Senior Expert Sustainability Integration

The main mission of this role is to drive the implementation of Allianz's sustainability strategy, with a strong focus on climate change mitigation and sustainability-related growth opportunities. You will be responsible for shaping and strengthening the climate mitigation strategy, contributing to the delivery of 2030 intermediate targets, particularly for Proprietary Investments and Asset Management, and supporting the Net-Zero Transition Plan. Day-to-day, this involves close collaboration with business divisions, Group Centers, and Operating Entities to translate sustainability ambitions into tangible business outcomes. You will also act as a cross-functional orchestrator, ensuring consistent and impactful sustainability action across the organization. This includes engaging with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders, such as NGOs, investors, customers, and media, and conducting analytical research and benchmarking to inform strategic decisions. The role combines strategic thinking, business engagement, and strong delivery, with the ultimate goal of supporting long-term value creation and climate action. Key responsibilities include developing strategic positioning, managing multiple projects autonomously, and influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority. You will also support the integration of climate adaptation efforts and identify external partnerships to strengthen the wider sustainability ecosystem.

This role offers a steep learning curve in climate strategy and sustainable finance within a global insurance and asset management context. You will deepen your understanding of Net-Zero methodologies, decarbonization pathways, and regulatory frameworks such as EU Taxonomy and CSRD. Working alongside experts in Global Sustainability, you will gain exposure to how sustainability commitments are translated into commercially viable initiatives and measurable business outcomes. You can expect to improve your skills in cross-functional project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. The emphasis on analytical research and benchmarking, including the use of AI and advanced data analytics, will further build your data-driven decision-making capabilities. Additionally, engaging with external partners and governance bodies will provide valuable insights into the broader sustainability ecosystem. Mentorship and training may come informally through collaboration with senior leaders and subject matter experts. Allianz's commitment to career development suggests opportunities for certifications or further education in sustainability-related fields, though specific programs are not detailed.

The ideal candidate likely has 8–10 years of professional experience, with a strong track record in Allianz Proprietary Investments and/or Asset Management, preferably from a core business function. A solid understanding of Group Sustainability strategy, climate/decarbonization, and regulatory frameworks such as Net-Zero methodologies, EU Taxonomy, and CSRD is essential. Experience in translating sustainability commitments into commercially viable initiatives and measurable outcomes is highly valued. Soft skills are equally important: you should be a proactive, flexible team player with excellent problem-solving abilities, able to manage multiple projects and timelines autonomously. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required, along with the ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority. An MBA or Master's degree is preferred, as is international experience. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in Microsoft Office, excellent presentation skills, and experience in insurance or asset management, consulting, or digital/tech. Familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT and ethical AI solutions could be advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate a genuine interest in sustainability and societal concerns.

To stand out, tailor your application to highlight experience at the intersection of sustainability and business, particularly in investments or asset management. Quantify achievements where possible, e.g., how you contributed to decarbonization targets or integrated climate risk into financial decisions. Allianz values commercial viability, so emphasize instances where you translated sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes. In your cover letter, demonstrate an understanding of Allianz's Net-Zero Transition Plan and 2030 intermediate targets, and articulate how your background aligns with their strategic priorities. Mention specific regulatory frameworks (EU Taxonomy, CSRD) and methodologies (Net-Zero) to show technical fluency. Also, highlight your ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and manage complex projects, as these are core to the role. Prepare for interviews by researching Allianz's sustainability reporting and recent climate initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating climate mitigation across business segments and engaging external partners. Show your analytical skills, perhaps by referencing past benchmarking or data-driven projects. Finally, align with Allianz's values of integrity, inclusion, and trust, demonstrate how you embody these in your work.

This role will focus primarily on climate mitigation within Allianz's sustainability strategy, with a particular emphasis on the Net-Zero Transition Plan and 2030 intermediate targets. You will work on decarbonization pathways for Proprietary Investments and Asset Management, ensuring alignment with Paris-aligned targets and regulatory frameworks like EU Taxonomy and CSRD. The role also involves identifying and leveraging external partnerships to strengthen the wider climate ecosystem. Another key area is the integration of climate adaptation efforts across the organization, collaborating with teams within and outside Global Sustainability. You will contribute to the sustainability/climate growth strategy, aiming to create business impact while advancing environmental goals. Stakeholder engagement with NGOs, investors, and customers will be essential to drive consistent action. Governance and reporting aspects are also likely, as you support the orchestration of sustainability action across Allianz and engage with decision-making committees. The focus is on translating commitments into tangible outcomes that support long-term value creation.

One major challenge will be navigating the complexity of a global matrix organization. You will need to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority and coordinate across Group Centers, Operating Entities, and business segments, each with its own priorities and timelines. Balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery requires strong project management and adaptability. Another challenge is the evolving regulatory environment. Keeping abreast of changes in Net-Zero methodologies, EU Taxonomy, and CSRD, and translating them into actionable strategies, demands continuous learning and analytical rigor. Additionally, integrating climate mitigation into commercial activities, particularly in investments and asset management, may encounter resistance or require trade-offs between short-term financial goals and long-term sustainability objectives. Stakeholder engagement can also be demanding, as external parties like NGOs and investors may have high expectations, while internal audiences may need convincing. The dynamic environment means you must quickly adapt to new problem settings and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

A typical day might start with a check-in with the Global Sustainability team to align on priorities and emerging issues. You could then dive into analytical work, such as benchmarking peer practices or assessing the impact of new regulations on Allianz's climate strategy. Later, you might join a cross-functional meeting with business divisions or Operating Entities to discuss the implementation of 2030 targets, where you'll need to articulate strategic insights and negotiate actions. Afternoons often involve stakeholder engagement, perhaps a call with an external partner or an internal governance committee to drive alignment on sustainability initiatives. You may also spend time preparing presentations or reports for senior leadership, distilling complex data into clear recommendations. Throughout the day, you'll manage multiple projects, switching between strategic planning and hands-on delivery. Variability is high: some days are focused on deep research, others on coordination and communication. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, but expect regular interactions with colleagues across different time zones.

This role offers significant growth potential within Allianz's Global Sustainability function and beyond. Successful performance could lead to expanded responsibilities, such as leading larger climate initiatives or taking on a more senior strategic role. The exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional projects provides a platform to build a strong internal network, which is valuable for career advancement. You will develop expertise in sustainable finance, climate strategy, and regulatory frameworks, making you a sought-after professional in the growing ESG field. Allianz's commitment to learning and development means you may access further training, certifications, or even international assignments. The company's size and global reach offer diverse career paths, whether deepening specialization or moving into general management. High-visibility projects like the Net-Zero Transition Plan can accelerate your professional growth, as successful delivery demonstrates your ability to drive impact at scale. Lateral moves into business divisions or asset management are also possible, given the cross-functional nature of the role.

You will interact with a wide range of internal stakeholders, including the Global Sustainability team, Group Centers, and business divisions such as Proprietary Investments and Asset Management. Collaboration with Operating Entities across different countries will be frequent, requiring you to support their sustainability initiatives and ensure alignment with group strategy. Senior leadership and governance committees will also be key, as you provide strategic insights and recommendations. Externally, you will engage with NGOs, investors, customers, media, and external partners to drive consistent sustainability action. These interactions may involve negotiating partnerships, responding to inquiries, or representing Allianz in forums. The nature of engagement varies from formal presentations to informal discussions, all aimed at advancing the climate agenda. Relationship management is essential, as you'll need to build trust and influence without direct authority. Balancing diverse interests and expectations will be a core part of your role.