What the role entails

ESG and Sustainability Analysts help investors and organizations understand how environmental, social, and governance factors may affect a company's long-term performance. They examine issues such as climate risk, human capital management, supply chain practices, corporate governance, and emerging regulations. Their research helps investment professionals identify both risks and opportunities that may not be captured by traditional financial analysis alone.

This is often one of the most common entry points into sustainable investing and is ideal for individuals who enjoy research, critical thinking, and connecting data to real-world outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze company ESG disclosures, sustainability reports, and regulatory filings

• Research environmental and social trends affecting industries and markets

• Evaluate corporate policies and business practices

• Develop ESG ratings, scores, and investment research reports

• Support investment teams with ESG insights and recommendations

• Monitor emerging sustainability regulations and reporting standards

Important skills & qualifications

• Strong research and analytical skills

• Understanding of financial statements and business models

• Familiarity with ESG frameworks and reporting standards

• Attention to detail and intellectual curiosity

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information

What employers look for

• Coursework in finance, economics, sustainability, environmental studies, or business

• Experience conducting research or analyzing data

• Excel proficiency; Python, SQL, or data visualization tools are often a plus

• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and responsible business practices