International Consultant · Climate Finance · Safeguards · Sustainability · ESG
International advisory for climate finance, safeguards and governance decisions that cannot afford to fail.
I am Dr Isabel B. Franco. For 20 years I have advised multilateral development banks, the United Nations system, governments, investors and companies in renewable energy, extractives and mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, and banking and finance, across Asia and the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. I lead the work personally, and when your project needs a full team, I assemble and lead one for you.
See my flagship engagements →Download my capability statement
- Renewable energy
- Extractives and mining
- Oil and gas
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Banking and finance
Institutions I have worked with
Asian Development BankPakistan · South Asia
United NationsAsia and the Pacific
United Nations Development ProgrammeAngola
UNESCAPAsia and the Pacific
United Nations UniversityJapan
Global Green Growth InstituteFiji
British CouncilColombia
International mandates
Where my advice protects the most value
I am brought in when finance, approvals or reputation depend on getting environmental, social and climate questions right the first time. These are the four mandates I take on most.
Lender ready projects
You need development bank or Equator Principles finance, and lenders will test your project against international safeguard standards before they lend.
- IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles gap analysis
- ESIA, SIA, Social Impact Management Plans and Resettlement Action Plans
- Environmental and Social Action Plans and preparation for the lenders' independent review
Track record: I led the Social Impact Management Plan for AAPowerLink (Sun Cable), an A$30 billion cross border renewable energy project, approved by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority. I have also carried out social impact assessments in Colombia and Angola, and a Resettlement Action Plan in Angola.
Discuss your projectE&S due diligence and portfolio safeguards
You are committing capital and need an independent expert view of environmental, social and climate risk, and a system your team can run afterwards.
- Environmental and social due diligence before investment
- Environmental and Social Management Systems for financial institutions
- Green taxonomy eligibility and portfolio screening
Track record: due diligence on lithium projects in Western and Northern Australia, consultation that helped a United States gas expansion move forward, and a green taxonomy eligibility assessment for the Asian Development Bank.
Request a due diligence proposalAccess to climate finance
Concessional, blended and climate fund finance is available, but only to projects and institutions that can show credible climate outcomes and safeguards.
- Climate finance assessments for concessional and blended finance
- Climate finance roadmaps and investment readiness
- Climate finance products such as parametric climate insurance
Track record: a climate finance assessment in Pakistan that helped a financial institution secure Asian Development Bank concessional and blended finance for two products, both approved and funded; assessments in the Philippines; and a climate finance roadmap for Fiji.
Book a strategy callClimate disclosure and ESG regulation
Climate related disclosure is becoming mandatory, and regulators and reporting entities need frameworks, guidance and capable teams to meet it.
- National climate risk disclosure guidelines
- ESG capacity building for regulators and supervisors
- Readiness for ISSB aligned climate reporting
Track record: national climate risk disclosure guidelines in development for Fiji, and ESG workshops for the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
Discuss a disclosure mandateSafeguards and lender readiness review
A fixed scope, fixed fee review of your project or investment against the IFC Performance Standards and the Equator Principles. You receive a gap report and a priority action plan, so you know what lenders and investors will ask before they ask it.
Who I work with
International expertise for institutions that set the standard
My clients bring me in when the stakes are high: concessional finance on the line, communities affected, regulators watching and international standards to meet. Most of my work is with project sponsors, investors, development banks and governments.
Private sector
Integrated ESG advisory for companies, investors and project developers, with concrete deliverables.
- SIA, ESIA and Social Impact Management Plans
- ESG strategy, due diligence and reporting
- IFC Performance Standards compliance
Multilateral organisations
Development banks and United Nations agencies: technical assistance and knowledge products that stand up to appraisal.
- Climate finance assessments for concessional and blended finance
- Parametric climate insurance and inclusive finance products
- Handbooks, policy guidance and regional consultations
Governments
Policy, regulation and national roadmaps that turn commitments into practice.
- Climate finance roadmaps and climate risk disclosure guidelines
- Country level ESG guidelines and capacity building
- Mining codes and extractive sector policy
Academia and research
Research, publications and teaching with universities, think tanks and journals.
- Journal articles and Springer volumes
- Research supervision and mentoring
- Guest lectures and peer review
Ways to work with me
Choose the engagement that fits your decision
Every engagement is scoped to your context and led by me personally, from the first conversation to the final deliverable.
International advisory retainer
Ongoing access to expert judgement on ESG strategy, climate finance and safeguards, for leadership teams, boards and investment committees.
Best for: organisations building or scaling a sustainability or climate finance agenda.
Enquire about a retainerTeam leader or international expert
I lead the technical delivery of your assignment, from inception to final report, and assemble the specialist team around it when needed.
Best for: development bank technical assistance, UN and government assignments.
Engage me for your projectIndependent review and due diligence
An expert second opinion before you commit: SIA and ESIA review, ESG due diligence and safeguards compliance against international standards.
Best for: investors, lenders, developers and their advisers.
Request a reviewExecutive training and briefings
Tailored programmes and briefings in social impact assessment, ESG and climate finance for executives, regulators and project teams.
Best for: regulators, corporate teams and professional bodies.
Plan a programmeNot sure which fits? Book a strategy call and we will define it together.
Delivery teams
One international lead. The right team behind me.
When your project needs more than one specialist, I put together and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver it. I can deliver through IBF International Institute for Better Futures, part of the IBF International Group I founded, and draw on the Women Sustainability Forum network and the International Innovation Board for Better Futures, with specialists from more than 35 countries across environmental, social, governance and finance disciplines. You keep one accountable point of contact and one standard of quality, while the team scales to the scope of your project.
Flagship engagements
Work that has moved capital, policy and projects
A selection of assignments I have led for development banks, United Nations agencies, governments and the private sector, with the results they achieved. Private sector clients are kept confidential.
SRenewable energy · SocialSocial Impact Management Plan for a cross border renewable energy project
I led the Social Impact Management Plan for an A$30 billion project, including climate mitigation and adaptation work with communities in the Northern Territory, and contributed to the project's Asia component as it sought finance from international institutions such as the World Bank and IFC.
Result: the plan was approved by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority.
Discuss a similar engagement →
E SClimate finance · GenderClimate finance assessment that unlocked concessional and blended finance
I led the climate finance assessment for a financial institution seeking Asian Development Bank concessional and blended finance for a parametric climate insurance product for women micro borrowers and a sustainable agriculture product. I also led the research and design of the insurance product.
Result: both products were approved and funded.
Discuss a similar engagement →
S GCorporate sustainability · GovernanceA Socially Responsible Business model for UN Global Compact companies
With the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand, I developed the Socially Responsible Business model for companies participating in the UN Global Compact across Asia and the Pacific, published by ESCAP as Socially Responsible Business: A Model for a Sustainable Future.
Result: regional guidelines on corporate sustainability, corporate governance and socially responsible business for companies participating in the UN Global Compact across Asia and the Pacific.
Discuss a similar engagement →
GDisclosure · Public policyNational climate risk disclosure guidelines and a climate finance roadmap
I developed a climate finance roadmap for communities and local governments, and I am developing country level climate risk disclosure guidelines.
Result: Climate Risk Disclosure Guidelines for Fiji aligned with IFRS S2 and the Climate Change Act 2021, now being finalised, with a Fiji specific climate risk methodology, a phased implementation roadmap for Tier 1 and Tier 2 entities and capacity building recommendations, built through consultation with regulators, the stock exchange, financial institutions, insurers and state owned enterprises.
Discuss a similar engagement →GExtractives · PolicyAligning Angola’s mining sector with the African Mining Vision
I helped build a long term sustainability vision for the extractive industry through stakeholder consultation, presented to the Minister of Mines and Geology.
Result: A 2030 roadmap for sustainable resource development aligned with the African Mining Vision, and a review of Angola’s Mining Code with recommendations for Catoca on livelihood restoration and engagement with the Indigenous communities affected by the Catoca diamond mine.
Discuss a similar engagement →Your project could be the next flagship. Let us talk about what success looks like.
Qualifications
Academic depth behind every engagement
Professional certifications
2019GRI Certified Sustainability ProfessionalGlobal Reporting Initiative
Paris, FranceOECD Roundtable on Socially Responsible Business and Critical Minerals
Tenders, technical assistance and projects
Need an international expert for a tender or assignment?
Send me the terms of reference. I will review the scope and come back to you with how I would approach it, whether I lead it on my own or with a team. I reply to every enquiry within two business days.
2 pages · PDF
Capability statement
Everything your team needs, on two pages
My core capabilities, selected engagements, clients, qualifications and certifications, ready to share with your procurement team, evaluation panel or project partners.
- Climate and sustainable finance, safeguards, ESG and governance
- Selected engagements with ADB, the United Nations, GGGI and the private sector
- PhD, postdoctoral fellowships, MBA and professional certifications
Many specialists cover one letter of ESG. My work integrates all three.
Dr Isabel B. Franco International Consultant · Climate Finance, ESG and Safeguards
My framework: integrated ESG
Many specialists cover one letter of ESG. My work integrates all three.
I bring together climate and sustainable finance, environmental and social safeguards, and corporate governance and public policy. I deliver each one in depth, and I connect them so that capital, people and institutions move in the same direction.
Select any part of the circle to explore it.
Franco (2026)Cite as: Franco, I. B. (2026). The Better Futures ESG Framework. IBF International Institute for Better Futures.
The integration
Where my work is most distinctive
I design finance with safeguards built in and governance that holds it in place, so investment reaches women, communities and local governments and strengthens their resilience.
Discuss an integrated engagement- 01Parametric Climate Insurance, PakistanParametric climate insurance designed for women micro borrowers, built on climate finance and social inclusion.
- 02Climate finance and disclosure, FijiA climate finance roadmap for communities and local governments, and national climate risk disclosure guidelines.
- 03AAPowerLink, Northern TerritoryClimate mitigation and adaptation with communities, within a Social Impact Management Plan for cross border renewable energy.
- 04Responsible banking, ThailandFor UNESCAP in Bangkok, a handbook on responsible and sustainable banking and finance, with leading financial institutions.
- 05Sustainability research networks, JapanWith United Nations University and Keio University, global stakeholder networks for impactful sustainability research and education.
Services
Advisory and training across the full sustainability agenda
Every engagement draws on the integrated ESG framework. Whether you need one specialist service or a programme that spans several, I tailor the team and approach to your context.
Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
- Climate Change Risk and Resilience
- Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
- Sustainability Impact Assessment
- IFC Safeguard Compliance
- Cumulative Impact Assessment
- Environmental and Social Management Systems
Social Sustainability
- Social and Human Rights Impact Assessment (SIA)
- Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration (RAP)
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workforce Wellbeing
- Community Health, Safety and Security
- Gender and Indigenous Peoples Engagement
- Monitoring and Evaluation (SIMP)
Sustainable Finance
- ESG Strategy, Metrics and Reporting
- Climate Finance (Funding Climate Solutions, TCFD)
- Social Investing
- Socially Responsible Investing
- Impact Investing
- Investing in Nature Based Solutions
- Supply Chain Sustainability Auditing
- Just Transition Finance
- Capacity Strengthening
Governance and Sustainability
- Corporate Sustainability
- Policy and Regulatory Compliance
- Institutional Strengthening
- Governance Risk Assessment
- Anti Corruption and Transparency
- Sustainability Reporting Frameworks (GRI, ISSB, CSRD)
- Public Policy Analysis
Each service is available as advisory support or as tailored training for your team.
Explore every serviceDiscuss your needsGlobal impact
Impact on six continents.
From Pacific islands to the Andes, from mining regions in Africa to financial regulators in Asia, my work has shaped policy, finance and projects across the world. Click on a country, or select it from the menu, to explore the projects behind each one.
Explore my regional experience
Publications
My Publications
Books, chapters, journal articles and reports on sustainability, ESG and climate finance, gender, governance and responsible business.
Better Futures: Global Perspectives on ESG, Climate Finance and Sustainable Finance
New book · Forthcoming 2027My next Springer volume is on its way. Be the first to know when it launches.
Notify me on releaseHow we start
From first conversation to a tailored proposal
Share your brief
Send your terms of reference, tender or a short description of the challenge through the form or by email.
Strategy call
We discuss objectives, standards, timeline and the decisions the work needs to support.
Tailored proposal
You receive a proposal with the approach, deliverables and, where needed, the team I will lead.
IBF International Group
A boutique group with global reach
Advisory, convening and education with global reach.
IBF International Institute for Better Futures
Sustainability advisory firm and think tank.
Visit IBF International Institute for Better Futures
Women Sustainability Forum
Convening women leaders in sustainability, home of the Exceptional Women in Sustainability Awards.
Visit the Forum
IBF International Education
Online MBA, master classes and courses for sustainability professionals.
Explore coursesOne conviction: environmental, social and governance performance belong together. IBF International Institute for Better Futures turns it into research, advice and a global community of practitioners.
Visit IBF International Institute for Better FuturesInternational forums
Convening changemakers across science, policy and practice
Hybrid and in person forums that connect changemakers across science, policy and practice.
Resources
Twenty years of field experience, shared
Explore a curated collection of resources spanning social performance, environmental sustainability and governance, including publications, policy briefs, tools and thought leadership developed across 20 years of field experience and institutional advisory work.
Featured in
I have lived on five continents and worked in more than 40 countries. Wherever your project is, I will be there.
Dr Isabel B. Franco International Consultant · Climate Finance, ESG and Safeguards
Testimonials
What colleagues say
The output from her work indicated quite clearly Isabel’s ability to communicate and engender trust when dealing with senior corporate representatives, government figures as well as with local communities. As a person she is determined, competent, innovative and thoughtful. I have no hesitation in recommending her.
It is a pleasure to recommend Dr. Isabel B. Franco. I have known her during her time at the Editorial Board of Sustainability Science and I have observed her performance in detail. Her qualities of diligence are rare and have led her to a successful career path. I recommend her with utmost enthusiasm and without any reservations.
Dr. Franco has demonstrated outstanding abilities to undertake and publish quality work in the field of sustainability. She did an excellent job ensuring that the activities produced successful and tangible outputs.
Dr. Franco has a strong ability to work independently. She concisely meets assigned deadlines; moreover, she approaches her tasks with an innovative creativity. I can highly recommend Dr. Franco. She is extremely passionate about understanding issues that concern various areas of sustainability science, policy and practice.
On stage and in the field
Moments from the conversations shaping sustainability
Newsletter
FUTURA · Your boarding pass to Better Futures
FUTURA is my newsletter. I write it between flights, from field sites and ministry meeting rooms, so you see what is coming in climate finance, ESG and impact before it reaches the headlines.
Each edition brings a short analysis of the trend that matters, lessons from the field, funding and tender opportunities, and invitations to Women Sustainability Forum events.
Get your boarding pass and travel with me to better futures. It is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
FUTURA · Your boarding pass to Better Futures: my blog, newsletter and podcast in one place →
Contact
Let us shape a better future together
Whether you are designing a climate finance strategy, preparing a social impact assessment or planning your next event, I would be glad to hear from you. I reply to every enquiry within two business days.