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Assistant Vice President, ESG Investment Management, Sustainability Group

Temasek • Singapore • Added on Jun 12, 2026
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This role centers on driving sustainability within one of the world’s most significant investment portfolios. As a senior member of the ESG Investment Management team, you will act as a primary bridge between Temasek and its portfolio companies, steering them toward higher environmental and social standards. You will own the engagement cycle, from conducting deep-dive risk analyses to setting performance KPIs that safeguard long-term value.

The position is pivotal because it moves beyond passive reporting into active stewardship. By influencing the ESG trajectories of major Singapore-based enterprises, you directly contribute to the decarbonization of the regional economy and the resilience of a multi-billion dollar portfolio. It is about converting material ESG risks into strategic opportunities for growth and systemic impact.

This suits someone who possesses a sophisticated understanding of finance and sustainability, blending the analytical rigor of an investor with the mission-driven focus of a sustainability expert.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission of this role is to champion ESG integration across the investment lifecycle, with a heavy focus on active stewardship of Singapore-based portfolio companies. You will be responsible for leading high-level engagements to influence corporate behavior, ensuring that ESG risks are mitigated and value-creation opportunities are seized. Beyond external engagement, you will develop the internal frameworks and tools necessary to monitor portfolio performance. This includes identifying key performance indicators and tracking the progress of various assets against climate, nature, and social benchmarks to provide actionable insights for senior decision-makers.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain unparalleled exposure to the intersection of high-finance and sustainable development, learning how a global investment giant operationalizes net-zero and nature-positive transitions. The role offers a front-row seat to the ESG challenges faced by diverse industries, providing deep expertise in corporate governance and active stewardship. Additionally, the position provides exposure to cutting-edge sustainability tech and data analytics. Working within the Sustainability Group allows for cross-disciplinary learning from specialists in sustainable solutions and strategy, broadening your knowledge of emerging global regulations and thematic trends.

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

The ideal candidate brings at least eight years of high-level experience in sustainability, investment management, or strategy consulting. A strong academic background in Finance or Economics is essential, as the role requires translating complex ESG metrics into the language of business performance and financial risk. Soft skills are equally critical; you must be a persuasive communicator capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments and influencing C-suite executives. Familiarity with AI-driven data tools and a master's degree in a relevant field will significantly strengthen an application.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear track record of driving tangible change within a portfolio or corporate setting. Instead of listing general ESG knowledge, provide examples of how your interventions led to improved sustainability ratings or reduced carbon intensity in specific assets. Candidates should also show a deep understanding of the Singaporean business ecosystem and the specific regional challenges of the energy transition. Researching Temasek's existing Ecosperity initiatives and demonstrating alignment with their MERITT values will show the cultural and strategic fit the hiring team is looking for.

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

The role focuses heavily on portfolio decarbonization and climate resilience. You will be tasked with helping companies navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy, which is a core pillar of Temasek's mandate to deliver sustainable returns over the long term. Social and nature-related topics are also gaining prominence. You will likely engage with companies on inclusive growth strategies and nature-positive practices, ensuring that the portfolio is well-positioned for the increasing regulatory and societal focus on biodiversity and social equity.

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

One of the chief challenges is the diversity of the portfolio; you will need to apply ESG principles across various sectors, each with unique operational hurdles. Navigating different corporate cultures and levels of sustainability maturity requires significant diplomatic skill and a nuanced approach to engagement. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape means you must stay ahead of international reporting standards and scientific developments. Translating these technical changes into practical strategy for companies that may be focused on immediate commercial pressures can be a complex balancing act.

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

A typical day involves a mix of analytical deep dives and high-stakes meetings. You might start by reviewing the latest ESG performance data for a logistics firm, followed by a collaborative session with the Portfolio Development Group to align on engagement priorities for the upcoming quarter. Afternoon hours might be spent in a strategic dialogue with a portfolio company's leadership team to discuss their transition plan. The day often ends with internal reporting or contributing to thematic workstreams that explore how emerging trends, like AI or nature-based solutions, affect the total portfolio.

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

This role is a springboard for leadership within the sustainable finance sector. Given Temasek's stature, an AVP in this group is positioned for senior leadership transitions into Vice President or Director roles, potentially leading specific thematic or geographic sustainability workstreams. The global nature of the firm also offers potential for cross-border mobility or the opportunity to lead high-visibility, system-level projects that influence the broader investment ecosystem. This provides a clear path to becoming a recognized thought leader in the ESG space.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact extensively with C-suite executives and sustainability heads of portfolio companies, acting as a critical advisor and challenger. Internally, your closest collaborators will be the Portfolio Development Group and the broader Sustainability Strategy team. Additionally, you will engage with internal investment professionals to ensure ESG insights are integrated into capital allocation decisions. External stakeholders may also include industry bodies and NGOs as part of the broader Ecosperity platform to drive industry-wide sustainability advocacy.

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