Consultancy: Research on Chinese environmental, social, and governance management practices and engagement models with international standards bodies

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to solve today's greatest sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise across critical policy areas with a collaborative approach to research, advice, and hands-on support that delivers real-world results. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 experts working from offices in Canada and Switzerland as well as other locations around the world.

1. Background

Critical minerals are necessary inputs for the technologies essential for the energy and digital transitions that will shape the low-carbon economies of the future. At the same time, mining activities can generate significant environmental and social impacts that need to be managed, including water pollution, waste generation, biodiversity loss, labour concerns, and community grievances. As a global leader in processing critical minerals and manufacturing technologies for energy and digital transitions, China plays a decisive role in shaping how these transitions would be managed. Namely, the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance and business practices of Chinese mining and mineral processing companies can lead to important sustainable development outcomes. 

IISD has conducted research on the evolving Chinese ESG framework and standards in critical mineral value chains and its application to overseas operations of Chinese companies, using the nickel value chain in Indonesia as a case study. In a second phase of this research, IISD will delve deeper into the ESG practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and mineral processing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The study will assess the ESG practices of selected Chinese-invested mining and processing operations in the DRC, identify areas of progress and remaining gaps, and examine how Chinese regulatory frameworks, DRC mining governance, and international sustainability standards interact in practice. The project will generate evidence-based recommendations and facilitate dialogue among Chinese stakeholders, international standards bodies, governments, industry, and civil society.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy 

IISD seeks a consultant to conduct research and draft a chapter of the study on the ESG management practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies operating in the DRC, as well as the engagement models between Chinese actors and international ESG standard-setting bodies.

The consultant will conduct desk research and stakeholder interviews, as needed, to provide an analysis of the state of ESG performance and practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies operating in the DRC. This will include a comparative analysis of the ESG management practices of Chinese companies compared with other major actors operating in the country, as well as the change in ESG management over time (in the last 10–20 years), including the experience of Chinese companies’ engagement with international ESG standards. In addition, the chapter will provide an analysis of the evolution of the engagement and cooperation between Chinese and international ESG standards-setting bodies.

Findings from the research should give a comparative analysis (comparing change over time and in practices of major mining companies and mineral processors in the DRC) of the current state of ESG management practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies operating in the DRC. It should also provide an analysis of the wider engagement of Chinese and international standards bodies, looking into how collaborative arrangements work in practice, what are the different engagement models and avenues, and what are their limitations and potential opportunities for the future. The findings should inform recommendations on how to improve the ESG performance of Chinese copper and cobalt companies in the DRC.

3. Objectives

3.1 Overall Objectives

The objective of this consultancy is to research and draft a chapter on the ESG management practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies operating in the DRC and on the engagement models between Chinese actors and international ESG standard-setting bodies.

3.2 Specific Objectives

The consultant will deliver a chapter for the report that will include the following:

• An analysis of the ESG management practices of Chinese companies operating in the DRC’s copper and cobalt value chain and the remaining challenges they face. The analysis should provide some comparison on the ESG performance of Chinese companies over time (in the last 10–20 years) and compare the ESG management practices of Chinese companies with other major companies in these industries (supplemented by research from the team).
• An analytical overview of the engagement models between Chinese standards-setting bodies (e.g., China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC)) and international standards-setting bodies (e.g., The Initiative for Responsible Minning Assurance (IRMA), Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), the Copper Mark, etc.). The analysis should provide first-hand insights, corroborated by stakeholder interviews, into current engagement arrangements, their scope of work, operationalization in practice, and analysis of the potential and limitations for these types of engagement arrangements in terms of improving ESG performance.
• Comprehensive documentation of primary data collected for the analysis, anonymized and aggregated where required. A summary report of the relevant stakeholder interviews that captures perspectives from government agencies, industry associations, standards-setting bodies, mining companies, and civil society, including the local communities directly affected by mining and mineral processing.
• Recommendations on how to improve ESG practices of Chinese copper and cobalt mining and processing companies in the DRC.

 4. Scope of Work

• Conduct desk-based research.
• Review relevant policy documents, academic literature, and industry reports.
• Participate in inception discussions with the project team.
• Prepare a detailed chapter outline for approval.
• Draft the chapter, including complete citations and references to secondary sources and primary data to back up all relevant findings.
• Revise the chapter based on reviewer comments.
• Participate in review meetings as required.

5. Deliverables 

• Inception note: A 2–3-page note describing the methodology, research approach, and proposed chapter structure.
  
• Annotated chapter outline: A detailed outline with major arguments and evidence sources.
• Summary report of stakeholder interviews: A summary report of all the stakeholder interviews conducted for the chapter
• First draft: Complete chapter draft
• Final draft: Revised chapter incorporating comments

6. Expected Length and Format

• Estimated chapter length: 3,000 words.
• Written in clear, professional English.
• Referencing style: APA 7th Edition.
• All data sources must be cited.
• Graphics, tables, and figures should be supplied in editable format where possible.

7. Expected Timeline 

• Contract start: November 1, 2026
  
• Inception note: November 10, 2026
• Outline approved: November 15, 2026
• Summary report of stakeholder interviews: February 15, 2027
• First draft: March 15, 2027
• Comments returned: April 15, 2027
• Final draft: May 15, 2027

8. Required Qualifications

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in law, social sciences, public policy, environment, development studies, or a relevant interdisciplinary program or field. Applicants without a master’s degree are welcome to apply if they can demonstrate equivalent experience.
  

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in mining governance, mining policy, ESG management, sustainable development, or related fields, with a demonstrated focus on China and Chinese companies.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to or independently delivering research, analysis, and policy recommendations related to mining and sustainable development.
• Demonstrated experience conducting multistakeholder consultations as part of policy research.
• Experience working with and access to Chinese mining companies and/or Chinese ESG standards-setting bodies is desirable.
  

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize information into clear, well-structured outputs.
• Working knowledge of policy research methods, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Strong, demonstrated knowledge and work experience with China’s legal and regulatory ESG framework related to the mining and mineral processing industry.
• Familiarity with international ESG standards-setting bodies and their implementation processes.
• Familiarity with sustainable development, policy theory, and current climate and energy policy issues is highly desirable; willingness and ability to learn in these areas are essential.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office/Teams, and experience using web-based communications and collaboration tools. Ability to work on shared documents in Microsoft 365 environments is a technical requirement.
• Fluency in English and Chinese (required). Knowledge of French is an advantage (desired).
  

Location: Remote (with possible travel to the DRC).

IISD will not be applying for residency, and work permits for this position on behalf of the applicant.

9. Proposal Requirements 

Applicants are requested to submit a brief inception approach outlining their proposed methodology, data sources, analytical framework, and a draft chapter structure. The proposed approach will be assessed as part of the technical evaluation.

Interested consultants should submit the following:

Technical Proposal

Maximum 5 pages including

• understanding of the assignment
• proposed methodology and research approach
• proposed chapter outline
• work plan and timeline
• relevant experience

Financial Proposal

• Daily rate and estimated level of effort for the entire consultancy

Supporting Materials

• CV
• Two relevant writing samples
• Contact information for references (optional)

Application Process

Application deadline: October 19, 2026 4PM CST 

NOTE: 

• All applications must be submitted in English. 
• Incomplete and late proposals will be automatically disqualified.