Starting a Career in ESG? Here’s How to Understand the Job Landscape

Getting started in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability field can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re new and unsure where to begin.

As a SASB Credential Holder, I’ve found that the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provides some of the best resources for understanding the ESG landscape.

One tool that I find particularly helpful is their “Sustainability Reporting Ecosystem” table. It breaks down the various components of the ESG reporting process, making it easier to see how different roles and organizations fit into the broader picture.

In this article, I’ll use this table to explain the job ecosystem within ESG, highlighting the key players and how they interact. This approach should make it simpler to understand where you might fit in and how to navigate your way into a fulfilling career in sustainability.

Source: SASB

Understanding SASB The sustainability reporting ecosystem

Breaking down the table in the below way makes it much easier to understand the different roles within the ESG job landscape and how they all connect, helping you see where your skills and interests might fit best.

The sustainability reporting ecosystem table can be divided into three main categories: information producers, information users, and neutral entities.

Information producers are the ones who create and report ESG data — think of reporters (i.e. companies), auditors, and software providers.

Information users, on the other hand, are those who consume this data, such as data providers, analytics platforms, end users, regulators.

Finally, neutral entities are those that facilitate the exchange of information between producers and users without taking a direct stance, like certain frameworks or platforms. They provide guidance on how to disclose ESG data, ensuring consistency and comparability across different reports. These frameworks and standards, such as the ones developed by SASB or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), are considered neutral because they serve both information producers and information users.

Examples of Jobs in the ESG Field

Now that we’ve broken down the different parts of the ESG ecosystem, let’s explore what job opportunities are available in each segment.

Understanding these roles within the context of the ecosystem can help you identify where your skills and interests might best fit.

Information Producers: Jobs in this segment focus on the creation, collection, and verification of ESG data.

1. [Reporters/Companies] ESG Reporting Specialists: This role involves preparing detailed ESG reports that comply with different standards and frameworks. These specialists ensure the data reported is accurate, consistent, and aligns with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
2. [Reporters/Companies] ESG/Investor Relations/Corporate Governance Experts: These experts focus on the governance aspect of ESG, advising companies on best practices for transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. They help ensure that a company’s governance structures align with investor expectations and regulatory requirements.
3. [Reporters/Companies] Carbon Experts: They specialize in measuring, managing, and reducing carbon emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3), a key aspect of ESG reporting. Their responsibilities include conducting carbon footprint analyses, developing emissions reduction strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and preparing reports that align with frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. These people are usually from a technical background and skilled in quantitative calculations.
4. [Auditors] ESG/Sustainability/ Carbon Auditors: Auditors in this field verify the accuracy and reliability of ESG data reported by companies. They assess the effectiveness of internal controls and ensure compliance with relevant standards and frameworks, providing assurance to information users (e.g. Sustainability consultancies such as those in Big 4 accounting firm, BSI, ISO, EcoVadis).
5. Software Providers: These professionals develop and manage software solutions that assist in collecting, managing, and reporting ESG data. They work on tools that help companies streamline their reporting processes and improve data accuracy. In my opinion this is a relatively niche market with less job vacancies.

Information Users: Jobs in this segment focus on the analysis and application of ESG data to make informed decisions.

1. [End Users] ESG Analysts (Buy-side/Sell-side): These analysts work for investment firms, banks, or financial institutions, analyzing ESG data to inform investment decisions. They assess the sustainability performance of companies and evaluate the risks and opportunities related to their ESG practices. e.g.
2. [End Users] Investment Managers/Sustainability Portfolio Managers: These professionals integrate ESG factors into their investment strategies, selecting companies that align with sustainability goals. They use ESG data to construct portfolios that meet both financial and ethical objectives.
3. [Data Providers] ESG Rating Analysts: They use company’s ESG disclosures to evaluate and rate its sustainability practices based on specific methodologies. These ratings help investors and stakeholders assess a company’s ESG performance and risks, guiding investment decisions (e.g. Sustainalytics, MSCI, S&P, Sustainable Fitch, Bloomberg, DJSI)
4. [Regulators] Regulatory Compliance Officers: These officers ensure that companies comply with ESG-related regulations and standards. They monitor changes in laws and regulations, advise on compliance strategies, and prepare reports for regulatory bodies. (e.g. working in the Government/ Stock Exchanges]

Neutral Entities (Frameworks and Standards): Jobs in this segment involve providing guidance and support to both information producers and users.

1. Framework and Standards Developers: Professionals in this role work with organizations like SASB, GRI, TCFD or CDP to develop and update sustainability standards and frameworks. They ensure that the guidelines remain relevant and effective in guiding ESG disclosures.
2. Training and Education Coordinators: These individuals work with various stakeholders to provide training on ESG reporting standards and frameworks. They help companies understand how to implement these guidelines effectively and how to improve their sustainability reporting practices.
3. Sustainability Consultants: Consultants often work with both producers and users to help align their ESG strategies with the latest frameworks and standards. They provide tailored advice to companies on improving their sustainability performance and reporting.

Certifications That Can Elevate Your ESG Career Prospects

Enrolling for exams and credentials demonstrate specialized knowledge in sustainability, ESG reporting, and investment, might make you a more attractive candidate to employers:

• Certificate in ESG Investing
• FSA Credential (If you want to know more about my study tips for SASB Credential Exam, you can refer to my previous articles:)
• Sustainability and climate risk (SCR®) certificate
• EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst® (CESGA) Certification
• GRI Professional Certification Program

To Conclude

The ESG field is full of exciting opportunities to drive real change. By exploring the job landscape, sharpening your skills, and earning valuable certifications, you can stand out and make a difference.

Now’s the perfect time to start your journey toward a dynamic and impactful career in sustainability!

If you want to know more about my study tips for SASB Credential Exam, you can refer to my previous articles: