Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Head - ESG to lead the organisation's Environmental, Social & Governance strategy and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, responsible business practices, stakeholder expectations, and sustainability objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement the organisation's ESG and Sustainability strategy, framework, policies and roadmap.

- Lead ESG governance and integrate ESG considerations into business, lending, risk management and investment decisions.

- Ensure compliance with applicable RBI, SEBI/BRSR and other regulatory ESG/sustainability requirements.

- Establish ESG governance structures, committees, policies, SOPs and monitoring mechanisms.

- Develop and monitor ESG KPIs, KRIs, targets and dashboards for senior management and Board reporting.

- Lead preparation and review of BRSR, sustainability/ESG disclosures and other regulatory reports.

- Conduct ESG risk assessments and materiality assessments and identify key environmental, social and governance risks.

- Work closely with Risk, Credit, Compliance, Legal, Operations, HR, Finance and Business teams to embed ESG practices.

- Develop frameworks for ESG assessment of borrowers, customers, vendors and business partners, wherever applicable.

- Support responsible lending initiatives and incorporate ESG parameters into relevant credit and risk frameworks.

- Drive initiatives around climate risk, carbon footprint, energy efficiency, financial inclusion, employee welfare, customer protection and responsible business practices.

- Monitor ESG performance against internal targets and industry benchmarks.

- Coordinate with external consultants, rating agencies, auditors, investors and other stakeholders on ESG matters.

- Track emerging ESG regulations, industry developments and global sustainability frameworks and recommend appropriate actions.

- Build ESG awareness through training, communication and stakeholder engagement across the organisation.

- Present ESG performance, risks and strategic initiatives to Senior Management, ESG Committee and Board.

Candidate Profile:

- 10+ years of experience in ESG, Sustainability, Climate Risk, Responsible Finance, Risk Management, Governance or related areas.

- Prior experience with an NBFC, Bank, Financial Services organisation, Big 4, consulting firm or ESG advisory environment preferred.

- Strong understanding of ESG frameworks, BRSR, sustainability reporting, ESG risk and regulatory requirements.

- Experience in developing ESG policies, frameworks, governance structures and implementation roadmaps.

- Strong understanding of financial-services ESG risks, particularly responsible lending and climate/social risks.

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to work with CXOs and Board-level stakeholders.

- Strong analytical, strategic and project-management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- MBA / PGDM / Master's in Sustainability, ESG, Environmental Management, Finance, Risk Management or related discipline.

- ESG / Sustainability certifications such as CFA ESG, GRI, SASB/ISSB, PRI or equivalent would be an advantage.

Key Success Metrics:

- ESG strategy implementation and maturity.

- Regulatory and ESG disclosure compliance.

- ESG risk integration across lending/business processes.

- Achievement of ESG and sustainability targets.

- Quality and timeliness of Board/management ESG reporting.

- Stakeholder and external ESG assessment outcomes.