ESG Legal Counsel (Corporate Governance & Operations team) (80-100%)

About the Role

Would you like to join one of the largest reinsurance groups in the world?  Are you passionate and knowledgeable about the legal aspects of Sustainability and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) topics?  Then we might have a rare and exciting opportunity for you! In this role you will:

•    Provide legal advice and support on ESG/sustainability topics to local legal entities/ business teams, particularly focused on non-financial disclosure
•    Support the development and implementation of frameworks and processes to support local legal entities/business teams to comply with non-financial ESG/sustainability disclosure requirements
•    Develop and deliver trainings and awareness raising activities addressing ESG/Sustainability reporting topics tailored to local/ business-specific audiences 
•    Monitor and act on legal and regulatory developments in the areas of ESG/Sustainability
•    Act as a central “go-to” and center of expertise for both Legal Reinsurance L&H and P&C colleagues with respect to ESG topics, as well as the Corporate Centre & Group Functions (CCGF) ESG Advisory team with respect to Business Unit Reinsurance – facilitating information exchange, advice and implementation in both directions

About the Team 

This position is in the Corporate Governance & Operations team, part of the wider Legal P&C and L&H Reinsurance team. The position reports directly to the Head of that team, also based in Zürich, with peers in various locations around the world. The successful candidate will work closely with interesting, engaged L&C colleagues across teams and jurisdictions, particularly in the central CCGF ESG Advisory team, as well as with diverse business partners across the various locations and legal entities covered by Business Unit Reinsurance, implementing the Group's Sustainability Strategy and the Group's vision to make the world more resilient.

About you

Are you the ideal candidate for this role?

You have strong organisational and prioritising skills to handle multiple requests and deadlines simultaneously.  You are able to provide professional legal advice and sound judgement beyond the dimensions of laws and regulations. You are a trusted business partner, who manages relationships effectively and communicates legal concepts clearly and succinctly. You are a valued teammate who takes accountability and works towards a common goal.

Qualification and Experience: 

•    You have a law degree and a minimum of three years' experience of legal practice in the area of ESG and Sustainability with a law firm or international financial institution/(re)insurance company
•    You have experience and understanding of evolving ESG/Sustainability regulation including familiarity with national and international legal frameworks, in addition to corporate law and regulation in cross-border scenarios 
•    You have expertise in managing legal aspects of complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions and projects that impact on both the asset and liability side of the balance sheet and operations 
•    You are able to understand and operate successfully in a complex, dynamic, heavily matrixed corporate environment
•    You are fluent in English (written and verbal), other languages a plus
•    Corporate governance experience is also a plus

If you are a committed, collaborative, enthusiastic colleague who is receptive to constructive challenge, willing to learn and self-reflect, we will be happy to get to know you. #LI-Hybrid