Senior Legal Counsel, ESG Legal & Corporate Law 80-100%

We are looking for a “Senior Legal Counsel ESG & Corporate Law” to provide pro-active and efficient legal advice to the Sustainability team, the business and other corporate functions regarding Sustainability, Climate and other ESG topics. The position requires strong knowledge and experience in various areas of sustainability, climate change, disclosure and regulatory requirements. It is an exciting opportunity in a developing and continuously changing legal area and we are looking for a flexible and agile colleague to drive ESG topics and to shape the organization’s journey towards a more sustainable future. The position will report to the Group Head Governance, ESG Legal& Corporate Law and be a member of the respective team.

What you will do

As a Senior Legal Counsel for ESG Legal & Corporate Law your main responsibilities will include, among others:

• Take a leader role in advising the Sustainability team, the business and Group functions in connection with the development and implementation of sustainability strategies and projects (for Swiss, European and international matters)
• Day-to-day and ad hoc legal support in connection with sustainability, climate change, disclosure and regulatory requirements
• Follow closely legal and regulatory developments as well as court cases on ESG topics (Swiss and international) and provide respective briefings to senior management
• Provide legal advice on responses to regulatory and other governmental inquiries
• Evaluate legal matters that relate to corporate communication focusing on ESG initiatives
• Regularly share best practices, new challenges and developments within Group Legal and ensure coordination with regional/local legal teams in evaluating and addressing evolving requirements
• Support lobbying initiatives on national and international levels and represent Zurich’s interest respectively
• Develop and deliver legal trainings on Sustainability across all functions
• Provide Legal advice to Group functions, to the business and senior management as well as becoming a member of respective project teams, assessing legal and reputational risks with the aim to realize business goals while mitigating risks and protecting the Zurich brand
• Act as strategic partner to internal clients by advising on legal matters and implications of business initiatives and providing pro-active, practical, goal-oriented solutions to all relevant stakeholders.

Work location is Zurich.

What you bring

• Law degree (Master in Law; Attorney at law), ideally with a postgraduate qualification (e.g., LL.M.), with strong background in ESG, Corporate law and Regulatory Developments.
• At least 6 years of professional experience in a law firm and/or legal department of a larger enterprise and/or comparable organization, ideally listed at a stock exchange.
• A proactive and autonomous mindset with strong ownership approach; ability to think outside of the box and to find pragmatic, business-oriented solutions.
• Person of integrity and able to work under pressure in a professional way and with a commitment to being a team-player.
• Strong communicator, able to form effective working relationships with a variety of functions at all levels.
• Good conceptual, organizational and analytical skills and excellent verbal and writing skills.
• Excellent command of English and German both spoken and written is essential, other languages a plus.
• Passionate about ESG topics.

Additional Information

We look forward to receiving your online application.

Zurich wants to attract the best talent and we acknowledge that talents might not always be available full-time. At Zurich we will consider requests for flexible working. Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of ways. Please talk to us during the interview about the flexibility you may need.

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Information for recruitment agencies

Zurich does not accept any applications from recruitment agencies for this position. We refuse any responsibility for unsolicited applications as well as any associated fees.

Why Zurich

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right?

We are an equal opportunity employer who knows that each employee is unique - that’s what makes our team so great!
Join us as we constantly explore new ways to protect our customers and the planet.

• Location(s): CH - Zürich
• Remote working: Hybrid
• Schedule: Full Time
• Recruiter name: Grace Cunningham