Consultancy: Research on Chinese Environmental, Social, and Governance Management Practices and Engagement Models with International Standards Bodies
Location: Kinshasa, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank working to solve major sustainable development challenges. IISD is seeking a consultant to research and draft a chapter of a study on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the engagement models between Chinese actors and international ESG standard-setting bodies. This is the second phase of IISD's research on Chinese ESG frameworks in critical mineral value chains.
Scope of work: conduct desk-based research and stakeholder interviews; review policy documents, academic literature and industry reports; participate in inception discussions; prepare a detailed chapter outline for approval; draft the chapter (about 3,000 words, APA 7th edition) with full citations; revise based on reviewer comments and join review meetings.
Deliverables: inception note (2-3 pages), annotated chapter outline, summary report of stakeholder interviews (government agencies, industry associations, standards bodies, mining companies, civil society and affected communities), first draft, and final draft with recommendations on improving the ESG performance of Chinese copper and cobalt companies in the DRC. The contract starts November 1, 2026, and the final draft is due May 15, 2027.
Requirements: a master's degree in law, social sciences, public policy, environment, development studies or a related field (or equivalent experience); at least 5 years of experience in mining governance, mining policy, ESG management or sustainable development, with a demonstrated focus on China and Chinese companies; experience with multistakeholder consultations; strong knowledge of China's legal and regulatory ESG framework for mining; familiarity with international ESG standards bodies; fluency in English and Chinese (required); French is an advantage. The work is remote, with possible travel to the DRC. IISD will not apply for residency or work permits on the applicant's behalf.
Application deadline: October 19, 2026 4PM CST
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit in English via the IISD BamBooHR careers page by October 19, 2026, 4PM CST. Include: a technical proposal (max 5 pages: understanding of the assignment, methodology and research approach, proposed chapter outline, work plan and timeline, relevant experience); a financial proposal (daily rate and estimated level of effort for the entire consultancy); and supporting materials (CV, two relevant writing samples, optional reference contacts). Incomplete and late proposals will be automatically disqualified.
https://iisd.bamboohr.com/careers/938