Description

Senior Associate / AVP - E&S Risk, Sustainable Finance

Location: Singapore

Division: IBG Sustainable Finance

Reports to: Senior Vice President, E&S Lead - Sustainable Finance

Position Summary

The Senior Associate or AVP, E&S Risk supports the identification, assessment, and mitigation of environmental and social risks across the Bank's lending and advisory portfolios.

Working closely with senior team members and front office stakeholders, the role contributes to the execution of E&S due diligence, integration of climate and sustainability considerations into transaction processes, and alignment with international standards (e.g., Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards) and the Bank's Net Zero commitments.

The role combines a strong commercial perspective with sound risk discipline to ensure that transactions are consistent with internal policies, regulatory expectations, and evolving market practices in sustainable finance.

Key Responsibilities

E&S Transaction Advisory & Due Diligence

• Support the execution of E&S due diligence (including EP and ESDD) for complex and high-risk transactions.
• Contribute to technical reviews and internal governance processes for Sustainable Finance and Transition Finance transactions.
• Identify key E&S risks, support formulation of mitigation measures, and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-through.

E&S Risk Management Frameworks

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of E&S risk management frameworks, sector policies, and exclusion lists.
• Support the integration of climate risk and sustainability considerations into transaction assessment processes.
• Assist in ensuring consistency of application across business units and alignment with the Bank's risk appetite.

Client Engagement & Transaction Support

• Support engagement with internal stakeholders and clients on ESG risk considerations and sustainable finance solutions.
• Assist in structuring E&S-related components within transactions, including sustainability-linked features and action plans where applicable.
• Contribute to preparation of materials for client discussions and internal approvals.

Strategic Risk Integration

• Collaborate with Risk Management, Coverage, and Product teams to integrate E&S considerations into underwriting and investment processes.
• Provide inputs into climate risk methodologies, sustainability assessment tools, and portfolio-level monitoring practices.

Regulatory & Market Developments

• Monitor developments in E&S regulations, market standards, and best practices (e.g., carbon markets, biodiversity, climate risk).
• Support the team in translating these developments into internal frameworks and transaction-level considerations.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing

• Support development of internal training materials and knowledge resources on E&S risk and sustainable finance topics.
• Contribute to building internal awareness and capability across front office and risk teams.

Required Qualifications, Capabilities and Skills

• Experience: 5-8 years of relevant experience in environmental and social risk, sustainability consulting, or ESG banking.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, finance, economics, or related fields; advanced degree preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with international standards (e.g., Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines).
• Sector Exposure: Exposure to E&S risks in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, natural resources, or industrials.
• Banking Knowledge: Understanding of banking products, deal structures, and credit processes is advantageous.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to assess risks, interpret technical information, and translate into actionable insights.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to work with cross-functional teams and engage effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Communication: Clear and structured communication, both written and verbal.

Preferred Certifications

• CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing
• Certifications in environmental management (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001)

Key Focus Areas of the Role

• Client Relationship Focus: Support integration of commercial and E&S considerations in transaction execution.
• First Line of Defence Support: Contribute to identification and management of E&S risks within transactions.
• Net Zero Alignment: Support integration of climate risk and transition considerations into deal assessment and client engagement.

Location:
DBS Asia Central

Job:
Strategic Planning

Schedule:
Regular

Employee Status:
Full time