Job descriptions library for sustainability positions

Job Summary

Company X is a private equity investment firm that targets complex, value-oriented investments in Real Economy sectors in North America and Europe.

Company X seeks an ESG Senior Associate to play a lead role in ESG value creation, due diligence and reporting. This position is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with deal teams, operating partners and management teams to drive sustainability and decarbonization initiatives within the firm’s portfolio. The ESG Senior Associate is a member of the investment team and reports to the Head of ESG.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-depth ESG, climate and regulatory diligence on new investment opportunities and work with deal teams to integrate findings into underwriting and investment committee materials.
• Support portfolio companies to develop and execute ESG value creation plans and decarbonization strategies, including the setting of science-based targets where appropriate.
• Support portfolio companies to prepare ESG-related disclosure and assessments for B2B customers and other stakeholders, including EcoVadis, CDP, TCFD, TNFD, CSRD, GRI and SASB.
• Help evolve Company X’s approach to climate risk management and TCFD at the portfolio and portfolio company level, including scenario analysis and disclosure.
• Conduct an annual ESG survey of existing portfolio companies to monitor ESG performance and develop an annual ESG report and other requisite reporting for Company X’s current and prospective investors.
• Track relevant ESG, sustainability and environmental disclosure and regulatory developments and industry trends, with a focus on carbon, chemicals, and sustainable feedstocks.
• Engage with the broader ESG community to build partnerships and share best practices, including attending conferences and proactively contributing to standards development via industry working groups.
• Help to lead and execute Company X’s internal ESG program, including initiatives related to carbon footprinting and reduction; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and corporate citizenship.

Requirements

• Resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to identify gaps, propose well-informed solutions, and see them to completion.
• Strong commercial instincts, with an ability to translate ESG and sustainability concepts into value creation drivers and operational strategies;
• A collaborative work style, the ability to build internal networks across a variety of businesses and corporate functions, and skill in achieving results through influence.
• Strong business audience communications skills both written and verbal; ability to influence people and communicate complex concepts in a digestible and precise manner, especially using PowerPoint.
• Ability to spot oncoming issues and connect dots, grasping the short- and long-term implications of decisions across a breadth of stakeholders.
• Judgment in navigating ambiguity and changing circumstances, knowing when to act independently and when to escalate topics with a willingness to contribute on both a strategic and tactical level.
• Solid content background in climate and sustainability preferred. Experience with carbon accounting and lifecycle assessment a plus.

Desired Background / Education

• Minimum 2 years of experience in management consulting and/or experience driving operational change in businesses (preferred).
• Bachelor’s Degree; strong academic credentials; MBA or equivalent degree is a plus.
• Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.