Salma Houerbi
Aboulevard, 27 4 TH Frederiksberg
Summary
Senior Business & Human Rights professional with 8+ years of global experience advising companies, investors, and international organizations. Recognized for bridging international law, corporate practice, and rights-holder engagement to deliver practical human rights due diligence (HRDD), labor rights strategies, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in leading multicultural teams, guiding executives, and designing impactful training and advisory solutions that go beyond compliance to strengthen accountability and business resilience.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager – Social Sustainability
UN Global Compact Europe Hub
Copenhagen
03.2024 - Current
- Lead the flagship Target Gender Equality Accelerator, engaging 4,000+ companies in 32 countries, advising them on HRDD, gender equality, and due diligence legislation.
- Provide direct advisory to multinationals on compliance with the EU CSDDD, OECD Guidelines, and related frameworks.
- Design and deliver C-suite workshops for CEOs and senior sustainability leaders.
- Manage multi-country delivery teams, mentor colleagues, and ensure consistent quality.
- Broker strategic partnerships with UN Women to expand program reach.
Human Rights & Business Adviser
Danish Institute for Human Rights
Copenhagen
02.2021 - 03.2024
- Managed multi-country advisory projects in East & West Africa and North Africa with companies, investors, and governments.
- Conducted HRDD and impact assessments in sugarcane (Uganda) and gold mining (Burkina Faso) sectors.
- Delivered HRDD trainings for corporates and SMEs across Africa.
- Produced leading guidance on just transition and sector-specific human rights impacts.
- Supported policy advocacy on EU CSDDD, ESRS, and international frameworks.Managed multi-country advisory projects in East & West Africa with governments, investors, and companies.
- Conducted HRDD and impact assessments in sugarcane (Uganda) and gold mining (Burkina Faso).
- Delivered HRDD trainings for companies and SMEs across Africa.
- Produced leading guidance on just transition and sector-specific impacts.
- Supported policy advocacy on CSDDD, ESRS, and related frameworks.
Research Consultant
UNDP, Arab States Regional Office
Remote / Regional
10.2020 - 02.2021
- Led the first regional scoping study on Business & Human Rights in the Arab States.
- Delivered policy-shaping recommendations to governments, businesses, and investors.
- Focus areas: technology and apparel industries; Gulf, Tunisia, Morocco, Palestine.
Human Rights & Non-Discrimination Consultant
ILO (Arab States Office)
Beirut
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Conducted comparative research on labour rights and gender equality laws across Arab States.
- Developed an interactive map of best practices in women’s inclusion.
- Designed and delivered trainings to labour inspectors, employers, and workers’ representatives on non-discrimination and harassment prevention.
MENA Regional Researcher & Representative
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Tunisia
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Developed the Centre’s first MENA engagement strategy on Business & Human Rights.
- Trained companies, investors, and trade unions on HRDD and labour rights.
- Partnered with universities to integrate BHR into academic curricula.
- Built senior-level stakeholder networks across corporates, NGOs, and governments.
- Represented the Centre with executives, policymakers, and international media.
Research & Gender Advisor
Better Work Jordan (ILO)
Amman
05.2018 - 02.2019
- Designed and implemented the programme’s first gender strategy in garment supply chains.
- Produced influential reports on workplace violence & harassment.
- Trained employer representatives on gender equality and migrant worker protection.
- Advised brands and unions to strengthen workers’ voice in supply chains.
Education
MSc - Business & Development Studies
Copenhagen Business School
Copenhagen, Denmark01.2017
BA - Supply Chain Management
Jacobs University Bremen
Bremen, Germany01.2016
Skills
- Human Rights Due Diligence (UNGPs, OECD, EU CSDDD, ESRS)
- Stakeholder and rightsholder engagementt
- Gender equality and migrant workers' rights
- Multi-country advisory and capacity-building
- Corporate sustainability and supply chains
- Business development and strategic partnerships
- Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
- Project and program management
- Strategic partnerships and business development
- Corporate sustainability strategy
Languages
- Arabic, Native
- French, Native
- English, Fluent (C2)
- German, intermediate (B2)
- Danish, Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Senior Manager – Social Sustainability
UN Global Compact Europe Hub
03.2024 - Current
Human Rights & Business Adviser
Danish Institute for Human Rights
02.2021 - 03.2024
Research Consultant
UNDP, Arab States Regional Office
10.2020 - 02.2021
Human Rights & Non-Discrimination Consultant
ILO (Arab States Office)
08.2019 - 02.2021
MENA Regional Researcher & Representative
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
03.2019 - 02.2021
Research & Gender Advisor
Better Work Jordan (ILO)
05.2018 - 02.2019
MSc - Business & Development Studies
Copenhagen Business School
BA - Supply Chain Management
Jacobs University Bremen
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