Location Paris
Job-type Permanent
Salary €Competitive
Reference 18720

Are you an ESG specialist looking for the opportunity to join a well-established and purpose-leading private-equity investor?

This is a newly created and unique opportunity to contribute to the development and execution of the firm's sustainability strategy. As backers of sustainable entrepreneurship, ESG has always been at the heart of their strategy. Being a long-standing signatory of the PRI principles and have just launched two Article 9 funds in 2022.

The firm is looking to hire an experienced ESG professional to support the fast growth of its ESG activities and to lead its sustainability efforts within its diversified portfolio.

As the Head of Sustainability/ ESG, you will report to the Managing Partner overseeing the company's ESG strategy. This role will have high visibility within the firm and will require regularly interacting with investment teams, management of portfolio companies, as well as periodically presenting to the firm's management committee.

Your responsibilities:

  • Developing and maintaining the firm's sustainability/ESG strategy, value system, and road map.

  • Identify and implement internal ESG improvement initiatives (e.g., Reducing carbon footprint, improving diversity, etc.).

  • ESG advice in the due diligence process and coordination for all new deals.

  • Engaging with portfolio company management teams during the ownership period to identify and support the implementation of ESG value-creation initiatives and policies.

  • Assisting with ESG reviews of existing portfolio companies and defining key data and performance measurement.

  • Analyzing the ESG data of portfolio companies for performance enhancement and reporting.

  • Representing the firm in ESG matters, including communication to investors and stakeholders regarding ESG and Impact strategy and performance, and annual reporting to investors.

  • Monitoring European regulatory developments in the field of ESG and working with both external advisors and internal compliance/legal team to ensure company and fund readiness (e.g., SFDR, taxonomy, etc.).

  • Developing ESG and impact training, guidance, best practices, and toolkits to support investment and internal teams with their ESG knowledge and responsibilities.

Your profile:

  • You have over seven years of experience in sustainability/ESG, either in consulting or in an in-house ESG position, within a private markets' investor or investment bank.

  • Technical experience and/or an appreciation of conducting ESG reviews, due diligence assessments, monitoring, and reporting in alignment with all relevant international standards.

  • Deep understanding of corporate sustainability strategies and change management with the credibility to speak to and convince portfolio company management teams of ESG value creation.

  • A commercial approach to sustainability/ESG in a business context.

  • In-depth understanding of environmental-focused themes, such as climate action and transition to net zero.

  • Sound knowledge of European regulatory developments in terms of ESG (taxonomy, SFDR, etc.).

  • Strong analytical skills, including the use of Excel, plus monitoring, reporting, communication, and presentation skills.

  • Robust influencing and engagement ability; adept at building relationships and credibility.

  • Fluent in English and working knowledge of French. Some background working with companies or stakeholders based in France is a big plus.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to shape and realize the sustainability strategy of a leading private equity firm with an international mandate.

If you have the skills and experience required to add value to a high-performing team, please use the link below to apply with your CV. For more information, please get in touch with Julene Aedo via Julene.aedo@acre.com.