ESG Specialist

The International Solar Alliance is seeking an ESG Specialist in Gurugram, India, to deliver ESG solutions for member countries' energy transitions. Responsibilities include providing ESG data and analytics, developing policies, advising stakeholders, and supporting renewable energy projects. The role requires interaction with solar developers and investors, and involves maintaining ESG frameworks and compliance with regulations. Candidates should have an advanced degree in a relevant field.
Reporting to and working under the supervision of the Chief of Resource Mobilisation (or a designated officer), the ESG Specialist will deliver breakthrough ESG solutions that address ISA’s member country needs -- so they can better succeed with their energy transition agenda. This role will empower developers, investors, and donors to build sustainable financial and social value by providing high-quality ESG data, analytics, and insight. The ISA stakeholders rely on our expertise and information/expertise/capital to help them make informed environmental, Social, and Governance decisions with their Solar investments. This role will also maintain and provide a deeper understanding of the new/existing ESG
policies and regulations that may impact ISA’s projects/Programmes across the various project implementation sites internationally. The role will also provide assessment expert advice, develop policies, and coordinate information to the National Focal Points within our SIDS and LDC member countries as they implement their solar projects/initiatives.
Responsibilities:-
Working as part of the ISA’s proactive Resource Mobilisation team:

Create and roll out a full ISA-ESG product suite that is agile and market-fit with the changing times in energy transition.
Provide ESG advisory services to all relevant stakeholder This role would include direct interaction with Solar developers, investors, and entrepreneurs and would include support with proposal development.
Design protocols for the management, collation, validation, calculation, and aggregation of ESG data for reporting.
Support ISA’s Renewable Energy (RE) investment/development clients by efficiently integrating ESG solutions into their investment and stewardship processes.
Conduct audits of ESG-related policies, programs, and Undertake assessments of existing and emerging institutional issues relating to deploying ESG mechanisms (in the ISA Member countries) to provide solutions.
Proactively communicate and educate developers, entrepreneurs, and all relevant stakeholders (including member state NFPs) on the ESG reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, UN PRI, and TCFD.
Assess/review/manage and report on the deliverables, including Sustainability / ESG and materiality assessments. Ensure ESG readiness for all RE investment projects.
Identify and develop ESG frameworks for all ISA programs (e.g., sustainable agriculture, solar parks, rooftops, mini-grids, solar pumps, and solar home systems).
Support research and peer benchmarking to support strategic planning goal/target setting to facilitate conversations with all relevant stakeholders.
Standardize all ISA’s business operations and establish clearly documented ESG policies and protocols.
Deploy appropriate ESG software, keeping in line with the latest developments within the ESG best practice standards.
Guide the Programmatic leads on developing ESG advice, reflecting international, regional, and national best This may include but is not limited to developing country-specific policies, assessing sector development plans and renewable energy policy environments, and developing readiness criteria for projects financed by bilateral and multilateral agencies.
Any other responsibility assigned by ISA from time to time.

Education:-

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, law, environmental sciences, business administration, economics, or technology.
A first-level university degree in combination with 4 additional years of qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:-
Required:-

A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience supporting client needs (preference will be given to candidates with experience within the renewable energy sector/environment management.
Experience developing ESG reporting frameworks/policies and engaging with investment agencies, financial institutions/MDBs/ government agencies, and regulatory bodies will be highly regarded.
Must have at least 4 years of experience at a P2 level (or equivalent) within the UN/Multilateral/MDBs/Private Sector
A solid understanding of the ESG reporting and disclosures and the role played by ESG data.
A solid understanding of the ESG software
Highly organized and results-oriented with validated experience running cross-enterprise reporting processes
Must possess up-to-date knowledge of the global standards relating to socially responsible/ESG investing and reporting, including but not limited to UN SDGs, GRI, CDP, and SASB
A broader understanding of the political reasoning behind the country needs.
A strong expertise in building rapport across businesses and corporate functions to influence process or policy changes
Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options, and present conclusions and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to analyse, evaluate, and overcome regulatory risks and produce relevant reports for the ISA management and all relevant stakeholders.

Desirable:-

Relevant experience working within the renewable energy sector, decentralized solar applications, or access to energy issues in Small Island Developing States and/or Least Developing
Relevant experience of working with funding
Demonstrable experience in the field of renewable and/or solar
Experience having worked in or with UN agencies/MDBs or
Previous experience working on partnerships/resource mobilization with an international

LANGUAGE AND IT SKILLS:-

As English is the official and working language of the Organization, excellent command of both written and spoken English is required.
Knowledge of other languages (i.e., French, Spanish, and Arabic) would be an advantage.
Good skills in Outlook, MS Office products, and various ERP systems is highly desirable.

Location:-

Gurgaon, Haryana.

Company Overview:-
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organization headquartered in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of India. The vision and mission of the ISA is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy. Thereby, help ISA Member States to meet their energy needs in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.