Environmental Social and Governance Manager

Education

If you are considering a career as an environmental social and governance (ESG) manager, you should have a keen interest in:

• Environmental sustainability and conservation.
• Social justice and corporate responsibility.
• Ethical governance and transparency in business.
• Sustainable finance and investment practices.
• Data analysis and reporting on sustainability metrics.

If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as an ESG manager, the following undergraduate programs are most applicable:

• Environmental studies.
• Sustainable Development.
• Business administration with a focus on sustainability
• Public Policy with a concentration in environmental policy.
• Social science with courses in corporate social responsibility.

An undergraduate degree is typically required for an ESG manager who assesses and integrates ESG criteria into business strategies, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, fostering social responsibility, and upholding governance standards. A master's or doctoral degree can enhance your technical knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities to navigate complex regulatory environments and contribute to organizations' sustainability and social responsibility strategy. Relevant graduate programs include:

• Environmental management.
• Business administration in sustainability.
• Sustainability studies.
• Corporate social responsibility.
• Public policy with a specialization in environmental policy.

In Canada, ESG managers may enhance their credentials and expertise through the following professional certifications. These certifications formally recognize expertise in essential areas of ESG and offer ongoing professional development to stay current on emerging trends and best practices.

• Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program: Provided by the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence, this internationally recognized program equips professionals with skills to implement corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategies.
• Certified Training Program: This program trains on the Global Reporting Initiative Standards for sustainable reporting, which is essential for ESG managers to create transparent reporting mechanisms.
• Certified Sustainability Professional: The International Society of Sustainability Professionals offers this certification for those with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and ESG practices and experience in executing sustainability initiatives.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

• Environmental social and governance reporting and disclosure
• Sustainability assessment tools
• Regulatory compliance knowledge
• Data analysis and metrics
• Sustainable investment principles
• Corporate social responsibility implementation
• Stakeholder engagement strategies
• Environmental management systems
• Risk management
• Project management

Personal and Professional Skills

• Analytical thinking
• Effective communication
• Strategic planning
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Stakeholder engagement
• Ethical judgment
• Project management
• Continuous learning

Environmental employers look for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Watch our free webinar Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry or take our Essential Skills courses.