Vice President - Sustainability Planning Team, APAC

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Job  Responsibilities

• Support the design, execution and enhancement of the regional sustainability strategy and roadmap, translating Group-level priorities into actionable regional plans aligned with business strategy and regulatory expectations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on environmental and social aspects of customer transactions in line with the Bank’s guidelines and procedures.
• Provide forward-looking insights on emerging sustainability, environmental, and social risk trends, advising senior management on strategic, portfolio, and reputational implications.
• Support sustainability KPI management in the region – including evaluation, monitoring, forecasting etc.
• Support the management of sustainability policies and procedures, including developing and advising on new policies for identifying, managing, and monitoring environmental and social risks; and ensuring that they remain relevant and effective in building firm-wide resilience, as well as aligning with regulations and market best practices.
• Provide hands-on support and guidance for sustainability-related working groups, forums and committee meetings helmed by the team.
• Provide support on internal business units-led sustainability initiatives and collaborating with the business units in enhancing the Bank’s sustainability communication through all available channels.
• Drive regional sustainability capability-building initiatives, including guidance, training, and knowledge development.

Job Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant professional experience in sustainability, sustainability strategy, ESG risk management, sustainable finance, or closely related fields.
• In-depth understanding of sustainability, ESG and environmental risk topics, international reporting standards and frameworks, regulatory trends in Asia, as well as industry best practices.
• Relevant academic studies in sustainable development, sustainable and green finance, environmental management, law etc.
• Excellent analytical, judgement, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesise complex issues for senior audiences.
• Prior experience within a financial institution would be an advantage, preferably with exposure to regional or international banking operations.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a matrixed, regional environment.
• Fluency in English; additional regional languages are an advantage.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Teams.