The Role:
Sustainability is the future. A fast-growing number of actors globally across governments, the private and financial sector as well as the society at large embrace the need to address environmental and social challenges. DBS is on a journey to becoming a leader in sustainability. We are building a bank that contributes to preserving a healthy planet while also addressing key social needs. To realise this ambition, we are looking for someone enthusiastic about sustainability and about catalysing change. You are someone who questions the status quo and is not afraid to state your point of view. You are motivated by change for the better, and can pivot projects to accommodate new trends and knowledge. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Sustainability Officer, as well as business and support units across DBS Group (the “Group”) to drive relevant and impactful initiatives.
The Team:
The Chief Sustainability Office serves as a central team supporting senior management in setting and integrating into business the strategic direction on sustainability across the Group, which is aligned to the bank’s mission to be The Best Bank for a Better World. Key functions include:
- Support the Group CEO in acting as Chair of the Board Sustainability Committee;
- Chair the Group Sustainability Council which hosts senior leaders from all key business and support units across the Group;
- Chair of the Group Climate Council (GCC) which is responsible for setting the strategic direction for DBS's climate ambitions, operationalisation of the Group’s net zero commitments as well as Climate and Nature Risk Management;
- Coordinate with and support business and support units across the Group in their efforts to implement sustainability strategies;
- Coordinate with and support the local Sustainability Councils which the Group has set up in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India and Indonesia in their efforts to implement sustainability strategies;
- Run end-to-end process related to the Group’s sustainability reporting and support country organisations within the Group in their sustainability reporting efforts;
- Engagement with investors as well as ESG ratings and index providers on sustainability;
- External representation of DBS in global and regional working groups and committees;
- Nurturing relationships in the wider sustainability ecosystem;
- Overall internal capacity building on sustainability across the Group
Key Accountabilities:
- Co-create and deliver projects in collaboration with business units (project outcomes may be a product, service, or process, and may be either external- or internal-facing)
- Empower and equip the Group to develop and implement sustainability-related initiatives
- Engage with senior management and operational teams on sustainability in terms of Strategic communications
- Manage relationships with key external stakeholders
- Being a subject matter expert
Responsibilities::
The candidate will support the team across the following areas:
- Function as subject matter expert – stay updated on macro trends, as well as on the strategic direction and initiatives across the Group to better facilitate integration and implementation of sustainability
- Propose, lead and project manage sustainability-related (change) initiatives e.g. develop toolkits, conduct workshops, collaborate and co-create with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Engage with senior management and board on strategic sustainability matters.
- Increase and sustain internal stakeholder buy-in for the adoption of key strategic changes to facilitate the implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy.
- Promote transfer of sustainability-related knowledge and ownership (where applicable) to business units.
- Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including with potential ecosystem partners to drive joint solutioning.
- Engage with senior management and operational teams to ensure alignment on Group strategy.
- Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, e.g. contribute to or lead sustainability award/ratings submissions.
- Support other team initiatives through research, writing, developing presentation material etc.
Requirements:
- Minimum 2-5 years in the sustainability and / or financial sector;
- Experience in change management is desirable;
- Passionate and updated about the latest sustainability-related trends, news and literature, including the crossroads of technology & digitalisation and sustainability;
- Stakeholder engagement – comfortable running projects with multiple stakeholders from various departments/backgrounds;
- Thoughtful and creative thinker;
- Resourceful and adaptable in uncertainty;
- Able to focus on the goal, while paying attention to details on the journey;
- A strong team player – able to lead initiatives.
Apply now
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the professional advantages of a dynamic environment that supports your development and recognises your achievements.
