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Human Rights & Sustainability Counsel

ABB • Netherlands • Added on Jun 21, 2026
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In this versatile role, you combine strategic leadership on human rights with legal advisory work for ABB’s Automation divisions. You are responsible for shaping global due diligence policy and ensuring the organization keeps up with increasingly strict international ESG legislation. Working directly with the Sustainability Council, you translate complex regulation into practical frameworks that are embedded deep into the business.

This position is critical because it bridges legal integrity and ethical impact across a complex global supply chain. Your work on human rights policy and grievance mechanisms ensures that an industrial giant not only complies with the law but genuinely contributes to a fair transformation of the sector. In doing so, you have a direct influence on living standards and safety across the entire value chain.

This suits someone who is an experienced lawyer with a passion for ethics who enjoys operating at the intersection of international law and corporate responsibility at a global technology leader.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As a legal and strategic pivot point, you will lead the global human rights workstream, defining priorities and governance frameworks across the Automation business. You will be responsible for reviewing and enhancing the Human Rights Policy to ensure it remains aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs). Simultaneously, you deliver high-level legal expertise on evolving ESG regulations and sustainability-related mandates. This involves translating complex legislative trends into practical contractual requirements and internal processes, ensuring the company maintains its integrity and compliance standing worldwide.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect deep immersion into the application of the UNGPs within a massive industrial context, gaining rare expertise in managing human rights risks across global operations and complex supply chains. You will be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving ESG legal landscape, learning to navigate and implement regulations like the CSDDD or similar regional mandates. Furthermore, the dual reporting line provides exposure to both the strategic sustainability side and the global integrity/legal function. This unique position offers a masterclass in stakeholder management at the highest levels of a Fortune 500 equivalent company.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal profile possesses a Master’s degree in Law coupled with at least 10 years of professional experience. You should have a proven track record in sustainability law or human rights, preferably within an international in-house environment or a top-tier law firm. Beyond technical legal knowledge, you must demonstrate high-level advocacy and influencing skills. The ability to work independently in a decentralized, high-pressure environment while maintaining a collaborative, business-oriented approach is essential for success in this global remit.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general legal proficiency and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of how human rights due diligence integrates into industrial supply chains. Specifically mention your experience with grievance mechanisms or your ability to translate abstract human rights concepts into contractual or operational KPIs. Research ABB's current sustainability report and mention how you would strengthen their existing Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) framework. Showing that you possess a business-oriented mindset that views compliance as a strategic enabler rather than a roadblock will resonate strongly with the hiring team.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The core of this role is Social Sustainability and Governance. You will focus intensely on identifying and mitigating human rights risks, strengthening grievance mechanisms, and ensuring remedy processes meet international standards across global operations. In addition to the social pillar, your work will cover regulatory compliance related to environmental and governance disclosures. You will act as a central point of contact for interpreting how new ESG laws impact the Automation divisions, focusing on transparency and accountability.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be the harmonization of standards across highly diverse geographical regions with varying legal landscapes and cultural attitudes toward human rights. Negotiating and implementing consistent policies across different divisions requires immense diplomatic skill and persistence. Additionally, keeping pace with the rapidly changing ESG regulatory environment requires constant vigilance. Ensuring that legal frameworks remain robust without creating excessive administrative friction for the business will be a delicate balancing act.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

Your day might start with a global workstream meeting to discuss the enhancement of the Human Rights Policy. You could then transition to a deep-dive legal review of new EU sustainability directives, interpreting how they affect current supplier contracts and procurement protocols. Afternoons often involve consulting with Division General Counsels or providing expert guidance to supply chain managers on specific risk assessments. You might end the day by designing training modules or preparing briefs for external stakeholders like NGOs or institutional investors.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers significant visibility and potential for advancement into executive sustainability leadership or senior legal management. Given the increasing importance of ESG counsel, this position places you in a high-demand niche at the center of corporate strategy. There are also opportunities to lead global transformation projects and shape the industry's approach to human rights. Success in this role could lead to a Chief Human Rights Officer position or a broader General Counsel role with a sustainability focus.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will collaborate closely with the Head of Strategy & Sustainability and the Head of Integrity for the Automation Business Area. On a daily basis, you interact with Division Sustainability Heads and Division General Counsels to align local activities with global strategy. External engagement is also key, as you represent ABB when interfacing with investors, NGOs, and regulatory bodies. You act as the bridge between technical legal requirements and the operational reality of the business's various industrial divisions.

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