ESG Careers: Salaries & Job Roles | Zell Education

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      What Salaries And Job Roles Can I Expect in ESG?

      Last Update On 2nd December 2024
      Duration: 6 Mins Read

      ESG Job Role and Salary

      The contemporary businesses that revolve around the sectors of environment, social and governance are growing at an ever-evolving pace. Anyone who wants to build a meaningful career around ESG will get heightened opportunities. There are various ESG job roles and salaries available in the ESG field. Based on individual qualifications and experiences one can filter out ESG job roles, salary ranges, top companies hiring for ESG job roles and the trends in the ESG job market

      What is an ESG Job, and What Kind of Roles are Available?

      ESG job roles aim to incorporate sustainability and ethical considerations within an organization’s operations and decision-making processes. ESG job roles and salary varies on evaluating and managing environmental, social and governance risks. It requires the employee to practice fostering stakeholder engagement and drive sustainable practices.  Here are some ESG job roles that are currently in high demand

      Sustainability Manager

      A sustainability manager is someone responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies, setting goals, and tracking performance for business operations. Their core goal is to ensure sustainable operations which result in long-term and stable financial returns in a business. The average annual salary of a sustainable manager in India is ₹ 12.5 Lakhs. The starting salary is around 6 LPA and it can range up to 35 LPA over time through skill-based promotions.

      Environmental Engineer

      Environment engineers focus on assessing emerging ESG issues and plan accordingly. The plan should help minimize environmental impacts, ensure compliance with regulations, and implement sustainable practices. The average salary for an environmental engineer is 21 LPA, with the lower limit being 16.3 LPA and the upper limit being 46.6 LPA.

      Social Impact Analyst

      A social impact analyst understands the contemporary happenings to predict the future social impact of a company’s operations. Social impact is directly proportional to financial returns on investment. The average salary for a social impact analyst in India is around 6.3 LPA.

      Corporate Responsibility Officer

      ESG is a very powerful cluster of industry, thus when left unsupervised it can become very volatile. It is crucial to have a checkpoint of responsibility and ethical consideration. The corporate responsibility officer develops and manages corporate social responsibility programs and fosters interpersonal relationships. The officer ensures ethical practices in social and environmental performance. The average salary of a Corporate Responsibility Officer in India is around 3 LPA (approximately a monthly salary of 25k)

      How Do I Get a Job in the ESG Field?

      ESG is a relatively newer field, thus making a career in it will require a combination of education, experience and passion for sustainability. Some steps to get an ESG job role are:

      2. Gain relevant education

      There is no set curriculum for ESG courses based on the exact periphery to match ESG job roles. However, knowledge around the society, governance and environmental protocols is needed. Academic degrees in sustainability, environmental science, public administration, and business management can be included in the eligibilty. Short certification courses in ESG principles can also be added in your CV.

      2. Build experience

      Experience in the culture and healthy communicative practice in the organizational interpersonal relationship is highly essential. For that, the candidate should first bag some internships, volunteering’s and entry-level positions before applying to strong roles. The candidate should always be attached to companies with a healthy ESG ecosystem. These initial involvements are essential to judge one’s interest and commitment towards the niche segment of ESG.

      3. Network

      Your network is your net worth. Visit events, conferences and digital communities. Connect with professionals from the environmental, governance and social sectors, understand their viewpoints. Build your own perspective.

      4. Stay informed

      Follow latest trends, regulatory notices, and emerging practices in ESG.

      ESG Job Role Salary

      What Qualifications or Experience are Required For an ESG Job?

      Qualifications and experience required for an ESG job role and salary vary depending on the specific role and industry. 

      • A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as sustainability, environmental science, business administration, or social sciences.
      • Knowledge of ESG principles, sustainability frameworks, and reporting standards.
      • Experience in areas such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, community engagement, or stakeholder relations.
      • Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.

      What are the Top Companies Hiring for ESG Jobs?

      Many companies across industries are recognizing the importance of ESG and are actively hiring professionals in this field. Some top companies offering ESG job roles include:

      • Unilever
      • Microsoft
      • Tesla
      • Nike
      • BlackRock
      • Salesforce
      • Patagonia
      • Novartis
      • JPMorgan Chase

      These companies prioritize sustainability and ESG principles in their operations and offer diverse opportunities for ESG professionals.

      What is the Salary Range for ESG Jobs?

      The ESG job role and salary vary depending on factors such as job level, industry, location and experience. Here are some approximate salary ranges for different levels of ESG roles:

      ESG Research Analyst  – ₹12,00,000 per year

      Junior ESG Analyst – ₹5,55,000 per year

      Developer – ₹5,97,549 per year

      ESG associate – ₹3,60,000 per year

      ESG Risk Assessments & Insights Analyst – ₹6,50,000 per year

      ESG roles in finance

      The finance industry is having a demand spike for ESG professionals for roles such as ESG Analyst, Sustainable Investing Specialist, and Corporate Responsibility Officer. ESG job role and salary depends on the candidate’s calibre of integrating ESG factors into business operations. Roles like assisting with investment decisions, ESG research and engaging with stakeholders on sustainability pain points are covered under financial roles in ESG.

      ESG Roles in the Energy and Utility Industry

      The energy industry is of direct utility to every human on earth. Here the ambit of ESG stakeholders go beyond the ones financially attached to an industry, rather it seeps ahead to the individual societal representatives. Any decision these job holders make will have a very wide impact. Thus these responsibilities are ethically regulated.  Roles like Renewable Energy Project Managers, Sustainability Consultants for energy efficiency projects and Environmental Compliance Officers are in high demand.

      What are the Trends in the ESG Job Market?

      In recent years, the ESG job market witnessed a 223% spike in demand. The demand is materialised in forms of several trends:

      • Ethical investing: ESG investment has gained attraction from a spectrum of institutions like multi-billion dollar companies, big private equity firms, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). More companies are recognizing the long-term benefits of incorporating ESG practices, leading to a rise in ESG job opportunities.
      • AI in the ESG field: The ESG Data Acquisition & Management Survey 2023 reinstates ESG’s market importance and demand. It also suggests the pivotal role of AI in revolutionising the ESG sector to make it more accessible, affordable and inclusive towards its stakeholders. Companies are seeking professionals with knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
      • ESG in APAC: ESG practices are expanding beyond traditional sectors like energy and finance, with increased demand in technology, retail and manufacturing industries. In the Asia Pacific zone, there is an uprise of the trend regarding liability for greenwashing where advertisements and eco-friendly claims by companies are sharply scrutinised. Legislative steps like the South Korean Advertising Act, the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice and guidelines from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission uphold the greenwashing enforcement priority.

      Conclusion

      The ESG field offers exciting job opportunities for individuals passionate about creating a sustainable and ethical future. Roles like Sustainability Managers, Environmental Engineers, Social Impact Analysts and Corporate Responsibility Officers allow professionals to contribute positively to organizations and society. By gaining relevant education, building experience, and staying informed, you can position yourself for a successful career in the ESG field. With the increasing focus on sustainability in various industries, the demand for ESG professionals is expected to grow, providing abundant opportunities for those interested in making a difference.

      FAQ

      What is the salary of ESG professionals?
      ESG job roles and salaries vary in accordance to various aspects such as their job titles, experience, industry and locations. In general, the senior positions in finance or consulting sectors provide competitive remuneration, while the remunerations offered in non-profit organizations and smaller organizations are comparatively lower.

      What are ESG roles?
      ESG responsibility involves a wide range of professions, which involves, ESG analysts, Sustainability Manager/Director, CSR manager, Ethics and Compliance Officer, ESG consultant and ESG Data Analyst. These responsibilities comprise Analyzing, implementing, and advising on environmental, social and governance concerns in the organization.

      Is ESG a good career?
      Yes, ESG offers professional prospects to those who are interested in economic viability and sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance. The incorporation of ESG factors into the company’s processes and investment in them are expected to increase the requirement for experienced people in this industry.

      Does ESG pay well?
      ESG professionals can receive competitive remuneration, especially in finance and consulting, for senior positions or specialized expertise. Remuneration varies based on workplace and industry, but the increasing importance of ESG implies opportunities for career development and financial benefits.

       

      Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.
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