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ESG & Climate Risk Director Job Description

Leading the Way in Sustainable Risk ​Management

As the global focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors intensifies, organisations are increasingly recognizing the need for specialized professionals to address the complex risks associated with climate change. The role of an ESG & Climate Risk Director has emerged as a critical position within companies, responsible for navigating the challenges and opportunities arising from climate-related risks.

Developing and Implementing ESG & Climate Risk Strategies

ESG & Climate Risk Directors are tasked with formulating comprehensive strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate climate-related risks. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate these strategies into the organisation’s decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Enhancing Sustainability and Resilience

These directors oversee the implementation of sustainable practices and resilience measures, identifying opportunities to reduce carbon footprints, optimize resource efficiency, and enhance climate resilience. They champion the adoption of renewable energy sources, sustainable supply chains, and climate-related scenario planning.

Background and Sectors

ESG & Climate Risk Directors typically possess a background in finance, risk management, sustainability, or related fields. They often hold advanced degrees such as an MBA, MSc in Environmental Science, or a relevant certification such as the Certificate in ESG Investing. These professionals are sought after in various sectors, including finance, energy, manufacturing, retail, and consulting. Companies across industries are recognizing the need to proactively manage climate risks and seize opportunities arising from sustainable business practices.

Pioneering Sustainability in the Corporate Landscape

  • In-depth knowledge of ESG frameworks and climate-related risks, with expertise in assessing and managing such risks in the corporate context.
  • Familiarity with relevant regulations and reporting standards, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidelines.
  • Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
  • Experience in sustainable finance, impact investing, and integrating ESG considerations into investment strategies.
  • Proficiency in sustainability reporting and disclosure practices, with a focus on materiality assessment and stakeholder engagement.
  • Understanding of carbon accounting methodologies, climate scenario analysis, and climate-related stress testing.
  • Familiarity with environmental and social impact assessments and mitigation strategies.

Soft Skills

In addition to hard skills, successful ESG & Climate Risk Directors demonstrate the following soft skills:

Leadership and Influence

Ability to drive change and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, effectively communicating the business case for ESG integration and climate risk management.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

Strong interpersonal skills to foster partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and industry peers, leveraging networks to advance sustainability goals and manage climate risks collectively.

Salary Range

Salary ranges for ESG & Climate Risk Directors can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size. In the UK, the average annual salary for this role ranges from $120,000 to $180,000. In the Middle East, salaries typically range from $150,000 to $250,000. In Europe, the average salary falls between $100,000 and $160,000, while in the US, it can reach up to $200,000 or more, depending on the region and company.

United Kingdom

$90,000 - $150,000

United States

$100,000 - $180,000

Europe

$80,000 - $140,000

Middle East

$80,000 - $130,000

Role Summary

As companies increasingly recognize the importance of ESG and climate risk management, the role of an ESG & Climate Risk Director becomes crucial in driving sustainable business practices. With their expertise in ESG principles, climate risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement, these professionals play a pivotal role in guiding organisations towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.
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