and partnerships: Build collaborative relationships with fintech, think tanks, and ESG consultancies to accelerate low-carbon banking transformation

Qualifications

  • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in ESG, sustainability strategy, or sustainable finance, preferably within the banking or financial services sector
  • Strong familiarity with global sustainability reporting standards and ESG integration models
  • Demonstrated success in implementing organisation-wide sustainability or impact strategies
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder influence skills across all levels of leadership
  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Economics, Finance, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
  • Regional knowledge of GCC climate policy and regulatory context is a strong advantage
  • ESG-related certifications (e.g. CFA ESG, GARP SCR, SASB FSA) are highly desirable

What the organization offers

  • Executive leadership position at a respected UAE-based banking group with regional impact
  • Direct influence on the bank’s long-term ESG strategy, product innovation, and market positioning
  • Highly collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
  • Access to national and global sustainability forums and regulatory engagement platforms
  • Structured professional development, international training, and executive mentoring
  • Attractive compensation package and expatriate benefits
  • Hybrid work model for flexibility, performance, and productivity
  • AED 500,000 annually
     (Inclusive of base salary; relocation support, education allowance, and performance bonuses may apply based on seniority)

Are you ready to lead sustainability in one of the most dynamic financial markets in the world?

Apply now or explore more Head of Sustainability job opportunities .

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Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.
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