Sustainable Finance Assessor, Hong Kong

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent assurance engagements for sustainable finance instruments (e.g., Green Bonds, Sustainability-Linked Loans, Transition Finance Instruments) in line with ICMA and LMA/APLMA principles.
• Assess alignment with sustainable finance taxonomies and classification systems, including the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, Common Ground Taxonomy (where applicable), ASEAN Taxonomy, and other relevant regional frameworks.
• Review sustainability frameworks, KPIs, targets, and methodologies for robustness and credibility.
• Evaluate ESG data, processes, and internal controls used in sustainability reporting.
• Perform assurance engagements in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ISAE 3000, ISO 17029, and emerging ISSA 5000 requirements).
• Verify use-of-proceeds reporting, allocation tracking, and impact reporting.
• Assess greenhouse gas (GHG) data and methodologies (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) where relevant.
• Prepare assurance reports, verification statements, and second-party opinions (SPOs) in professional English.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams throughout assurance engagements.
• Support continuous improvement of methodologies, technical guidance, and quality assurance processes.
• Assess sustainable finance frameworks and instruments against applicable Hong Kong, Mainland China, and international market standards.
• Monitor regulatory and market developments in sustainable finance, including guidance and initiatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), and relevant Mainland China authorities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Sustainability, Environmental Science, Economics, Engineering, or related field
• 2-5 years of experience in ESG assurance, sustainable finance, GHG verification, or financial auditing
• Experience in assurance, validation, or review of sustainability disclosures or ESG frameworks
• Understanding of sustainable finance principles, including ICMA Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, Sustainability Bond Guidelines, Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, and LMA/APLMA Green and Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles.
• Familiarity with sustainable finance taxonomies and regulatory initiatives, including the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, ASEAN Taxonomy, Common Ground Taxonomy, HKMA sustainable finance initiatives, and relevant Mainland China frameworks.
• Knowledge of ESG reporting and disclosure standards, including ISSB (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2), GRI, TCFD, and relevant market requirements.
• Understanding of GHG accounting methodologies, climate-related metrics, and carbon emissions reporting.
• Experience applying assurance standards such as ISAE 3000, ISSA 5000 or equivalent frameworks.
• Ability to assess KPI selection, calibration, sustainability performance targets (SPTs), and impact measurement methodologies.
• Understanding of transition finance concepts and climate-related risk assessment frameworks.
• Strong analytical capabilities with experience reviewing quantitative and qualitative sustainability data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple engagements, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Mandarin and/or Cantonese would be an advantage
• Strong interpersonal, client-facing, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and technically robust assurance and verification reports.