Human Rights & Sustainability Counsel

About the role

ABB is looking for a Human Rights & Sustainability Counsel to provide both strategic direction and legal expertise within the Automation business. In this dual-function position, you will shape the Human Rights sustainability agenda while also advising on sustainability-related legal and integrity matters across divisions. You will work closely with Group and Business Area Sustainability teams, Legal & Integrity functions, Division Sustainability Heads, and Division General Counsels to support ABB’s global human rights and sustainability goals.

The role reports to the Head of Strategy and Sustainability for the Automation Business Area and also has a functional reporting line to the Head of Integrity for the Automation Business Area. It is open to candidates globally, with a preference for professionals based in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Europe. The work arrangement is hybrid.

Key responsibilities

• Set the direction for ABB’s Human Rights workstream by defining priorities and helping build its governance structure with the Sustainability Council and related teams.
• Keep the Human Rights Policy and Human Rights Due Diligence Frameworks current and aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Advise businesses and functions on identifying, evaluating, managing, and reducing human rights risks across operations, supply chains, and commercial work.
• Review the grievance and remedy approach and help strengthen it to meet UNGP expectations and recognized good practice.
• Support discussions with external groups such as investors and NGOs on human rights topics.
• Act as the main legal contact for sustainability and ESG matters in the Automation Business Area, working with Group functions and other business areas.
• Provide practical legal advice on sustainability regulations, including how new and changing rules should be translated into business processes and contractual obligations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on sustainability-related legal and integrity issues, supporting Legal & Integrity colleagues and divisional teams that implement these requirements.
• Create and run training content and learning programs focused on Human Rights and Sustainability regulation.
• Track new developments in human rights and sustainability law, compliance, and governance, and stay ahead of evolving legislation and standards.
• Promote ongoing improvement and share best practices across business areas and divisions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Law, along with substantial experience and a strong interest in Human Rights and Sustainability matters.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in a global and cross-functional setting, preferably in-house or at a respected law firm; experience with a top-tier management consulting firm is an added advantage.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities, combined with a collaborative, transparent, and commercially minded approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, advocacy, and influencing skills, with the ability to handle demanding situations and competing priorities.
• Fluency in English and strong presentation, relationship-building, and networking skills.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of working independently in an international, fast-changing environment.
• Consistently demonstrates high integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to quality.

Additional information

This opportunity is open globally, with preferred candidates from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Europe. ABB emphasizes inclusion and welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences. The company highlights its mission of helping industries run leaner and cleaner and invites candidates who want to contribute to building a smarter, cleaner future.