Director Sustainability (Programmes, Carbon and Climate)

Based in Islamabad’s Blue Area with regular travel to Gilgit and various project sites, this full-time role (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) offers an exciting opportunity to lead complex climate and sustainability programmes from inception to completion. The successful candidate will develop strategy, establish governance frameworks, manage diverse stakeholders, and oversee certification processes, all while prioritizing carbon management and climate resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Lead sustainability programmes and portfolios by defining clear operating models, governance structures, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms. Drive whole life carbon assessments and develop carbon strategies aligned with PAS 2080, focusing on decarbonisation and energy transition pathways. Conduct climate vulnerability assessments, integrate nature-based solutions, and embed climate risk considerations into design and construction phases. Manage sustainability certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Envision across large assets, utilizing performance monitoring and governance frameworks to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Oversee environmental governance activities including ESIA/EIA processes, environmental planning, compliance monitoring, and contribute to policy development and green building codes. Facilitate multi-criteria decision-making, cost-benefit analyses, and economic sensitivity assessments to support design options, procurement strategies, and investment priorities. Engage effectively with government bodies, utilities, communities, nonprofits, and clients, establishing and managing steering committees to ensure alignment and collaboration.

Lead the technical aspects of bids and proposals, developing pathways for funding, green finance, and strategic partnerships. Utilize digital tools such as Power BI and BIM-linked dashboards to monitor carbon emissions, energy use, and overall project performance in real time. Provide leadership and mentorship to the technical team, fostering professional growth and ensuring high-quality delivery.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of 12 years’ experience in sustainability, carbon credits, climate, or environmental consulting, with demonstrated leadership of large-scale programmes. A degree in Civil, Environmental, or a related Engineering discipline is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. Professional accreditations such as LEED AP, Envision (ENV SP), WELL AP, or equivalent are essential. Proven track record in delivering sustainability certifications for large assets is required.

Experience with whole life carbon assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tools such as OneClick LCA, and standards including ISO 14064 or PAS 2080 is necessary. Strong background in policy advisory, strategy development, and facilitation of multi-stakeholder processes is expected. Proficiency in Power BI and BIM360 software tools is important. The candidate must be a confident presenter capable of leading discussions with government officials and clients. Willingness to work between Islamabad and Gilgit, with regular travel, is essential.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Qualifications such as ISO 14064 verifier or validator status are advantageous. Chartered or professional engineer status (e.g., MCIOB or P.Eng.) is highly desirable. Additional accreditations like GRESB or ActiveScore will be considered a plus. Experience with carbon markets and credits, as well as working in mountain or remote regions, will strengthen the candidate’s profile.

This role offers the chance to contribute significantly to sustainability initiatives in challenging environments, working at the forefront of climate resilience and carbon management. It is ideal for a seasoned professional seeking to apply their expertise in a dynamic and impactful setting.