ESG Ratings and Data Associate

ESG solutions enable investors to develop and integrate responsible investing policies and practices, engage on responsible investment issues, and monitor portfolio company practices through screening solutions. It also provides climate data, analytics, and advisory services to help financial market participants understand, measure, and act on climate-related risks across all asset classes. In addition, ESG solutions cover corporate and country ESG research and ratings enabling its clients to identify material social and environmental risks and opportunities.

About ISS ESG

ISS ESG is part of the Institutional Shareholder Services group of companies (“ISS”). Founded in 1985, ISS empowers investors and companies to build for long-term and sustainable growth by providing high-quality data, analytics, and insight. With nearly 2,000 employees spread across 30 U.S. and international locations, ISS is today the world’s leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions, market intelligence and fund services, and events and editorial content for institutional investors and corporations, globally.

ISS ESG solutions enable investors to develop and integrate responsible investing policies and practices, engage on responsible investment issues, and monitor portfolio company practices through screening solutions, climate data and analytics, as well as corporate and country ESG research. ISS ESG ratings on companies, countries and green bonds provide investors with the in-depth insight to effectively incorporate sustainability in their investment decision. Our research is instrumental in helping investors minimize ESG risks, comply with evolving regulatory and stakeholder requirements and seize opportunities.

Position overview

We are seeking an ESG Associate(3-5 years of experience)to join our research team in Mumbai and support the collection and analysis of ESG data.

The successful candidates will be part of ISS ESG’s global research team and will focus on the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative environmental and social data from corporate disclosures. This data feeds our broad suite of ESG solutions, including our market-leading Corporate Rating.

ESG associates conduct research to evaluate a company’s performance areas across the full range of ESG themes, including working conditions, supply chain management, sustainability governance, environmental management, and emission and resource consumption. Daily tasks include reviewing company documents such as sustainability reports, annual reports and corporate websites, and identifying, analyzing and processing relevant qualitative and quantitative data in line with ISS ESG’s methodology.

Our associates stand for research integrity and a thorough methodical approach, paying attention to detail in order to achieve relevant, accurate and reliable results. Being able to see the big picture as well as critical thinking are considered key factors for success. ISS ESG offers unique development opportunities for ESG generalists as well as thematic or sector specialists. A career with ISS ESG Research allows you to gain in-depth insight into ESG and sustainable investment.

Our ESG associate teams are based in the Philippines, the US, Australia, Germany, Sweden, India, and the UK. The successful candidate will work both independently as well as collaboratively with the local team and colleagues across our global offices. Working in a dynamic market and international environment, we put great emphasis on cooperation and offer a welcoming, collegial working atmosphere.

Key responsibilities for Associate Role

• Systematic ESG data gathering from company disclosures (e.g. sustainability reports, annual reports). ESG data processing, research and analysis in line with ISS ESG methodology. The Associate needs to have an in depth understanding of and strong interest in macro-level ESG issues.
• As an ESG Associate, you will be responsible for tracking and monitoring developments and trends in various sectors of specialization and assessing the ESG impact of those companies on the overall sector.
• Taking ownership of production targets and delivering the research within timelines outlined in the processes and quality standards.
• Coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure that production is completed on time without compromising on quality and active engagement with the rated entity/issuer.
• Constantly endeavoring to develop knowledge and expertise on ESG themes associated with corporate ratings. Supporting the ratings team by the means of thought leadership and research publications, methodology reviews and ESG market developments monitoring. Make suggestions based on domain expertise to evaluate new data sources.
• Demonstrate proactiveness with a strong sense of ownership for the work under his/her responsibility.
• Acting as a process expert regarding production aspect, conducting tutoring and process relevant training based on experience and expertise in specific sectors
• Participation in quality assurance procedures. Support implementation of quality control measures and oversee research conducted by other analysts. Review the analyst written ESG reports and manage high quality standards with regular ESG quality data checks.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in a sustainability-related field (environment, labor issues, human rights, etc.) financial services, ESG research/Sustainable finance/Credit Ratings, thinktanks focused on sustainability, or academic research institutes
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, development studies, environmental science or international human rights is desirable but not required, knowledge of financial markets and sustainable finance are an advantage)

• Excellent English language skills, both written and oral (proficiency in languages such as Mandarin or Japanese is a bonus)
• Ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines and balancing production volumes with high quality.
• Strong research skills (this includes planning and delivery, effective communications, multi-tasking and time management.
• Strong research and analytical skills, knowledge of Microsoft office package (excel, powerpoint and word) with proven ability to manage large datasets in excel (intermediate to advanced excel)
• Ability to quickly process large amounts of data and information
• Experience with sustainability topics or key sectors is an advantage
• Experience in data collection and business research is an advantage

Interested applicants should include a cover letter along with the CV in English on a single file (PDF or MS Word). Applications without a cover letter cannot be taken into consideration.

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