International Sustainability Director

Role Purpose & Context

Role Summary

The International Sustainability Director (at this level, think of it as a Sustainability Analyst) is here to make sure our global sustainability data is accurate, consistent, and ready for reporting. You'll own specific data collection processes, making sure we get the right numbers from our international sites and that they stack up. This directly impacts our ability to report truthfully to regulators and our customers, which, frankly, keeps us out of trouble and protects our reputation. When you do this job well, our sustainability reports are robust, our claims are credible, and we can show real progress. If the data's a mess, we risk fines, reputational damage, and losing trust – which, let's be honest, is a nightmare. The tricky part is getting reliable data from places that weren't set up to collect it, and then making sense of it all. The reward? You'll be building the foundational truth for our global sustainability story, making a tangible difference to how we operate and how we're perceived.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Senior International Sustainability Director
• Direct reports: None, though you'll often guide more junior colleagues.
• Matrix relationships: Sustainability Analyst, ESG Data Specialist, Environmental Compliance Officer,

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

• Site Operations Managers (you'll be chasing them for data)
• Procurement Team (for supply chain data)
• Finance Department (for budget and data validation)
• Legal & Compliance Team (for regulatory updates and reporting requirements)
• Marketing & Communications (they'll want your data for external messaging)

External:

• External Auditors (they'll scrutinise your data)
• Sustainability Reporting Platform Vendors (you'll be using their tools)
• Industry Peers (for benchmarking data)

Organisational Impact

Scope: Your work directly underpins our external sustainability disclosures, which means it impacts our investor relations, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. Get it right, and we build trust; get it wrong, and we face significant risks.

Performance Metrics

Quantitative Metrics

1. Metric: Data Accuracy for Assigned Metrics
2. Desc: The percentage of sustainability data points (e.g., energy consumption, waste volumes) you're responsible for that pass internal quality checks and external assurance without material error.
3. Target: >98% accuracy
4. Freq: Quarterly and Annually (during assurance)
5. Example: If you're responsible for Scope 1 & 2 emissions data for 10 sites, and only one site's electricity data has an error flagged by the auditor, that's 99% accuracy. We want fewer than that.
6. Metric: On-Time Data Submission
7. Desc: The percentage of required data sets or reports that you submit by their internal deadlines.
8. Target: 100% on-time submission
9. Freq: Monthly and Quarterly
10. Example: If the monthly water usage report from our European sites is due on the 5th, we expect it to be consolidated and ready by then. No excuses, honestly.
11. Metric: Turnaround Time for Routine Data Requests
12. Desc: How quickly you can respond to and fulfil standard requests for specific sustainability data from internal teams.
13. Target: <24-hour turnaround for 90% of requests
14. Freq: Ad-hoc, tracked via internal ticketing system
15. Example: Marketing asks for the latest waste diversion rate for a press release; you provide it within a few hours, not days.
16. Metric: Process Improvement Identification & Implementation
17. Desc: The number of tangible improvements you identify and help implement for specific data collection or reporting processes.
18. Target: At least 2 improvements per year
19. Freq: Annually
20. Example: You spot that collecting transport data is a mess, so you propose and help implement a new, simpler template that reduces collection time by 15% for the logistics team.

Qualitative Metrics

1. Metric: Proactive Problem Solving
2. Desc: Your ability to spot potential data issues or process bottlenecks before they become major problems, and then propose practical solutions.
3. Evidence: You flag a potential data gap from a new site before being asked. You suggest a new way to verify Scope 3 data that hasn't been considered. You don't just report problems, you bring ideas to fix them.
4. Metric: Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
5. Desc: How effectively you communicate data requirements, deadlines, and findings to site managers and internal teams, fostering cooperation rather than frustration.
6. Evidence: Site managers understand your requests and respond promptly. Other teams praise your clear explanations and helpful approach. You can translate complex data needs into simple, actionable language for non-experts.
7. Metric: Data Integrity & Audit Preparedness
8. Desc: The robustness of your data trails and documentation, ensuring that any number you provide can be easily traced back to its source and defended during an audit.
9. Evidence: Auditors find your documentation clear and easy to follow. You can quickly pull up evidence for any data point. You proactively organise data in a way that makes assurance easier, not harder.
10. Metric: Learning & Application of New Regulations
11. Desc: Your willingness and ability to quickly understand new sustainability reporting standards (like ESRS) and apply them to our existing data collection and reporting processes.
12. Evidence: You ask insightful questions about new regulations. You adapt your data collection methods to meet new requirements without being prompted. You can explain the practical implications of new rules to your peers.

Primary Traits

• Trait: Forensically Detail-Oriented
• Manifestation: You're the person who notices the unit conversion error in a GHG emissions spreadsheet before it goes to the auditor. You'll spot that a decimal point is in the wrong place, or that a site has reported 'litres' when it should be 'cubic metres'. You check your own work, then check it again, because you know one small mistake can invalidate a whole report.
• Benefit: Our sustainability data is under increasing scrutiny. One misplaced zero or an incorrect conversion isn't just a minor error; it can lead to a qualified audit opinion, damage our credibility, and even incur fines. We need someone who instinctively double-checks everything, not because they're told to, but because they understand the stakes.
• Trait: Pragmatic Problem Solver
• Manifestation: You're passionate about sustainability, yes, but you also understand the realities of a global business. When a site manager tells you they can't provide data in the exact format you need, you don't just give up. You'll work with them to find a workaround, perhaps suggesting a simpler way they can collect it, or figuring out how to transform their messy data into something usable. You're always looking for practical solutions, not just pointing out problems.
• Benefit: The 'ideal' sustainability data collection process rarely exists in the real world. You'll face resistance, legacy systems, and varying levels of understanding across different sites. This role needs someone who can bridge the gap between ambitious sustainability goals and the operational realities, finding sensible ways to get the job done without alienating people.
• Trait: Persistent & Diplomatic Data Detective
• Manifestation: You won't take 'no' for an answer when chasing data, but you'll do it with a smile. You'll follow up politely but firmly, understanding that people are busy. When you uncover a data discrepancy, you'll approach the relevant team with curiosity, not accusation, to understand why it happened and how to fix it. You're good at building relationships, even when you're asking for something difficult.
• Benefit: A huge part of this role is about getting information from people who don't report to you and who often have other priorities. Success depends on your ability to build rapport, explain the 'why' behind your requests, and gently persist until you get what you need. Being overly aggressive or easily discouraged just won't work.

Supporting Traits

• Trait: Resilient
• Desc: You'll need to bounce back after a particularly frustrating data chase or when a new initiative gets put on hold. Things rarely go perfectly to plan in this space.
• Trait: Insatiably Curious
• Desc: You're always keen to learn about emerging topics like biodiversity credits or new reporting frameworks, even if they're not immediately relevant to your day-to-day. This helps you anticipate future needs.
• Trait: Structured Thinker
• Desc: You can break down complex data problems into smaller, manageable steps. You like to organise information logically and create clear workflows.
• Trait: Adaptable
• Desc: The regulatory landscape for sustainability is constantly changing. You'll need to quickly understand new requirements and adapt our processes accordingly.

Primary Motivators

1. Motivator: Making a Tangible Impact
2. Daily: You'll see your work directly contribute to our annual sustainability report, knowing that the numbers you've verified are being used to make real business decisions and communicate our progress to the world.
3. Motivator: Solving Complex Data Puzzles
4. Daily: You enjoy the challenge of taking messy, disparate data from various sources and transforming it into a clean, coherent, and auditable dataset. It's like being a detective for numbers.
5. Motivator: Continuous Learning & Growth
6. Daily: The sustainability space is always evolving. You'll constantly be learning about new regulations, reporting standards, and data collection methodologies, keeping your skills sharp and relevant.

Potential Demotivators

Honestly, this role isn't for everyone. If you crave immediate, high-level strategic influence, or if you get easily frustrated by repetitive data tasks and chasing people for information, you might find it tough going. We won't pretend it's all glamorous.

Common Frustrations

1. The Global Data Scavenger Hunt: You'll spend a lot of time chasing, cleaning, and begging for basic operational data (energy, water, waste) from dozens of international sites, many of which still use paper records or decade-old spreadsheets.
2. Operational Resistance: You'll hear 'My bonus is tied to production output, not your carbon footprint' from plant managers who view your data requests as a distraction from their 'real job.'
3. The 'Cost Centre' Stigma: You might occasionally feel like you're fighting for resources, being perceived as a non-revenue-generating compliance function, despite your work directly impacting brand reputation and risk management.
4. Alphabet Soup Overload: The sheer mental fatigue of keeping track of and explaining the differences between CSRD, ESRS, IFRS S1, IFRS S2, GRI, SASB, TCFD, TNFD, CSDDD, and CBAM to stakeholders who just want a simple answer.
5. Assurance Nightmare: The immense pressure of preparing data for third-party assurance, knowing that a single unsubstantiated number could lead to a qualified opinion and undermine the entire sustainability report.

What Role Doesn't Offer

1. Direct people management responsibilities (not at this level, anyway).
2. A purely theoretical or academic environment; this is very hands-on and practical.
3. A static, predictable environment where processes never change. Expect constant evolution.

ADHD Positives

1. The fast-paced, constantly evolving regulatory landscape can be engaging for those who thrive on novelty and intellectual stimulation.
2. The 'data detective' aspect, involving problem-solving and connecting disparate pieces of information, can be highly motivating.
3. Opportunities to switch between different types of tasks (data entry, analysis, communication, research) can help maintain focus.

ADHD Challenges and Accommodations

1. Repetitive data entry or chasing tasks might be challenging; we can explore automation tools or task rotation.
2. Maintaining focus during lengthy report reviews or detailed documentation could be difficult; using structured templates and breaking down tasks into smaller chunks can help.
3. We can offer noise-cancelling headphones and flexible work arrangements to help manage sensory input and maintain concentration.

Dyslexia Positives

1. The strong emphasis on logical data structures, numerical analysis, and visual reporting (dashboards) can play to strengths.
2. The ability to spot patterns and connections in complex datasets can be a significant advantage.

Dyslexia Challenges and Accommodations

1. Reading and interpreting dense regulatory texts or lengthy reports can be demanding; we encourage the use of text-to-speech software, larger fonts, and summarisation tools.
2. Detailed written communication might require extra time for review; we support using grammar and spelling checkers, and peer review for critical documents.
3. Verbal communication and visual presentations are highly valued, offering alternative ways to convey information.

Autism Positives

1. The need for meticulous attention to detail and logical, systematic thinking in data validation and process adherence is a strong fit.
2. The focus on facts, data, and objective analysis aligns well with a preference for clear, unambiguous information.
3. Structured tasks and clear guidelines for data collection and reporting can provide a sense of predictability.

Autism Challenges and Accommodations

1. Navigating complex social dynamics when chasing data or dealing with operational resistance might be challenging; we provide clear communication guidelines and support for difficult conversations.
2. Unexpected changes in data requirements or regulatory shifts could be unsettling; we aim to communicate changes as early and clearly as possible.
3. We offer a calm office environment, the option for remote work, and predictable meeting schedules to minimise sensory overload and support routine.

Key Responsibilities

Experience Levels Responsibilities

1. Level: Mid-Level Professional (2-5 years experience)
2. Responsibilities: Independently execute the end-to-end data collection process for specific sustainability metrics (e.g., Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, water usage, waste generation) from our global sites, making sure it’s accurate and on time.
3. Take ownership of data validation and quality assurance for assigned datasets, spotting inconsistencies, chasing up missing information, and ensuring everything is auditable.
4. Prepare initial drafts of sections for our annual sustainability report, pulling together verified data and narrative text in line with frameworks like GRI or IFRS S1/S2.
5. Use our EHS & Sustainability platforms (like Enablon or Sphera) to input, track, and report on environmental and social data, becoming a bit of a super-user for these tools.
6. Analyse the impact of new or updated sustainability regulations (e.g., specific ESRS standards) on our data collection processes and propose practical adjustments to meet compliance.
7. Support the external assurance process by gathering evidence, explaining data methodologies, and responding to auditor queries for your areas of responsibility.
8. Begin to mentor new joiners or junior coordinators, sharing your knowledge on data collection best practices and how our internal systems work (informally, of course).
9. Supervision: You'll have weekly check-ins with your Senior Director or Lead Strategist to discuss progress, troubleshoot issues, and get guidance on more complex problems. For routine tasks, you'll work independently, but you're always encouraged to ask questions.
10. Decision: You'll make routine decisions about data validation, prioritisation of your daily tasks, and how to best communicate with site contacts. Any significant changes to data collection methodologies, reporting scope, or external communications will need approval from your Senior Director. You'll escalate exceptions or novel problems rather than trying to solve them alone.
11. Success: You'll know you're doing well when your data consistently passes internal quality checks, you rarely miss a deadline, and site contacts see you as a helpful, knowledgeable resource. Your ability to spot problems and propose solutions before they escalate is a big win.

Decision-Making Authority

• Type: Data Collection Methodology Changes
• Entry: Propose changes to supervisor for review and approval.
• Mid: Propose and document changes, seek approval from Senior Director, then communicate to relevant sites.
• Senior: Design and implement changes, consulting with Lead Strategist and getting sign-off from relevant department heads.
• Type: External Communication of Sustainability Data
• Entry: Never communicate externally. Provide data to supervisor for review.
• Mid: Provide verified data for inclusion in reports, but all external messaging requires approval from Senior Director and Marketing/Legal.
• Senior: Draft initial external messaging based on verified data, seek approval from Director and Legal/Comms.
• Type: Vendor Selection for Data Tools
• Entry: No involvement beyond using existing tools.
• Mid: Provide feedback on existing tools' usability and suggest potential improvements or alternative features to Senior Director.
• Senior: Evaluate new tools, conduct market research, and make recommendations to Director for potential procurement.
• Type: Prioritisation of Daily Tasks
• Entry: Follow daily task list provided by supervisor.
• Mid: Independently prioritise tasks based on deadlines and impact, escalating conflicts to Senior Director.
• Senior: Define weekly priorities for self and mentees, align with program objectives, and manage competing demands.

Competency Requirements

Foundation Skills (Transferable)

These are the bedrock skills that make you an effective professional, regardless of your specialism. For this role, we're looking for someone who can communicate clearly, solve problems practically, adapt to change, and work well with others.

• Category: Communication & Collaboration
• Skills: Clear Written Communication: You can write concise emails and reports that get your point across without jargon. People understand your data requests.
• Active Listening: You genuinely listen to site managers' challenges when they explain why data is hard to get, and you can paraphrase their concerns accurately.
• Cross-functional Teamwork: You can work effectively with people from different departments (Operations, Procurement, Finance) to get the information you need, even if their priorities differ.
• Presentation Skills (Basic): You can explain your data findings clearly in small team meetings, perhaps using a few slides.
• Category: Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
• Skills: Data Troubleshooting: When a number looks wrong, you can systematically investigate where the error might be, from source data to calculation.
• Root Cause Analysis (Basic): You can identify the underlying reasons for data discrepancies or process failures, rather than just fixing the symptom.
• Logical Reasoning: You can make sense of complex information, draw sound conclusions, and explain your reasoning clearly.
• Process Improvement Mindset: You're always looking for ways to make existing data collection or reporting processes more efficient and less prone to error.
• Category: Adaptability & Resilience
• Skills: Managing Ambiguity: You're comfortable when data isn't perfectly clean or when a new regulation introduces uncertainty; you can still find a way forward.
• Prioritisation: You can juggle multiple data requests and deadlines, deciding what needs to be done first and escalating when necessary.
• Learning Agility: You can quickly pick up new software, understand new reporting frameworks, and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements.
• Stress Management: You can stay calm and focused when faced with tight deadlines or challenging data issues, bouncing back from setbacks.
• Category: Integrity & Professionalism
• Skills: Ethical Conduct: You handle sensitive data responsibly and always act with honesty and transparency.
• Accountability: You take ownership of your tasks and ensure your work is accurate and delivered on time.
• Confidentiality: You understand the importance of protecting proprietary and sensitive company information.
• Attention to Detail: This is paramount. You catch the small errors that others miss, ensuring the integrity of our data.

Functional Skills (Role-Specific Technical)

These are the specific skills and tools you'll use day-to-day to get the job done. We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running with our existing systems and methodologies.

Technical Competencies

• Skill: GHG Protocol & Carbon Accounting (Scope 1 & 2)
• Desc: You understand the principles of the GHG Protocol and can accurately collect, calculate, and verify Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (electricity) emissions data from various sources.
• Level: Intermediate
• Skill: Sustainability Reporting Frameworks (GRI, IFRS S1/S2 basics)
• Desc: You can populate data templates for global standards like GRI and understand the basic structure and requirements of newer frameworks like IFRS S1/S2 (incorporating SASB & TCFD).
• Level: Intermediate
• Skill: Data Management & Validation
• Desc: You can effectively collect, clean, organise, and validate large datasets from multiple international sources, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Level: Intermediate
• Skill: ISO Management Systems (14001, 45001 awareness)
• Desc: You have a basic understanding of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) and how they relate to data collection and compliance.
• Level: Basic
• Skill: Materiality Assessment (Basic understanding)
• Desc: You understand the concept of materiality (what's important to report) and can help gather data relevant to identified material topics, especially around 'double materiality' concepts.
• Level: Basic

Digital Tools

• Tool: EHS & Sustainability Platforms (e.g., Enablon, Sphera, Cority)
• Level: Intermediate
• Usage: You'll be entering data from sites, pulling pre-built reports for GHG, water, and waste, and following established workflows within our chosen platform.
• Tool: Reporting & Disclosure Platforms (e.g., Workiva, OneTrust ESG)
• Level: Intermediate
• Usage: You'll populate data templates in Workiva, upload evidence, and link data points to narrative text for our GRI/SASB disclosures, making sure everything is ready for review.
• Tool: Regulatory Intelligence (e.g., Enhesa, C2P by Compliance & Risks)
• Level: Intermediate
• Usage: You'll use these platforms to look up specific regulations for a given country or operation, and run standard 'change log' reports to stay updated on compliance obligations.
• Tool: Data Analytics & Visualization (Advanced Excel, Power BI/Tableau)
• Level: Intermediate
• Usage: You'll use pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and advanced formulas in Excel to clean and transform datasets. You'll also update existing Power BI or Tableau dashboards with new data, ensuring they reflect the latest information.
• Tool: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint)
• Level: Advanced
• Usage: You'll be drafting reports, preparing presentations, and documenting processes, so strong command of these tools is essential.

Industry Knowledge

• Area: Global Environmental Regulations (basic)
• Desc: A general understanding of key environmental regulations across different regions, and how they might impact data collection or reporting.
• Area: Supply Chain Basics
• Desc: An understanding of how supply chains work and the basic concepts of supply chain due diligence, as you'll be collecting data related to it.

Regulatory Compliance Regulations

• Reg: EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) & ESRS
• Usage: You'll need to understand the basic structure of CSRD and its associated European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to ensure our data collection aligns with future requirements. You'll be helping to map our current data to these new standards.
• Reg: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
• Usage: You'll be directly working with GRI standards, populating data, and understanding how to apply them to our reporting. This is a core part of the role.
• Reg: IFRS S1 & S2 (incorporating SASB & TCFD)
• Usage: You'll need to understand the principles behind these new international standards and how they influence the types of data we collect and report, especially concerning climate-related financial disclosures.

Essential Prerequisites

• At least 2-3 years of hands-on experience in sustainability data collection, analysis, or environmental compliance.
• Proven experience with at least one major EHS or Sustainability reporting platform (e.g., Enablon, Sphera, Workiva).
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas for data manipulation and cleaning.
• A solid understanding of the GHG Protocol and experience calculating Scope 1 & 2 emissions.
• The ability to communicate complex data requirements clearly to non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally.
• A degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience (we're flexible on the degree if you've got the skills).

Career Pathway Context

We expect you to arrive with a solid foundation in sustainability data. This isn't an entry-level role where you'll be taught the basics from scratch. Instead, you'll be building on existing knowledge and applying it to our specific global context. If you've been a Sustainability Coordinator or Junior Analyst elsewhere, this could be a great next step.

Qualifications & Credentials

Emerging Foundation Skills

• Skill: Prompt Engineering & LLM Integration for Data Analysis
• Why: Competitors are already using Large Language Models (LLMs) to draft reports and summarise regulations in minutes, not hours. Analysts who figure this out will outproduce their peers significantly. This isn't future-gazing; it's happening now.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Context windows and token limits', 'description': 'Understanding how much information an AI can process at once and how to manage it for complex tasks.'}, {'concept_name': 'Temperature settings for different tasks', 'description': 'Knowing when to ask for creative summaries versus factual, precise data extraction from an LLM.'}, {'concept_name': 'RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) architectures', 'description': "How to connect LLMs to our own internal, proprietary data for more accurate and relevant outputs, avoiding 'hallucinations'."}, {'concept_name': 'Output validation and hallucination detection', 'description': "Crucially, knowing when *not* to trust the AI's output and how to verify its claims."}]
• Prepare: This week: Start using tools like Claude or ChatGPT to summarise long documents or draft initial email responses for non-sensitive topics.
• This month: Experiment with using an LLM to extract specific data points from a batch of unstructured documents (e.g., supplier reports).
• Month 2: Research RAG and consider how it could be applied to query our internal sustainability policies or historical data.
• Month 3: Document your productivity gains and share any interesting findings or challenges with your team.
• QuickWin: Start using generative AI today to draft email summaries, create meeting agendas, or brainstorm solutions to data collection challenges. No formal approval needed, just jump in and learn.
• Skill: Understanding of Biodiversity & Nature-based Solutions
• Why: Beyond carbon, nature and biodiversity are becoming the next big focus for regulators (e.g., TNFD) and investors. We need to understand how our operations impact nature and how to measure it.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)', 'description': 'Understanding this framework for reporting on nature-related risks and opportunities.'}, {'concept_name': 'Ecosystem services', 'description': 'The benefits nature provides to humans, and how our activities might affect them.'}, {'concept_name': 'Nature-based solutions (NbS)', 'description': 'Understanding projects that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges.'}, {'concept_name': 'Biodiversity metrics (e.g., species richness, habitat loss)', 'description': 'Basic awareness of how biodiversity is measured and tracked.'}]
• Prepare: This month: Read the executive summary of the TNFD framework and watch a couple of introductory webinars.
• Next quarter: Identify one or two operational sites where nature impacts might be relevant and start thinking about what data we *could* collect.
• Within 6 months: Participate in an internal discussion or workshop about our potential nature-related risks and opportunities.
• Within 12 months: Propose a small pilot project to collect basic nature-related data at a specific site.
• QuickWin: Follow key organisations like the TNFD and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) on LinkedIn. Start reading articles to build your general awareness.

Advancing Technical Skills

• Skill: Advanced Data Modelling & Transformation
• Why: As our data sources become more complex and diverse, you'll need to move beyond basic Excel functions. Being able to efficiently transform and model data is crucial for accuracy and speed.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Power Query in Excel/Power BI', 'description': 'Mastering this for robust data cleaning, merging, and transformation from multiple sources.'}, {'concept_name': 'DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI', 'description': 'Writing advanced calculations and measures for more sophisticated reporting and analysis.'}, {'concept_name': 'Data normalisation and standardisation', 'description': 'Ensuring consistency across different datasets and reporting periods.'}]
• Prepare: This quarter: Take an online course on Power Query and DAX, focusing on practical applications for sustainability data.
• Next quarter: Rebuild one of our existing Excel-based data consolidation processes using Power Query for greater efficiency and auditability.
• Within 6 months: Develop a small, interactive Power BI dashboard for a specific set of sustainability metrics, pulling data from multiple sources.
• Within 12 months: Become the go-to person for complex data transformation challenges within the team.
• QuickWin: Start experimenting with Power Query to clean up your most frequently used Excel spreadsheets. There are plenty of free tutorials online.
• Skill: Enhanced EHS & Sustainability Platform Configuration
• Why: We're always looking to get more out of our core platforms. Moving beyond just data entry, you'll need to understand how to configure the system to better meet evolving reporting needs and improve user experience.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Custom dashboard creation', 'description': 'Building tailored dashboards for specific stakeholders (e.g., site managers, regional leads) to track their performance.'}, {'concept_name': 'Workflow automation within the platform', 'description': 'Setting up automated reminders or data approval flows to streamline processes.'}, {'concept_name': 'User access management', 'description': 'Understanding how to manage different levels of access for various users across the globe.'}, {'concept_name': 'Troubleshooting data discrepancies within the platform', 'description': 'Becoming adept at diagnosing why data might be showing incorrectly or inconsistently.'}]
• Prepare: This quarter: Volunteer to be the 'super-user' for our EHS platform, attending advanced training sessions offered by the vendor.
• Next quarter: Propose and build one custom dashboard for a specific site or region, demonstrating its value to the relevant manager.
• Within 6 months: Work with the platform vendor's support team to troubleshoot a complex data issue that's been bothering us.
• Within 12 months: Lead a small internal training session for new users on how to effectively use the platform for data entry and basic reporting.
• QuickWin: Explore the 'help' or 'knowledge base' sections of our current sustainability platform. You'll often find hidden features or tutorials that can make your life easier.

Education Requirements

• Level: Minimum
• Req: A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Data Science, Business with an ESG focus, or a closely related field.
• Alts: We're pragmatic. If you've got equivalent professional experience (say, 5+ years in a dedicated sustainability data role) and can demonstrate the required skills, we're happy to consider that in lieu of a specific degree.
• Level: Preferred
• Req: A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, ESG Reporting).
• Alts: Not essential, but it certainly shows a deeper academic grounding and commitment to the field. Relevant certifications can also substitute for this.

Experience Requirements

You'll need roughly 2-5 years of dedicated, hands-on experience in sustainability or environmental compliance roles. This isn't an entry-level position; we're looking for someone who's already been in the trenches. We expect you to have proven experience with collecting, validating, and reporting environmental or social data, ideally across multiple international sites or business units. Experience working with external auditors on sustainability data would be a huge plus.

Preferred Certifications

• Cert: IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management
• Prod: Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)
• Usage: Shows a solid understanding of environmental management principles, which are core to our data collection and reporting.
• Cert: GRI Certified Sustainability Professional
• Prod: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Usage: Directly relevant to our reporting standards and demonstrates expertise in applying the GRI framework, which is a big part of your daily work.
• Cert: Certified Professional in ESG (CPES)
• Prod: Various (e.g., ESG Institute, CFA Institute)
• Usage: Demonstrates a broader understanding of ESG factors and their integration into business, which is increasingly important.
• Cert: NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• Prod: NEBOSH
• Usage: While not directly environmental, a good understanding of H&S data and management systems (like ISO 45001) is often intertwined with broader sustainability reporting.

Recommended Activities

• Regularly attending webinars and industry events focused on new sustainability reporting standards (e.g., CSRD, IFRS S1/S2 updates).
• Participating in online courses or workshops on advanced Excel, Power BI, or other data analytics tools.
• Joining professional networks or forums for sustainability professionals to share best practices and learn from peers.
• Reading key industry publications and thought leadership pieces from organisations like the World Economic Forum, WBCSD, or specific regulatory bodies.

Career Progression Pathways

Entry Paths to This Role

• Path: Sustainability Coordinator / Junior Analyst
• Time: 1-3 years
• Path: Environmental Compliance Officer (Site/Regional)
• Time: 2-4 years
• Path: ESG Data Specialist (Consultancy or In-House)
• Time: 2-5 years

Career Progression From This Role

• Pathway: Senior International Sustainability Director (Specialist)
• Time: 3-5 years in this role
• Pathway: Lead Sustainability Strategist
• Time: 4-6 years in this role

Long Term Vision Potential Roles

• Title: Regional Sustainability Manager
• Time: 5-8 years from current role
• Title: International Sustainability Director (Global)
• Time: 8-12 years from current role
• Title: Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
• Time: 15+ years from current role

How Zavmo Delivers This Role's Development

DISCOVER Phase: Skills Gap Analysis

Zavmo maps your current competencies against all requirements in this job description through conversational assessment. We evaluate your foundation skills (communication, strategic thinking), functional skills (CRM expertise, negotiation), and readiness for career progression.

Output: Personalised skills gap heat map showing strengths and priorities, estimated time to competency, neurodiversity accommodations.

DISCUSS Phase: Personalised Learning Pathway

Based on your DISCOVER results, Zavmo creates a personalised learning plan prioritised by impact: foundation skills first, then functional skills. We adapt to your learning style, pace, and neurodiversity needs (ADHD, dyslexia, autism).

Output: Week-by-week schedule, each module linked to specific job responsibilities, checkpoints and milestones.

DELIVER Phase: Conversational Learning

Learn through conversation, not boring modules. Zavmo uses 10 conversation types (Socratic dialogue, role-play, coaching, case studies) to build competence. Practice difficult QBR presentations, negotiate tough renewals, and handle churn conversations in a safe AI environment before facing real clients.

Example: "For 'Stakeholder Mapping', Zavmo will guide you through analysing a complex enterprise account, identifying key decision-makers, and building an engagement strategy."

DEMONSTRATE Phase: Competency Assessment

Zavmo automatically builds your evidence portfolio as you learn. Every conversation, practice scenario, and application example is captured and mapped to NOS performance criteria. When ready, your portfolio supports OFQUAL qualification claims and demonstrates competence to employers.

Output: Competency matrix, evidence portfolio (downloadable), qualification readiness, career progression score.