Director, Asia-Pacific Department

mizuho bank, ltd.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Mizuho Bank, Ltd. is seeking a senior ESG leader to drive sustainability initiatives across APAC.

The role includes strategic planning, risk management, and policy implementation across local branches, with a strong emphasis on external engagement and stakeholder collaboration. You will develop innovative sustainability solutions, manage investments, and strengthen organizational capabilities while guiding talent development across APAC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in ESG, sustainability, responsible sourcing, environmental management, social compliance or related functions.
• Must have performed a similar current or previous role with at least 3 years in Banking industry
• Experience working with external organizations (government agencies, industry bodies, advisors, consultants)
• Experience in investment-related negotiations, documentation, and execution preferred
• Strong understanding of sustainability including strategy, risk management, disclosure, governance
• Experience in people and organizational management
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn from others while leading new initiatives
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Lead sustainability initiatives across Mizuho APAC, including strategic planning, risk management, business development, and disclosure.
• Represent Mizuho at external initiatives (conferences, roundtables, speaking engagements) and enhance Mizuho's sustainability profile.
• Manage sustainability-related operations across local branches; implement company-wide rules and policies, report to HQ, liaise APAC and Head Office.
• Develop new solutions such as blended finance, adaptation and resilience, and carbon credits; engage with policymakers, standard-setters, project owners, and advisors.
• Identify, evaluate, and execute sustainability-related investment opportunities with external partners; support new investment decisions and monitor portfolio companies; lead growth initiatives.
• Strengthen the APAC sustainability organization by sharing expertise and organizing internal workshops to build capabilities.
• Support talent improvement across Mizuho APAC, including team management and capability building at local branches.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability or related field

Job description

Your key roles & responsibilities include:

• Lead sustainability initiatives across Mizuho APAC, including strategic planning, risk management, business development, and disclosure.
• Represent Mizuho at various external initiatives, such as international conferences, public-private roundtables, and speaking engagements. This includes providing the perspective of a private financial institution and enhancing Mizuho's profile in sustainability.
• Manage sustainability-related operations across Mizuho's local branches. This includes implementing company-wide rules and policies, reporting to headquarters, and serving as a liaison between APAC and Head Office.
• Develop new solutions ,such as blended finance, adaptation and resilience, and carbon credits. This role involves engaging with external stakeholders, including policy makers, standard-setting bodies, project owners, and advisors.
• Work closely with external partners to identify, evaluate, and execute strategic sustainability-related investment opportunities for Mizuho. This position plays a critical role in supporting new investment decisions, monitoring existing portfolio companies. In addition, lead organic growth initiatives that create long-term value for Mizuho from a sustainability perspective.
• Strengthen the sustainability organization in APAC by sharing sustainability expertise and organizing internal workshops, thereby contributing to the enhancement of Mizuho APAC's organizational capabilities in sustainability.
• Support talent improvement across Mizuho APAC. This includes team management as well as capability building at local branches.

What you should have:

• A bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability or a related field
• 10 and more years of relevant professional experience in ESG, sustainability, responsible sourcing, environmental management, social compliance or related functions
• Must have perform a similar current or previous role capacity with at least 3 years of experience in the Banking industry
• Experience working with external organizations, such as government agencies, industry organizations, advisors, and consultants
• Experience in investment-related negotiations, documentation, and execution is preferred
• A strong understanding of sustainability, including strategy, risk management, disclosure, and governance
• Experience in people and organizational management is required
• A growth mindset and a willingness to learn from others while leading new initiatives
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills