ESG Analyst
SOC 13-2099.01 · ESCO 2413 · OSCA 224132
Role snapshot
Overview
Evaluates companies on environmental, social, and governance criteria to assess risks and opportunities that traditional financial analysis misses. Builds scoring models and writes reports that help investors make more responsible allocation decisions, contributing to sustainable and ethical investment practices.
Drives more responsible and sustainable investment decisions by providing in-depth analysis of non-financial risks and opportunities, influencing capital allocation towards companies with strong ESG performance.
On the job
- Conduct in-depth research on companies' ESG performance, policies, and disclosures.
- Develop and apply quantitative and qualitative ESG scoring models and frameworks.
- Analyze vast datasets to identify material ESG risks and opportunities for investment portfolios.
- Prepare detailed ESG reports, presentations, and recommendations for portfolio managers and clients.
- Engage with companies to understand their sustainability strategies and data reporting practices.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
ExcellentNew job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Education & training
Bachelor's or Master's degree in finance, economics, environmental science, sustainability, or a related quantitative field. Relevant certifications such as CFA, SASB FSA, or ESG investing are highly valued.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
ESG Analyst
Finance & Investment
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · ICE
People who enjoy detailed analytical work, systematic data evaluation, and influencing business decisions through their findings tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Curious
Genuinely interested in exploring complex environmental, social, and governance issues and new analytical approaches.
Disciplined
Highly organized and meticulous in data collection, analysis, and report preparation, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Communicative
Comfortable presenting complex analytical findings and recommendations to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborative
Works effectively with internal teams and external companies to gather information and build consensus on ESG matters.
Resilient
Maintains composure and objectivity when navigating ambiguous data, conflicting information, or challenging company disclosures.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about finance and sustainability, seeking to integrate both for positive impact.
- Analytical thinkers who enjoy translating complex data into actionable insights for investment decisions.
- Professionals who want to influence ethical and responsible capital allocation.
Watch out for
- Requires continuous learning to keep up with evolving ESG standards, regulations, and market trends.
- Can involve navigating ambiguous data and incomplete company disclosures, requiring critical judgment.
- The work can be detail-intensive and require long periods of focused analytical work.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a ESG Analyst — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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