Key Skills

Job Description

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a global community of over 225 of the world’s leading businesses driving systems transformation for a better world in which 9+ billion people can live well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century. Together, we transform the systems we work in to limit the impact of the climate crisis, restore nature, and tackle inequality. We accelerate value chain transformation across key sectors and reshape the financial system to reward sustainable leadership and action through a lower cost of capital. Through the exchange of best practices, improving performance, accessing education, forming partnerships, and shaping the policy agenda, we drive progress in businesses and sharpen the accountability of their performance. Role overview Provide strategic and technical leadership across Action Themes 1 and 2, with accountability for the development and delivery of member-facing solutions, methodologies, tools and thought leadership at the intersection of sustainability, corporate performance, finance and business value creation. The Director will bring deep subject-matter expertise to help companies and financial-market stakeholders navigate complex challenges and emerging market expectations. The role is responsible for leading the development of practical, decision-useful resources that support implementation and enable companies to embed leading practices into strategy, performance management and business decision-making. The Director will convene business, finance and sustainability leaders, foster technical stakeholder engagement and drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver outputs that strengthen resilience, improve performance and support long-term value creation. Twenty per cent of the role is allocated to Action Theme 4, with particular accountability for investor and lender valuation requirements and the translation of sustainability-related risks, opportunities and outcomes into financial terms. Key responsibilities Set the strategic direction for Action Theme 1 & 2, translating WBCSD priorities and member needs into clear outcomes, plans, budgets, performance measures and resource choices; remain accountable for delivery and impact. Provide technical leadership across Action Themes 1 and 2, overseeing the development and application of methodologies, frameworks, tools and guidance that help companies integrate sustainability, performance and value creation considerations into business and investment decision-making. Ensure all outputs are technically robust, market-relevant and aligned with evolving leading practices and stakeholder expectations. Exercise decision accountability across the portfolio, resolving strategic trade-offs, dependencies and delivery risks within delegated authority and escalating material decisions with clear analysis and recommendations. Lead the development of practical methodologies, tools, guidance and thought leadership that help companies strengthen corporate performance, embed sustainability into decision-making, and navigate evolving market expectations, reporting requirements and value creation opportunities. Provide subject-matter leadership at the intersection of sustainability, corporate performance, finance and business value creation, ensuring WBCSD outputs are credible, decision-useful and capable of supporting implementation by member companies and financial-market stakeholders. Position WBCSD as a leading external voice on corporate performance, accountability and business valuation by shaping the narrative, shaping market conversations and building senior-level engagement with member companies, investors, partners, standard setters, regulators and other key stakeholders. Direct delivery across Action Themes 1, 2 and 4, including accountability for Action Theme 4 Open Sesame initiative and its interfaces with Action Themes 2 and 3; align contributors, funding, partnerships and timelines and take corrective action where outcomes, quality or value are at risk. Build and lead a high-performing contributor network, setting clear accountabilities, delegating authority, developing people and senior experts, and strengthening leadership capability and succession across the work. Competencies needed for the role Networking & Partnerships: Shapes strategic alliances and coalitions, anticipating concerns and protecting high-value relationships. Execution & Delegation: Establishes scalable accountability norms, decision frameworks and governance for sustained delivery. Planning & Establishing Direction: Shapes strategies, budgets, structures and metrics that address long-term organizational priorities. Member Centricity: Embeds member focus into strategy, culture and ways of working, representing member value in trade-offs. Communication & Influence: Shapes compelling narratives, negotiates outcomes and builds coalitions through complex or sensitive issues. Essential skills, knowledge and experience Essential: Deep expertise in corporate finance, corporate reporting (FP&A), sustainability or business strategy, with the ability to connect sustainability performance to enterprise value, capital allocation and long-term business success Essential: Strong understanding of financial-market dynamics, valuation drivers and corporate performance metrics, and their application in business and investment decision-making. Essential: Proven ability to develop practical frameworks, methodologies and thought leadership that help organisations integrate sustainability-related risks, opportunities and impacts into strategy, performance management and value creation. Essential: Excellent written and verbal communication, with the credibility to present to and engage member C-suite and senior management audiences. Essential: Senior leadership experience, including governance, decision-making, resource stewardship, people leadership and delivery of complex portfolios across organizational boundaries. Helpful, but not essential: An established network across investors, lenders, valuation professionals or related financial-market stakeholders. The position is fixed-term, based in our Amsterdam or London Office, and requires international travel. WBCSD is a purpose-driven organization that values diversity across gender, nationalities, and professional backgrounds. Headquartered in Geneva, with offices in Amsterdam, London, Singapore, Wuhan, Chicago, and New York. What we offer Generous Time Off to Recharge: In addition to 25 days of paid holiday, you will have extra time off on your birthday and one cultural or religious celebration day. In addition, the option to buy up to 5 additional days each year for even more flexibility. Hybrid & Flexible Work: Work from the office a few days a week and from home the rest, with flexible hours to fit personal needs. Supported Hybrid Work: Financial support to set up your home office with essentials like a screen, headset, and desk for home work days Mobility/Transport: We offer an annual contribution towards public transportation or other soft mobility options. A Pension scheme: Our comprehensive pension scheme allows you to invest in your future. Learning and Development: Free access to LinkedIn Learning, and the possibility to engage in other training opportunities.

Core Responsibilities

Set strategic direction and lead delivery across Action Themes 1 and 2, developing practical sustainability, performance, finance, and value-creation methodologies, tools, and guidance. Lead cross-functional contributors and stakeholder engagement, while overseeing Action Theme 4’s Open Sesame initiative and translating sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and outcomes into financial terms.

Requirements

Requires deep expertise in corporate finance, reporting, sustainability, or business strategy, with the ability to connect sustainability performance to enterprise value, capital allocation, and business success. Also requires senior leadership experience, strong financial-market and valuation knowledge, a record of developing practical frameworks and thought leadership, and excellent communication with senior audiences.

Benefits

• Paid Holiday
• Birthday Leave
• Cultural Or Religious Celebration Day
• Option To Buy Additional Leave
• Hybrid And Flexible Work
• Home Office Equipment Support
• Public Transportation Or Soft Mobility Contribution
• Pension Scheme
• LinkedIn Learning Access
• Training Opportunities