At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects on corporate governance and sustainability reporting.
- Company: Join a dynamic initiative connecting UK businesses to the UN Global Compact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in corporate transparency and ethical leadership.
- Qualifications: Expertise in ESG compliance and corporate governance required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are a dynamic multi-stakeholder initiative, dedicated to connecting UK companies to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest responsible business initiative. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact provide a robust foundation and comprehensive framework for corporate sustainability and business action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our mission is to champion sustainability leadership to create a world we want to live and do business in, by inspiring ambition, enabling impactful action, and collaborating to reshape the business environment for the better. The UN Global Compact Network UK has over 900 participating companies, with a team of 26 people. Our work is guided by the core values of the United Nations – Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism – alongside nine additional values and behaviours of the UN Global Compact. During a recent review, the team described our workplace as friendly, inclusive, supportive, passionate, and hard-working.
About the role: We are seeking an Accountability & Transparency Programme Lead to join our dynamic team. The Accountability & Transparency Lead acts as the primary thematic lead and subject matter expert for the UN Global Compact Network UK’s work on Corporate Governance, Business Integrity, and Sustainability Reporting. The Lead is responsible for defining the direction and ensuring the technical quality of the organisation's programming, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable support for UK business participants. The Lead provides the expert guidance necessary for businesses to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving ESG landscape. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the role empowers companies to move beyond basic compliance toward a culture of transparency and ethical leadership.
This position requires a candidate who combines a deep background in ESG Compliance or Corporate Governance with the versatility to lead high‑impact projects and the interpersonal skill to engage a diverse range of corporate stakeholders and senior executives.
We are looking for someone with:
- Demonstrable subject matter expertise in corporate governance, ESG compliance, and ESG due diligence.
- Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks, including UK SRS and CSRD, is essential.
- Experience in educating and mobilising audiences on corporate governance, business integrity, or ESG topics.
- Understanding of UN Global Compact's Ten Principles, with particular focus on Principle 10 and its implications for corporate conduct, governance, and business integrity practice.
- Experience in or strong familiarity with policy engagement or advocacy.
- Experience in programme or project management.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at building and maintaining relationships across a complex multi‑stakeholder environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, plan, execute, and oversee programme tasks, projects, and events within the Accountability & Transparency programme.
- Develop and maintain detailed workplans, budgets, and risk registers for all programmes and initiatives.
- Summarise key takeaways from project activities, and ensure their dissemination to relevant stakeholders.
- Actively identify funding opportunities and grant prospects relevant to the programme area.
- Monitor and assess the implications of emerging regulation and policy developments for member organisations.
- Support member organisations in improving the quality of their Communication on Progress (COP) reporting.
- Generate thought leadership reports, briefings, and policy papers related to corporate governance, sustainability reporting, transparency, and illicit financial flows.
- Regularly assess programme results and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Act as the primary point of contact with the UN Global Compact Office (GCO) Governance and Reporting teams.
- Establish and nurture partnerships with key stakeholders and organisations.
- Manage the EAIFF alliance membership and governance.
- Collaborate and support assigned Project Managers.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of team practices.
What we offer:
- Hybrid working – A minimum of two days in the office per week.
- Flexible working, once discussed with your line manager.
- Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Three additional days off between Christmas and New Year.
- Menstruation and menopause leave.
- Enhanced pension scheme after probation.
- Enhanced sick leave.
- Season ticket loan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme and Bike‑sharing Cycle Scheme.
This is a full‑time position (37.5 hours per week).
Before applying for this role, please note the following:
- Our hiring process aims to eliminate bias by using a software called Applied.
- The UN Global Compact Network UK is not able to sponsor work visas.
- While this role is within the UN Global Compact Network UK Secretariat, the successful candidate will not be formally employed by the United Nations.
Next Steps: The application process includes the following steps:
- Upload your CV and cover letter highlighting the skills and experience you would bring to the role.
- Longlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written test.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
- Final candidates will be invited to an informal, in‑person meeting.
Programme Lead – Accountability & Transparency employer: UN Global Compact Network UK
The UN Global Compact Network UK is an exceptional employer, fostering a friendly and inclusive work culture that prioritises integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in sustainability leadership, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about corporate governance and ethical business practices.
Contact Details:
UN Global Compact Network UK Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead – Accountability & Transparency
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by UN Global Compact Network UK.
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like UN Global Compact Network UK.
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When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at UN Global Compact Network UK.
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We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead – Accountability & Transparency
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of UN Global Compact Network UK. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Programme Lead – Accountability & Transparency, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at UN Global Compact Network UK
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of UN Global Compact Network UK. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
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Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
