Job Overview
Are you an ESG Specialist ready to drive global sustainable development?
Indeed, UNDP is seeking a highly skilled ESG Specialist for a home-based, remote role. This is a powerful chance to shape innovative approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital transformation and inclusive growth. Ultimately, you’ll contribute to building resilient nations and empowering people worldwide.
About This ESG Specialist Role
The ESG Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP China. You’ll play a crucial part in the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project, specifically focusing on ESG transformation, international cooperation, and digital innovation for MSMEs.
This is a retainer/short-term agreement for six months, meaning your services will be used as needed. Payment will be based on a daily rate for actual days worked, and UNDP will only pay upon acceptance of the work.
ESG Specialist (Home-Based, Remote)
Why Join UNDP as an ESG Specialist?
UNDP, the UN’s development network, has supported China for over three decades, helping it address development challenges and engage in global South-South cooperation. Domestically, UNDP’s work in China focuses on Poverty Reduction, Good Governance, Energy & Environment, and Disaster Management.
As an ESG Specialist with UNDP, you will:
- Shape global initiatives: Directly influence a pilot project exploring innovative pathways for SDG achievement.
- Work remotely: Enjoy the flexibility of a home-based position.
- Contribute to impact: Help MSMEs embrace sustainable practices and digital tools, fostering inclusive growth.
- Be part of a diverse team: UNDP values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
What You Will Do as an ESG Specialist
As an ESG Specialist, you will undertake several key duties.
ESG Technical Advisory & Project Support
First, you’ll provide expert input to help shape event agendas and create communication materials, drawing on your experience in international ESG collaboration and MSME engagement. Moreover, you will support the planning, coordination, and execution of activities under the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project. Your work will particularly focus on ESG transformation, international cooperation, and digital innovation for MSMEs. Importantly, you’ll also contribute to ensuring project activities align with UNDP’s strategic objectives and meet the practical needs of local stakeholders.
Agenda and Content Development
Next, you will contribute to the design and structuring of training agendas, offering recommendations on thematic sessions, speakers, and overall program flow. Furthermore, you will provide strategic input and subject matter guidance for key sessions, such as those focused on emission reduction, sustainable development, and digital supply chain tools for MSMEs.
Communication and Event Materials
Finally, you’ll provide technical support for preparing and reviewing communication materials. This includes session overviews, speaker profiles, briefing notes, and participant handouts. Additionally, you will help develop post-event materials, such as event summaries, evaluation reports, or media releases, when required.
Competencies We Look For in an ESG Specialist
We seek a professional who shows several key competencies.
Core Competencies
You should achieve results by setting challenging, achievable goals for multiple projects, aiming for lasting impact. Importantly, you must think innovatively, proactively reducing potential risks and developing new ideas to solve complex problems. We expect you to learn continuously, creating and acting on chances to broaden your horizons and diversify experiences. You must act with determination, thinking beyond immediate tasks to achieve greater results. Furthermore, you should engage and partner effectively, navigating complex situations with political savvy and championing inter-agency collaboration. Finally, you must enable diversity and inclusion, appreciating the benefits of a diverse workforce and promoting inclusivity.
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Regarding Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management, you should respond quickly and appropriately with urgency, delivering consistent, timely, and quality solutions to truly understand and fulfill client needs. You’ll also look for ways to add value beyond immediate requests and anticipate clients’ upcoming needs. For Business Management – Working with Evidence and Data, you must inspect, cleanse, transform, and model data to uncover useful information, support conclusions, and aid decision-making. Finally, for Business Management – Communication, you must communicate clearly, concisely, and unambiguously, both in writing and verbally. You’ll tailor messages and choose communication methods based on the audience, and manage communications internally and externally through various channels.
Education & Experience Requirements
For qualifications, Education: An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Communications, Sociology, or Environmental Economics is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will also be considered.
For Experience: You’ll need a minimum of 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) or 5 years (with a Master’s degree) of experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and content related to sustainable development, ESG, or climate issues. Proficiency in computers and office software is a must. Demonstrated expertise in sustainable development, social aspects of environmental management, climate mitigation/adaptation, and climate-related risks/impacts is desirable. A strong background in ESG policy, green finance, and sustainability advocacy, including experience with capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and international project coordination, is a plus. Experience in research, publication, or consulting related to environmental policy, risk analysis, or global sustainability is preferred. Finally, experience working with the UN system is a strong asset.
Regarding Required Language(s): Fluency in both Chinese and English is necessary.
Application Process
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- A Personal CV or P11, detailing all past positions, their main duties, durations, qualifications, and contact details (email and phone number) for the candidate, plus at least three (3) recent professional references (including peers).
- Managers may also ask for other relevant materials (e.g., reports, presentations, publications) to assess experience.
Apply now: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1749590867355
Equal Opportunity & Workplace Standards
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based purely on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP also strives to create an inclusive workplace where all personnel can contribute, are valued, thrive, and access career opportunities. UNDP has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo relevant checks and must adhere to these standards.
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement. We may also keep applications and consider candidates for similar UNDP positions at the same grade level with comparable job descriptions and requirements.
Scam Alert: UNDP never charges a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For more information, please visit www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does “Home-based, Remote” mean for this ESG Specialist role? A1: This means the successful candidate can perform their duties from their personal residence, regardless of geographical location, as long as they can effectively manage the work. No relocation to a specific office is required.
Q2: Is this a full-time, salaried position? A2: No, this is a retainer/short-term agreement. You will be paid based on a daily rate for the actual number of days you work, meaning the engagement will be intermittent as needed by UNDP.
Q3: What is the UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Project? A3: This project aims to explore new ways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on digital changes and growth that includes everyone. Your role as an ESG Specialist will specifically support the environmental, social, and governance aspects of this project.
Q4: Do I need to be a Chinese national or live in China to apply? A4: The job description specifies fluency in both Chinese and English. While it mentions the Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP China, the “Home-based, Remote” nature suggests geographical flexibility beyond China. Nationality requirements are not explicitly stated, but language proficiency is key.
Q5: What kind of experience is most valuable for this ESG Specialist position? A5: Strong experience in developing communication strategies for sustainable development, ESG, or climate issues is essential. Expertise in ESG policy, green finance, sustainability advocacy, and international project coordination are also highly valued.