Environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, is a relatively new concept. It has been brought about by the increasing need for companies to adopt a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially responsible approach to business.
So, it’s no surprise that jobs in ESG have gained traction over the years.
The careers center around five principles that reflect the core values of ESG. In this blog post, we dive deeper into these five principles to help you make informed decisions when considering jobs in ESG.
1. Sustainability
Sustainability is the pillar of ESG. In ESG, businesses strive to remain profitable while being sustainable, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible.
Therefore, jobs in sustainability are essential in ESG careers as they help companies identify their environmental impact and develop sustainable solutions to minimize the impact. ESG project managers, sustainability analysts, and energy efficiency consultants are some jobs in ESG that come to mind when discussing sustainability.
2. Social Responsibility And Equity
ESG is all about responsible business practices and engagement with all stakeholders. Businesses need to consider the different social factors their operations have on their employees, customers, and local communities.
Therefore, ESG careers around social responsibility include but are not limited to, social impact analysts, sustainability consultants, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers. These jobs in ESG are vital in enhancing a company’s public image while ensuring businesses conduct their interactions with society responsibly.
3. Good Corporate Governance
Corporate governance practices are critical in ESG careers. ESG seeks to ensure businesses maintain proper conduct, accountability, and transparency standards.
Jobs on this pillar include internal auditors, risk management, and compliance officers. These careers are essential in preventing fraud and unethical practices and ensuring that companies do the right thing constantly.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
ESG careers focus on fostering healthy relationships with stakeholders through communication and engagement to understand their needs and expectations better. Stakeholder engagement careers in ESG include communications specialists, community relations specialists, and investor relations officers. These careers promote responsible conduct and foster long-term customer loyalty and stakeholder support.
5. Human Rights Respect
Human rights are a significant concern in ESG practices. Companies have obligations to ensure that their operations align with human rights principles. In addition, human rights violators face substantial financial and reputational risks.
Therefore, jobs in human rights around ESG include diversity and inclusion managers, ethical supply chain auditors, and human rights lawyers. These careers ensure that businesses promote equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion irrespective of race, ethnicity, or gender and respect for workers’ rights.
Common Principles Concerning Jobs In ESG: Wrap Up
As more companies recognize the importance of ESG principles, the demand for jobs in ESG has been on an upward trajectory. Companies acknowledge the need for sustainable practices and responsible conduct, and ESG careers are helping bridge the gap between profitability and responsibility.
ESG jobs listed above are just a few examples of the vast pool of jobs available in this rapidly growing field. Pursuing a career in ESG can be an exciting and rewarding experience, enabling individuals to drive a positive transformative impact in their organizations, society, and the world.