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Assistant Manager - Sustainability Execution

Dialog Axiata PLC • Sri Lanka • Added on Sep 22, 2026
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This role bridges the gap between high-level sustainability strategy and on-the-ground operational execution at a major telecommunications firm. You will take ownership of the Net Zero roadmap, steering diverse initiatives from circular economy product design to the formalization of environmental management systems. The day-to-day focus involves translating complex climate goals into actionable projects that align with both regulatory requirements and internal performance targets.

The position is critical because it addresses the environmental footprint of digital connectivity in a rapidly evolving market. By managing public policy advocacy and stakeholder partnerships, you ensure that the company’s digital expansion does not come at an ecological cost. Your work directly influences how millions of users interact with sustainable technology services, making a measurable impact on regional carbon reduction and resource efficiency.

This suits someone who possesses a strong analytical background and the diplomatic skill to navigate governmental and NGO landscapes. You should be a proactive problem-solver who enjoys working across technical and strategic domains to drive systemic change.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves operationalizing the Net Zero roadmap and ensuring that climate commitments are translated into technical and departmental actions. You will be responsible for driving strategic engagements with external partners, including government agencies and NGOs, to align the company's sustainability goals with national and international standards. Additionally, you will oversee the implementation of sustainability management systems and monitor ESG performance indicators. This includes managing product responsibility initiatives to ensure that hardware and services reflect circular economy principles, alongside supporting rigorous governance and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working for a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad provides deep exposure to international ESG standards and regional sustainability trends within the ICT sector. You will likely gain specialized knowledge in carbon accounting for telecommunications and the complexities of managing e-waste in a circular economy context. You will also develop high-level advocacy skills by engaging with public policy frameworks. The role offers a unique opportunity to understand how digital innovation can be leveraged for social and environmental impact, providing a front-row seat to the intersection of technology and sustainable development.

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

The successful candidate should hold a degree in a relevant field, with a Master’s degree highly preferred, and bring at least 4 to 5 years of professional experience. A strong analytical mindset is essential for tracking ESG performance and interpreting complex environmental data into strategic insights. Soft skills are equally important, as you must be able to influence internal decision-makers and build rapport with diverse external stakeholders. Experience in project management within the sustainability space is a significant asset, especially if you have previously worked on climate transition or reporting projects.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general sustainability knowledge and demonstrate a clear understanding of the telecommunications industry's specific challenges, such as energy-intensive infrastructure and hardware lifecycle management. Tailor your application to show how you have previously turned a theoretical strategy into a tangible environmental outcome. Highlight your experience with multistakeholder partnerships. If you have worked with government bodies or NGOs in the past, emphasize your ability to navigate these different organizational cultures to achieve shared sustainability goals.

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

A primary focus will be decarbonization and the execution of the Net Zero strategy, specifically addressing the energy consumption of mobile networks and infrastructure. The role also heavily emphasizes circularity, focusing on how products are designed, used, and recycled to minimize environmental impact. Governance and reporting are also key pillars. You will ensure the company remains a leader in ESG transparency, focusing on high-quality data and compliance with evolving global reporting standards that are increasingly relevant to listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

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

One of the main challenges will be cross-functional alignment; persuading different business units to prioritize sustainability targets alongside their primary commercial objectives can be difficult. Navigating the shifting regulatory landscape in a developing market also requires constant vigilance and adaptability. You may also face technical challenges in data collection and verification across a vast national infrastructure. Ensuring that every part of the value chain adheres to the same sustainability standards requires persistent monitoring and effective internal communication.

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

A typical day might begin with a cross-functional meeting to review progress on carbon reduction projects, followed by a session with the reporting team to verify ESG metrics. You could spend the afternoon drafting a policy brief for a government consultation or meeting with an NGO partner to discuss a new community impact project. There is a significant element of strategic analysis, where you might review current management systems to identify gaps in performance. The day usually concludes with internal advocacy, preparing presentations that translate sustainability data into compelling narratives for senior leadership.

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

Given Dialog Axiata's size and leadership position, this role offers a clear path toward senior sustainability management or corporate governance roles. The global nature of the parent company, Axiata Group, may also open doors for international exposure and regional leadership roles within the telecommunications sector. You will have the opportunity to lead high-visibility projects that are central to the company’s corporate identity. Successfully delivering on Net Zero goals can position you as a thought leader in the Sri Lankan sustainability community, enhancing your professional profile significantly.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include departmental heads across technology, finance, and operations, who you must influence to adopt sustainable practices. You will also work closely with the corporate communications and legal teams to ensure messaging and compliance are consistent. External stakeholders are diverse, ranging from government regulators and policymakers to NGOs and industry peers. Building strong relationships with these groups is essential for advancing the company's advocacy efforts and ensuring its sustainability strategy remains relevant and impactful.

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