Acting Head of International Sustainable Business, Stockholm

Do you want to work with strategic sustainability and compliance issues and shape the sustainability agenda of a global organisation at the forefront of international trade and investment? Business Sweden is seeking an acting Head of International Sustainable Business for a parental leave cover of approximately one year, with a start date in October, 2026.

Business Sweden's purpose is to help Swedish companies grow globally and international companies invest and expand in Sweden. Operating in more than 40 markets, we work closely with the Swedish government, industry, and Team Sweden partners to enable sustainable and inclusive trade.

About the Role

In this role, you will lead the strategic development and integration of sustainability and responsible business conduct across Business Sweden's global operations. You will operate at the intersection of business, policy, and international collaboration, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in services, projects, and client engagements.

The position is based in Stockholm and forms part of the Chief Compliance Officer Office, bringing together compliance, sustainability, legal, security, and internal audit. The function is responsible for sustainability governance frameworks, and to support regarding sustainability/ESG matters to the global organisation. The function will also support the compliance management systems of Business Sweden.

You will report directly to the Chief Compliance Officer (member of the executive management team) and work closely with senior leadership, operational teams, and global offices. The role includes regular engagement with Team Sweden stakeholders - including authorities, embassies, and ministries - both in Sweden and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Integration

• Lead and further develop Business Sweden's global sustainability and responsible business agenda
• Ensure effective integration of sustainability compliance into business operations, services, and international projects
• Act as a senior advisor to management and business units on ESG, risk, and sustainability due diligence

Governance, Frameworks, and Capability Building

• Develop and strengthen governance frameworks, policies, and tools within sustainability compliance
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the compliance management system
• Design and deliver capacity-building initiatives, including trainings on anti-corruption, human rights, and responsible business conduct

Reporting, Risk and Monitoring

• Oversee sustainability reporting in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (ÅRL; CSRD readiness)
• Contribute to internal risk frameworks and sustainability KPI monitoring
• Monitor and interpret relevant international standards, regulatory developments, and best practices

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Engage with senior stakeholders across Business Sweden's global network
• Represent Business Sweden in dialogues with external partners and Team Sweden actors
• Facilitate cross-functional sustainability collaboration across headquarters and international offices

The role is based in Stockholm, but you will be expected to work with our teams and clients around the world, as required.

We are looking for a senior professional with:

• Extensive experience in sustainability, compliance, or responsible business conduct in an international context

• Expertise in sustainability, such as anti-corruption, climate, human rights and business ethics

• Strong communication skills, and driven to help create awareness, inspire, educate, and support colleagues as well as have courage to stand up for Business Sweden's values and regulatory frameworks

• Proven experience working with key international frameworks and standards, including UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, UN Global Compact, EU regulatory frameworks such as CSRD and CSDDD.

• Experience operating at the interface of business, government, and international stakeholders

• Motivation to drive the Sustainability agenda and processes in close collaboration with regional business teams, across divisions and boarders

• Strong strategic, analytical, and implementation capabilities

Personal Characteristics

• High integrity and sound judgement

• Leadership and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to translate strategy into operational impact

• Collaborative, structured, and results-oriented

• Excellent communication skills in complex, cross-cultural environments

Formal Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in business, Economics, Law, Sustainability, International Development, or related field

• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience

• Demonstrated experience with ESG risk management, sustainability frameworks, and international advisory work

• Fluency in English and Swedish both oral and written; additional languages are an asset

• International experience from living and/or working abroad

Application

Do these qualities represent you? Are you ready for new challenges and take on a unique opportunity to create an impact globally?

If so, please apply with your CV and a one-page personal cover letter no later than the of 10th of August.

If you have any questions concerning the position, please contact Emma Modéer Wiking Emma.ModeerWiking@business-sweden.se, Head of International Sustainable Business or Victoria Rossi, Victoria.Rossi@business-sweden.se, Chief Compliance Officer/General Counsel. Due to summer vacation please expect a delay in answering till august.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Bodil Siggelin bodil.siggelin@business-sweden.se, People & Culture Business Partner. We will start to interview potential candidates at the end of August.