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Eva Schafer

Results-driven strategic expert and aspiring leader with over a decade of experience shaping global policies on sustainable development, gender equality, and corporate responsibility at the United Nations. Adept at forging multi-stakeholder partnerships, influencing international regulatory frameworks, and leading high-impact initiatives on sustainable development, diversity, and responsible business conduct. Now seeking to leverage extensive UN expertise to drive impact in the private sector, equipping businesses with sustainability solutions. Passionate about integrating sustainability into core corporate strategies and business processes to create long-term value for people and the planet. 

Key Skills

Strategic Project Management
Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Communications

Professional Experience

May 2022
Jul 2024
Team Lead
United Nations New York City, US
  •  Led a multinational team of 8 staff members driving sustainability, ESG, and gender equality initiatives at the UN. 
  • Advised decision-makers on sustainability policies, aligning business strategies with global ESG frameworks (UNGPs, SDGs, OECD Guidelines). 
  • Established cross-sector partnerships with businesses, financial institutions, and civil society to advance ESG priorities. 
  • Led multilateral negotiations on sustainability policies, influencing corporate responsibility frameworks at the UN. 
  • Delivered capacity-building programs for policymakers, and private sector leaders. 

Aug 2017
Jun 2019
Senior Adviser, Gender & Sustainable Development
United Nations New York City, US
  •  Supervised a team of three experts focusing on the social aspects of sustainability. 
  •  Developed policy recommendations on ESG-related challenges, including modern slavery and climate justice. 
  •  Led advocacy campaigns on business & human rights, sustainable finance, and corporate ESG responsibilities. 
  • Strengthened public-private partnerships to integrate sustainability policy guidelines into corporate decision-making. 
  •  Forged strategic alliances with corporations and financial institutions to promote inclusive and responsible business practices. 
Feb 2012
Dec 2016
Sustainable Development Expert
Permanent Mission of Hungary to the UN New York City, US
  •  Negotiated human rights and sustainability provisions in global treaties, ensuring alignment with corporate ESG standards. 
  • Served as special adviser to the Core-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Open-Working Group, leading negotiation efforts on the future SDGs on health, education, gender equality and inequalities. 
  •  Served as Vice-Chair of the UN CRPD Conference, advocating for inclusive corporate policies for persons with disabilities. 
  • Led EU negotiations on business and human rights at the UN General Assembly. 
Apr 2009
Feb 2012
Sustainability Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budapest, HU
  • Provided policy analysis on ESG and sustainability commitments, advising on regulatory frameworks. 
  • Negotiated sustainability provisions in international agreements on behalf of EU Member States.

Education

Aug 2002
Jul 2007
Master of Arts in International Relations in
Corvinus University of Budapest

Certifications

ESG Value Creation for Business Impact
Duke University
Organizational Leadership in DEI
Rice University

Languages

English
(Fluent)
French
(Fluent)
Spanish
(Basic)
Hungarian
(Native)

Get in touch with Eva