ESG Analyst Career Profile

What the role involves

ESG Analyst roles vary by employer, sector and state or territory. The work usually combines technical knowledge with practical problem-solving, communication and careful record keeping.

A typical day may involve reviewing information, coordinating with colleagues or clients, preparing reports, checking data, attending meetings, visiting sites or helping deliver environmental and sustainability outcomes.

Typical employers

ESG Analyst roles in Australia may be found with:

• investment firms and superannuation funds
• banks and financial institutions
• ESG and sustainability consultancies
• large corporates and listed companies
• ratings, research and advisory firms
• government or regulatory bodies
• property, infrastructure, energy and resources organisations

Key tasks

• analyse ESG data, disclosures and performance indicators
• research companies, sectors, risks and sustainability trends
• support ESG, sustainability or climate reports
• benchmark organisations against peers or frameworks
• review environmental and climate-related risks
• prepare dashboards, reports, briefings or presentations

Skills and qualities

Useful skills and personal qualities include:

• clear written communication and report writing
• attention to detail and sound judgement
• ability to work with technical information and data
• project coordination and organisation
• communication with clients, colleagues, regulators or community members
• problem-solving and practical decision-making
• understanding of relevant Australian environmental or sustainability issues
• willingness to keep learning as regulations and best practice change

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Bachelor degree in sustainability, finance, business, economics, environmental management, accounting, data analysis or a related field
• Training in ESG reporting, climate risk, carbon accounting, sustainable finance or corporate reporting may be useful
• Experience in sustainability reporting, finance, data analysis, consulting or research is valuable

With experience, esg analyst roles may progress into senior, specialist, advisory, consulting, project management or leadership positions depending on the sector and employer.

Salary and job outlook

Salary and demand can vary depending on the employer, state or territory, seniority, qualifications, project type and level of responsibility. Because salary information changes over time, job seekers should check current Australian salary and labour-market sources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

ESG Analyst jobs may be found across Australia, with opportunities often concentrated around major cities, regional project areas, councils, government agencies, consultancies, infrastructure, industry and organisations with environmental or sustainability obligations.

Tips for getting started

• build practical experience through projects, volunteering, internships or entry-level roles
• develop strong writing, data and communication skills
• learn the legislation, standards or reporting requirements relevant to the role
• keep examples of reports, projects, data work or field experience
• highlight any sector-specific experience on your resume
• show employers that you can turn technical information into practical action

Related environmental careers

• Sustainability Consultant
• Sustainability Reporting Officer
• Carbon Accounting Officer / Emissions Reporting Officer
• Climate Risk Analyst
• Sustainable Procurement Officer
• Sustainability Manager
• Environmental Manager