Human Rights And Sustainability Counsel

ABB; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB is seeking a Head of Strategy & Sustainability to lead Human Rights and sustainability initiatives across its Automation divisions. The role involves strategic direction, policy alignment with UN Guiding Principles, and cross-functional collaboration with Sustainability, Legal & Integrity, and business leaders worldwide.

The ideal candidate has a law degree with 10+ years in global teams, excellent negotiation skills, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Law with a strong interest in Human Rights and Sustainability.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in global, cross-functional settings.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Fluent in English with strong presentation and communication skills.
• Independent, proactive, and capable in an international environment.
• Highest standards of integrity and professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Human Rights and sustainability initiatives.
• Offer expert legal guidance across ABB's Automation divisions.
• Collaborate with Sustainability, Legal & Integrity, and Group functions to advance objectives.
• Develop governance, policies, and due diligence frameworks aligned with UNGPs.
• Strengthen grievance mechanisms and remediation processes.
• Deliver training on Human Rights and sustainability regulations.
• Engage with external stakeholders including investors and NGOs.

Skills

Leadership

Legal expertise

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

English fluency

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Law

Job description

Job Description:

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner-and every person here makes that happen. You'll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

AU Head of Strategy & Sustainability

In this dual role, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Human Rights sustainability workstream while delivering expert legal guidance across the Automation divisions. You will partner closely with Group and Business Area Sustainability and Legal & Integrity functions, Division Sustainability Heads, and Division General Counsels to advance ABB's sustainability and human rights objectives globally.

This position reports to the Head of Strategy and Sustainability for the Automation Business Area and has a functional reporting line to the Head of Integrity for the Automation Business Area.

This role is open globally, with a preferred location in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Europe.

Work model: hybrid ()

Key responsibilities:

• Lead ABB's Human Rights workstream, including defining strategic priorities and establishing its governance framework in collaboration with the Sustainability Council and related functions.
• Review and continuously enhance ABB's Human Rights Policy and Human Rights Due Diligence Frameworks to ensure ongoing alignment with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights.
• Provide strategic guidance across ABB businesses and functions to help identify, assess, manage, and mitigate human rights risks throughout global operations, supply chains, and commercial activities.
• Assess and strengthen ABB's Grievance Mechanism and Remedy processes in line with UNGP requirements and best practices.
• Support engagement with external stakeholders, including investors and NGOs, on human rights-related topics.
• Act as the central point of contact for Sustainability and ESG legal matters within the Automation Business Area, collaborating closely with Group functions and other Business Areas.
• Provide strategic legal support on sustainability-related regulatory requirements across Automation divisions, including interpreting evolving regulations and translating them into practical processes and contractual requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on legal and integrity matters related to sustainability regulations across Automation, providing day-to-day legal advice and guidance to Legal & Integrity colleagues and divisional teams responsible for implementing sustainability requirements.
• Design and deliver training materials and curricula related to Human Rights and Sustainability regulations.
• Monitor emerging Human Rights and Sustainability trends, legislation, and regulatory developments, acting as a recognized expert in sustainability law, compliance, and governance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote best-practice sharing, fostering collaboration across Business Areas and divisions.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Law, with significant experience and a strong interest in Human Rights and Sustainability-related matters.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, ideally gained in a global, cross-functional environment, either in-house or within a reputable law firm; experience with a leading management consulting firm (MBB) is considered an advantage.
• Outstanding negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative, transparent, and business-oriented approach grounded in strong legal expertise.
• Excellent advocacy, communication, and influencing skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to navigate complex, high-pressure situations and balance competing priorities effectively.
• Fluent in English, with exceptional presentation, relationship-building, and networking capabilities.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in a dynamic international environment.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to quality.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.