[Hiring] Assistant Vice President, ESG Governance and Ratings @Mashreq

Role Description

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), ESG Governance and Ratings, will play a critical role in developing and implementing the company's strategy related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, governance structures, and ratings engagement. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of robust ESG governance frameworks, coordinating internal data collection processes, managing relationships with ESG ratings agencies, and ensuring accurate and transparent reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of ESG principles, strong analytical and communication skills, and experience working with cross-functional teams.

Key Result Areas

• ESG Governance Framework:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a robust ESG governance framework that aligns with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with relevant departments to define roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities related to ESG performance.
  • Conduct regular reviews of governance structures and recommend improvements to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain ESG-related policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• ESG Ratings Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for ESG ratings agencies (e.g., MSCI, Sustainalytics, S&P Global).
  • Manage the annual ratings process, including the completion of questionnaires, providing supporting documentation, and responding to inquiries.
  • Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of various ESG rating methodologies and scoring criteria.
  • Analyze rating results, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans to enhance the company's ESG profile.
  • Monitor and analyze competitors’ ESG ratings and industry trends.
• Data Management & Reporting:
  • Oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of ESG data from various departments.
  • Develop and maintain processes for accurate and efficient data gathering, documentation, and storage.
  • Ensure data quality and integrity in preparation for ESG reporting and disclosures.
  • Collaborate with the finance and accounting teams to integrate ESG metrics into financial reporting systems, where relevant.
  • Support the development of ESG reports, including annual sustainability reports, and responses to stakeholder inquiries.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate with internal teams across the organization (e.g., legal, finance, operations, communications) to integrate ESG considerations into business practices.
  • Develop and deliver training programs to enhance ESG awareness and understanding across the company.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding ESG governance and performance.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Stay abreast of the latest trends, regulations, and best practices related to ESG governance and reporting.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance the company's ESG program and improve its standing with ratings agencies.
  • Support the implementation of new ESG initiatives and projects.
  • Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the ESG program and make recommendations for ongoing improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• 12 to 15 years of experience in ESG, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, or a related field, with a focus on governance, reporting, and ratings.
• Strong understanding of ESG principles, frameworks, standards, and reporting guidelines (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD).
• Experience managing relationships with ESG rating agencies and familiarity with their methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement ESG governance frameworks and policies.
• Experience in collecting, managing, and analyzing ESG data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to various audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate effectively across multiple time zones to coordinate with global teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a publicly traded company or highly regulated industry.
• Familiarity with ESG software and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.