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Sr. Environmental and Social Risk Advisor

Export Development Canada • Singapore • Added on Sep 21, 2026
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This role acts as a critical gatekeeper and advisor for Canadian trade financing in the Asia-Pacific region. You will take ownership of the environmental and social due diligence process, ensuring that complex international transactions align with global benchmarks. By conducting deep-dive assessments and negotiating mitigation plans, you ensure that capital flows only to projects that respect high-level ecological and human rights standards.

Working for a national export credit agency, your influence extends beyond simple compliance. You are the link between financial viability and meaningful impact in emerging markets, helping regional partners navigate the complexities of the Equator Principles and IFC standards. This position is key for integrating ethical governance into large-scale infrastructure and manufacturing deals that shape the economic environment of the Asia-Pacific hub.

This suits someone who is a seasoned risk analyst with a strong grip on environmental sciences and a talent for cross-border relationship management. You should be comfortable navigating diverse regulatory environments while maintaining professional integrity.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves conducting rigorous environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) for EDC's financing transactions in the Asia-Pacific region. You will be responsible for evaluating ESIAs, monitoring reports, and specialized thematic studies to ensure projects meet international benchmarks. Beyond assessment, you will actively negotiate E&S commitments into financing documentation. This includes developing Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) and ensuring that clients have the capacity to manage risks effectively throughout the project lifecycle. Regular monitoring and site visits are essential to verify compliance on the ground. You will also serve as a subject matter expert, advising senior management on emerging regional E&S issues and contributing to the evolution of the organization's risk management policies.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain real exposure to complex multi-jurisdictional finance and the practical application of the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards across various sectors. The role offers a deep dive into how ESG criteria influence global capital allocation. You will also develop specialized expertise in regional sustainability challenges within the Asia-Pacific, such as biodiversity impacts in diverse ecosystems and human rights nuances in emerging markets. This provides a unique platform to learn how an Export Credit Agency balances national economic mandates with global ethical standards. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the role with the Canadian headquarters and diverse international partners offers professional mentorship in risk governance and high-stakes negotiation techniques.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least 7 to 10 years of experience in environmental and social risk assessment, likely within a consultancy, financial institution, or major project developer. A strong academic background in environmental science, international development, or law is expected. Technical proficiency in IFC Performance Standards and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is essential. You must possess the analytical rigor to distill complex technical reports into clear, actionable advice for non-technical business teams. Soft skills are equally important; you should be a resourceful relationship builder capable of influencing stakeholders across different cultures and time zones. Proficiency in a local Asia-Pacific language is a significant advantage for navigating regional site visits.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond general ESG knowledge and demonstrate your specific experience with transactional risk management. Highlight instances where you have successfully identified a material risk and negotiated a mitigation strategy that satisfied both the lender and the client. Tailor your application to show an understanding of the Export Credit Agency (ECA) model. EDC is not just a bank; it has a mandate to support Canadian trade, so explaining how you can help clients grow sustainably while protecting the agency's reputation is key. Be prepared to discuss your methodology for interpreting E&S data in regions where regulatory oversight might be inconsistent. Showing you can maintain high standards while being pragmatic and solution-oriented will resonate with the hiring team.

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

The role focuses heavily on Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) within a financial framework. This means ensuring that large-scale projects, such as renewable energy plants or infrastructure, do not cause irreversible harm to local ecosystems or communities. There is a strong emphasis on social impact and human rights, particularly ensuring that labor standards and community relations are managed ethically. You will be the guardian of the social license to operate for EDC-supported projects in the region. Governance is also a key pillar, as you will be ensuring that clients implement strong internal management systems. The goal is to move beyond 'do no harm' and help regional partners improve their overall responsible business practices.

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

One significant challenge is operating across time zones, as you will need to coordinate closely with the ESRM team at the head office in Ottawa while staying active in the Singapore market. Balancing these two worlds requires exceptional organizational skills. You may also face resistance during negotiations if clients perceive E&S requirements as overly burdensome or costly. Navigating these conversations requires diplomacy and the ability to articulate ESG as a long-term competitive advantage rather than just a compliance hurdle. Finally, the geographic diversity of the Asia-Pacific region presents varied regulatory and cultural environments. Identifying material risks in less transparent markets will test your investigative skills and professional judgment.

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

A typical day might begin with a cross-continental call with colleagues in Canada to discuss active files, followed by a detailed review of an E&S audit for a new financing opportunity in Southeast Asia. You could spend your afternoon in a negotiation session with a client and EDC business teams, working through the specific clauses of an Environmental and Social Action Plan. These interactions are critical for ensuring the project meets EDC’s ethical threshold. Between meetings, you will likely be drafting technical memos for risk committees or researching emerging sustainability regulations in the region. Occasionally, your day might be spent entirely on-site at a project location, interviewing stakeholders and observing local operations.

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

This role offers a clear path toward strategic leadership within the ESRM function. As the Singapore branch expands, senior advisors may move into roles that oversee larger portfolios or influence the agency's global ESG strategy. There are also opportunities for lateral growth into other areas of risk management, corporate sustainability, or international business development. Being a subject matter expert in a high-growth region like Asia-Pacific makes you a valuable asset for global financial institutions. Exposure to high-visibility projects and international finance organizations (IFIs and DFIs) provides a professional network that is ideal for those looking to influence the future of sustainable finance on a global scale.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your most frequent interactions will be with internal business teams and underwriters, helping them understand the risk profile of potential deals. You also report to and collaborate with the ESRM leadership based in Ottawa. Externally, you will deal directly with clients and project developers, as well as with independent E&S consultants who perform the ground-level assessments. Building trust with these parties is essential for effective risk mitigation. You will also engage with co-lenders and other financial institutions, such as Multilateral Development Banks or other ECAs, to align on standards for syndicated loans. Maintaining professional credibility with these peers is a core part of the role.

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