Sailing with the Roskilde Viking Ship Sailing Guild
Liz Steele
Senior Advisor – Ethics, Human Rights & Corporate Sustainability
Greater Copenhagen
Summary
Experienced professional specialising in responsible business conduct and corporate sustainability, with over 20 years of experience advising multinational corporations, governments, and international organisations on ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Strong background in EU corporate sustainability regulations and global human rights frameworks, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Highly analytical and adept at team collaboration, consistently achieving results while remaining adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in corporate policy development, sustainability impact assessment, training and stakeholder communication, with a well-established reputation for reliability and integrity.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
6
6
Languages
Work History
Sustainability Consultant
GLOBAL CSR
Copenhagen, Denmark
08.2024 - Current
- Advised multinational companies, industry associations and organisations on corporate governance, anti-corruption and ethical business conduct in accordance with international frameworks.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement due diligence processes, including risk analyses and impact assessments across social (human rights), environmental and economic (anti-corruption) areas, identifying actions for prevention and mitigation and indicators.
- Delivered training on ethical business practices and EU corporate sustainability regulations.
- Provided research and analysis on relevant EU corporate sustainability policies, regulations and reporting standards (CSDDD, CSRD and ESRS, EU Taxonomy).
- Maintained database systems to track and analyse operational data.
- Results: Led an ESG impact assessment for an international shipping association, mapping social, environmental and governance risks against IMO regulatory requirements.
Senior Policy Advisor
Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC)
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Led technical assistance on integrating gender equality and social inclusion in investment programmes in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Provided expert advice to senior leadership, influencing key policy decisions and directions.
- Developed user-friendly resources, including reports and briefings that translated complex information into actionable insights tailored for various audiences.
- Results: Designed and delivered a training programme on human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and meaningful stakeholder engagement for UN agencies, companies and civil society.
Senior Advisor
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data
12.2020 - 03.2024
- Led multistakeholder initiatives across 10+ countries in Africa and Latin America, to strengthen data governance and digital transformation to ensure global food security and sustainable food systems.
- Mentored junior advisors, fostering professional development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Established strong partnerships with key stakeholders through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, promoting mutual success.
- Results: Secured and managed a $1.5m Gates Foundation grant, ensuring compliance with donor accountability frameworks.
Senior Partnerships Analyst
UNOPS
Copenhagen, Denmark
08.2021 - 12.2023
- Developed global engagement strategies for partnerships with the EU, German and French governments, advising on donor compliance, ethical standards and governance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Enhanced team collaboration by clearly communicating complex findings through visualisations and reports.
- Results: Secured high-level participation in COP27 and the World Health Summit.
Managing Director
CSO Consultancy
UK & Denmark
09.2016 - Current
- Supported corporate and government clients in implementing sustainability and ethics policies.
- Conducted human rights impact assessments and due diligence reviews for international organisations.
- Supported the World Bank, European Investment Bank and Dutch government in promoting stakeholder engagement and increasing the transparency of investments and sustainable development programmes.
- Results: Directed large-scale projects from inception to completion on time/budget with strict adherence to quality standards.
EU Representative
Publish What You Fund & CARE International
09.2006 - 09.2016
- Led successful lobbying efforts on human rights, transparency and sustainable development at the G7, EU Foreign Affairs Council, and World Humanitarian Summit.
- Developed advocacy strategies influencing EU policies on human rights, transparency and sustainable development.
- Built and managed multistakeholder coalitions with civil society, industry leaders and policymakers.
- Results: Contributed to the inclusion of data and transparency in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030.
Geographical and Procurement Coordinator
European Commission
01.2002 - 09.2006
- Managed EU human rights and investment programmes in West Africa with an annual budget of over €60m.
- Managed EU procurement in Russia, handling an annual individual portfolio of over €50m.
- Represented the EU in negotiations with governments, donors and international organisations
- Implemented effective risk management strategies for procurement activities, safeguarding the organisation from supply chain disruptions.
Education
Master of Science - International Politics And Governance
Roskilde University
Roskilde 09.2023 - 09.2025
Bachelor of Science - European Law, Politics and Economics
Cardiff University
Cardiff, UK 09.1988 - 06.1992
Skills
Risk Assessment
Environmental, Social, Governance Impact Assessment
EU Corporate Sustainability compliance
Corporate governance policy and strategic advisory
Training in Responsible Business Conduct
Stakeholder engagement
Project Management
Additional Information
EU Permanent Resident
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-steele
Interests
Winter swimming with Roskilde Vinterbadere club
Volunteer mentor for a Danish-International Professional Women's Association
Cycling and hiking around Denmark
Certification
Diploma in Responsible Business Conduct Compliance - GLOBAL CSR.
Timeline
Diploma in Responsibility in Business Relationships - GLOBAL CSR
10-2024
Diploma in Responsible Business Conduct Compliance - GLOBAL CSR.
09-2024
Diploma in Sustainability Impact Assessment - GLOBAL CSR.
09-2024
Sustainability Consultant
GLOBAL CSR
08.2024 - Current
Senior Policy Advisor
Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC)
05.2024 - 10.2024
Master of Science - International Politics And Governance
Roskilde University
09.2023 - 09.2025
Senior Partnerships Analyst
UNOPS
08.2021 - 12.2023
Senior Advisor
Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data
12.2020 - 03.2024
Diploma in Governance and Accountability - International Centre for Parliamentary Studies
06-2019
Managing Director
CSO Consultancy
09.2016 - Current
EU Representative
Publish What You Fund & CARE International
09.2006 - 09.2016
Geographical and Procurement Coordinator
European Commission
01.2002 - 09.2006
Bachelor of Science - European Law, Politics and Economics
Cardiff University
09.1988 - 06.1992
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