Assistant Manager – ESG

BDO UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO UAE is seeking an experienced professional to lead ESG engagements, delivering key insights in sustainability strategy and reporting while supporting clients through materiality assessments and climate risk evaluations.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in ESG, strong project management skills, and a relevant degree or certification. Additional experience in the UAE region will be a significant advantage. Join BDO to contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives and further your professional development.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in sustainability or ESG-related fields.
• Experience in developing sustainability strategies, reporting, and assurance.
• Strong understanding of industry reporting frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead ESG engagements including strategy development and reporting.
• Advise clients on ESG frameworks and disclosure requirements.
• Conduct climate risk assessments and identify ESG risks.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate or master’s degree in sustainability, engineering, business, or environmental studies

Professional certification in ESG / Sustainability

Job description

About the Role

• Lead ESG engagements, including materiality assessments, ESG strategy development, and reporting, ensuring alignment with client objectives and regulatory expectations.
• Advise clients on ESG frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, and Integrated Reporting, helping them navigate evolving disclosure requirements.
• Conduct climate risk assessments and support clients in identifying ESG risks and opportunities, contributing to the development of resilient business strategies.
• Perform sustainability assurance procedures in line with ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410, including planning, execution, and review of non‑financial disclosures.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members; review their work and provide feedback to support their development and ensure quality outputs.
• Contribute to business development through proposal writing, presentations, and client meetings, helping to grow the ESG advisory portfolio.
• Ensure timely and high‑quality delivery of client engagements and maintain project documentation, while proactively managing risks and client expectations.
• Assist in managing the financial aspects of engagements such as billing and collection, ETD and client meetings and communicating issues to project leaders.
• Build strong internal relationships within the BDO Risk Advisory Services Division and across other Service Divisions.
• Develop people through effectively supervising, coaching and mentoring staff.
• Contributing to BDO’s sustainability and risk management thought leadership.

Key Attributes

• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Highly refined planning, leadership, relationship building and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast‑paced, interactive, results‑based team environment is required.
• Attention to detail, analytical mind and commitment to delivering high‑quality work.
• Strong project management techniques, time management and analytical skills.

Key Experience Parameters

• At least five (5) years of post‑education work experience in sustainability / ESG‑related fields, including experience developing sustainability strategies, reporting and assurance, sustainable finance and climate risk analysis.
• Undergraduate or master’s degree from a reputable institute in sustainability, engineering, business, environmental studies, or another related program, preferably related to ESG and sustainability.
• Must possess a professional certification in ESG / Sustainability.
• Strong understanding of industry reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), SASB, TCFD, and the GHG Protocol.
• Experience in UAE region is mandatory.
• Exposure to GCC – Good to have.
• Candidates with broader international experience across regions will be an added advantage.