Human Rights jobs in United Arab Emirates

January 11 2025

At EDC, we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets, reduce risks, all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade. #LI-Hybrid

Director, Policy & Research, Sustainability

Permanent

• Dir ESG Policy 20: Salaries typically range from $127,380 to $169,838 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.

• Export Development Canada operates in a hybrid work environment, currently requiring employees to work in the office 3 days per week (subject to change).
• This role can be performed from EDC’s headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs located in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, Brossard, or Laval.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

At Export Development Canada (EDC), we empower Canadian businesses to succeed globally. As a financial Crown corporation, we offer innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help businesses explore new markets, mitigate risks, and achieve growth.

• Comprehensive Benefits: EDC offers a competitive compensation & benefits package, work-life balance, & the opportunity to help make Canada and the world better through trade.
• Work-Life Balance: EDC offers a competitive compensation package & work-life balance. We have hybrid work options, 3 to 4 weeks paid vacation, a corporate closure period, summer early Fridays & no meeting Fridays.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of our continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops and language training.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions employment equity & values diversity of ideas, strengths, & backgrounds to succeed.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives, mental health support, and fitness programs to keep you healthy and happy.
• Community Engagement: Participate in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community through our various social responsibility programs.

EDC is seeking a Director of Policy & Research to join the Sustainability Team. This individual will play a leadership and influential role in strengthening EDC’s environmental and social (E&S) risk management practices, including through managing E&S policies, standards and research on emerging issues. Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, you will be responsible for the continued development and execution of EDC’s E&S commitments and related risk management artifacts. As a Crown Corporation, EDC has an important role in supporting businesses and large projects that contribute to Canada’s economy and international projects around the globe. EDC has a suite of E&S policies which include E&S Risk Management (ESRM), Climate Change, Human Rights, Transparency & Disclosure and the E&S Review Directive (ESRD). We face a pivotal challenge to support industries and sectors of the future to increase Canada’s economic resiliency and strengthen global security, while also balancing human rights and environmental impacts.

This role requires exceptional leadership skills, the ability to navigate and influence internal and external stakeholders, as well as credible technical expertise to engage and consult with business areas. This role leads a team of human rights and environmental subject matter experts.

• Lead the development, implementation and oversight of EDC’s ESRM Policy Suite and E&S Positions.
• Lead the identification, drafting and issuance of insights papers on key E&S trends and topics.
• Interact with VPs and Senior Executives to provide strategic advice on E&S risk management, emerging E&S topics and issues and related policy implications. This includes communicating potential impacts on EDC’s business operations, customers and portfolio.
• Identify relevant public policy trends, regulatory impacts (environmental, social, operational, and financial) and anticipate emerging challenges that may affect business operations.
• Remain informed of industry trends, providing research and analysis to internal stakeholders.
• Engage on development of international best practices and standards, including through the Equator Principles, OECD Practitioners Group and Shift Financial Institutions Circle, along with industry peers including Financial Institutions and Export Credit Agencies.
• Responsible for the update, maintenance and development of E&S risk management models.
• Work closely with the ESRM team, providing support on complex financing transactions and guidance on due diligence practices.
• Collaborate across business and corporate functions in the development and implementation of E&S objectives and deliverables, as well support the integration of E&S considerations into business initiatives.
• Provide input and support content published via EDC’s human rights and climate reports and Integrated Annual Report.
• Work closely with the Director of Climate and Sustainable Finance and the Global Risk Management team to assess environmental and social risks to EDC’s business.
• Work closely with the Director of Sustainability Reporting & Outreach to manage development of human rights and environmental metrics and public reporting.
• Support EDC’s engagement with external stakeholders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
• Educate employees and management on E&S-related topics.
• Establish the team’s priorities and plans, ensuring consistency with the corporation’s strategic direction, monitor progress to plan, identify gaps and implement corrective action plans.

• Minimum undergraduate degree in Policy, Human Rights, Environmental Science, Business or a related field.
• 10+ years demonstrated experience in a Policy or Risk function, preferably in the financial sector. Candidate will need a strong understanding of banking/financial products.
• Demonstrated experience of leading within a large organization (preferably a financial institution) on E&S risk management, including policy analysis and development.
• Demonstrated experience of leading cross-functional working groups on the development, implementation and communication of policies, research papers and other risk management deliverables, including establishment of governance models and KPIs to measure and track progress.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills.
• Minimum 5 years of organizational leadership experience.
• Excellent relationship and influence management skills with the ability to build productive relationships with senior leadership as well as internal and external customers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to inspire, motivate and mobilize their team and colleagues.
• Ability to align and adjust milestones and targets to maintain forward momentum.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, presentation).
• Bilingual in both official languages (English and French).

• Master's degree in Sustainability, Human Rights, Environmental/Climate, Finance-related subject or equivalent.
• MBA.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience of working with climate and sustainable finance methodologies and frameworks (e.g., TCFD, SBTi, NGFS, ICMA Principles.)
• Understanding of sustainable finance frameworks, (green, social, sustainability, transition, KPI) for a cross-section of issuers (corporate & public sector) as well as an understanding of climate accounting frameworks (e.g., PCAF, GHG Protocol).

Eligibility: EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Ready to make a difference? This is your chance to join a dynamic, growing team and leave your mark on our organization, development finance, and the world.

Apply today!

Want to learn more about EDC? Check our website here https://www.edc.ca

Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At EDC, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants' interest in a career at EDC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC.

Should you require any accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Recruitment team at accessibility@edc.ca.