Manager - ESG Ratings (2-7 yrs)

Position Overview:

- We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Manager - ESG Ratings to join our sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) team. This role requires a deep understanding of ESG frameworks, sustainability assessments, and sector-specific ESG risk factors to evaluate and benchmark companies based on their ESG performance, disclosures, and sustainability initiatives.

- The ideal candidate should have prior experience handling ESG-related assignments, sustainability projects, or corporate sustainability strategies, either in a consulting firm, corporate ESG department, or a rating agency. This role will involve analyzing ESG disclosures, assessing sustainability risks, enhancing ESG assessment frameworks, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to provide meaningful ESG insights.

- The Manager - ESG Ratings will be responsible for conducting benchmarking exercises, evaluating ESG performance across various industries, contributing to the development of ESG risk assessment methodologies, and delivering training programs on ESG evaluation techniques. The candidate will also be expected to track emerging trends in ESG disclosures, sustainable finance, and competing ESG assessments, ensuring the organization stays ahead in the rapidly evolving ESG landscape.

- This position offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable finance, working with senior management, clients, and industry experts to shape the future of ESG ratings and sustainability assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. ESG Research, Analysis, and Benchmarking

- Conduct in-depth benchmarking exercises for ESG-related parameters across various sectors, identifying key performance indicators, risk factors, and sustainability trends.

- Assess corporate ESG disclosures, evaluating sustainability reports, financial filings, investor communications, and third-party ESG assessments to derive insights on company performance.

- Develop and refine the ESG assessment framework, ensuring that it incorporates sector-specific ESG risks, evolving global standards, and best practices.

- Analyze ESG risks and opportunities for different industries, taking into account sectoral nuances, materiality factors, and regulatory disclosures.

- Research and compile ESG-related data points, including climate risks, carbon emissions, corporate governance metrics, and social impact indicators.

- Identify proxy indicators and validate information where direct ESG disclosures are limited, ensuring accuracy and credibility in ESG evaluations.

2. ESG Framework Development and Implementation

- Enhance the ESG assessment methodologies by integrating sector-specific risk factors, material ESG indicators, and sustainability disclosure trends.

- Keep track of evolving ESG disclosure frameworks, including GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures), SEBI BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting), and IFRS Sustainability Standards.

- Contribute to the development of sustainable finance models, identifying ESG-related investment risks and opportunities for institutional investors and corporate stakeholders.

- Collaborate with industry experts to refine benchmarking methodologies, ensuring that ESG risk assessments reflect the latest regulatory and market developments.

3. ESG Market Trends and Thought Leadership

- Continuously track and analyze emerging trends in ESG disclosures, sustainable finance, and impact investing, identifying key industry shifts and regulatory updates.

- Research global best practices in ESG risk assessment, staying ahead of changes in corporate governance policies, climate risk disclosures, and social impact frameworks.

- Monitor competing ESG rating methodologies, comparing different evaluation criteria to improve the organization's ESG assessment approach.

- Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, publishing research papers, whitepapers, and ESG insights for industry stakeholders.

4. External and Internal Stakeholder Engagement

- Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for ESG risk assessments, working closely with clients, investors, regulatory bodies, and sustainability professionals.

- Conduct presentations and training sessions on ESG assessment methodologies, sustainability disclosures, and corporate sustainability strategies.

- Engage with market participants, analysts, and ESG-focused investors to seek feedback and continuously refine ESG assessment frameworks.

- Collaborate with internal teams, including analysts, risk management professionals, and product development teams, ensuring alignment of ESG methodologies with broader business objectives.

- Assist in the design and implementation of ESG-related training programs, fostering a culture of sustainability awareness within the organization.

5. ESG Data Analytics and Reporting

- Leverage data analytics tools to assess ESG performance trends, ensuring robust quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies.

- Prepare detailed ESG assessment reports, summarizing findings, sustainability risks, and corporate best practices.

- Develop customized sectoral ESG reports, providing industry-specific insights and sustainability benchmarks.

- Ensure accuracy and transparency in ESG evaluations by validating data sources, methodologies, and assessment techniques.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Management

- Work closely with finance, risk, compliance, and governance teams to align ESG evaluations with corporate strategies and investment decisions.

- Assist organizations in integrating ESG factors into investment decision-making processes, risk management frameworks, and regulatory compliance strategies.

- Support cross-functional teams in building ESG models, sustainability roadmaps, and green investment strategies for clients.

- Manage multiple ESG projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion, data accuracy, and effective communication of findings.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

1. Educational Background

A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, or related fields.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainability, ESG, or Finance is strongly preferred.

2. Work Experience:

- 2 to 8 years of hands-on experience in ESG consulting, sustainability reporting, ESG risk evaluation, or sustainable finance.

- Prior experience in ESG ratings, sustainability disclosures, regulatory compliance, or corporate sustainability strategy.

- Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and sector-specific sustainability factors.

3. Technical & Analytical Skills

- Expertise in sustainability reporting standards, including GRI, SASB, TCFD, and SEBI BRSR.

- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, with experience in benchmarking ESG performance metrics.

- Advanced Excel skills, with experience in data analysis, visualization, and financial modeling.

- Ability to interpret ESG ratings, compute proxies, validate non-financial disclosures, and develop analytical models.

4. Soft Skills & Competencies:

- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact with senior management, clients, and regulatory bodies.

- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a logical approach to ESG risk evaluation.

- Ability to work in fast-paced environments, handling multiple ESG projects with tight deadlines.

- Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and ESG strategy development.