Sustainability Specialist

Roles and responsibilities

The Sustainability Officer will play an important role in supporting the university's commitment to overall sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This position will oversee the implementation of sustainability initiatives, policies, and programs, ensuring the university aligns with local, national, and international standards. The officer's primary duties include implementing, and maintaining sustainability programs, providing support in training, maintaining records and documentation, liaising with regulatory authorities, fostering a sustainable campus culture, collaborating with external stakeholders, and promoting research and innovation in sustainability-related fields.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct sustainability assessments to identify areas for improvement and prioritize initiatives.
• Implement sustainability policies, procedures, and programs across the university, including environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to implement sustainability initiatives and SDG-focused projects and research.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners.
• Prepare regular reports on sustainability performance, including key metrics and achievements.
• Monitor and report on environmental performance indicators, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement, such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and chemical spills, and implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate them.
• Implement strategies to reduce the university's carbon footprint and waste generation to achieve carbon neutrality and zero-waste campus goals.
• Organize and facilitate sustainability-related events, workshops, and training sessions.
• Assist in preparing sustainability reports and assessments by relevant frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB).
• Ensure that sustainability initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), QS Sustainability
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives by analyzing data, tracking progress toward goals, and identifying areas for improvement.
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Education: A bachelor's in sustainability, environmental science, or business given that the candidate holds professional certificates in sustainability management or a related field (e.g., LEED, ISO 14001, IEMA, GRI)
• Proficiency in sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB) and carbon emissions and reduction plans.
• Relevant work experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience in Sustainability, preferably in a university or academic setting.
  

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, as well as the ability to communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Interpersonal skills: The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and regulatory agencies.
• Computer skills: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other relevant software programs.
• Project management: Strong project management skills, including planning, organizing, and execution.
• Attention to detail: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Regulatory compliance: Knowledge of federal and local sustainability and environmental regulations and standards, and the ability to ensure compliance with these regulations.
• Sustainability principles and practices: A deep understanding of environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles and practices such as sustainable procurement, green finance, circular economy, decarbonization, biodiversity, renewable energy, and others.

Desired candidate profile

• Strong knowledge of sustainability principles, practices, and regulations.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting related to environmental performance metrics.
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting and stakeholder engagement.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong communication skills for educating and engaging diverse audiences on sustainability issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments and external partners.
• Strong leadership skills to drive sustainability initiatives and influence organizational change.

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity with sustainability assessment tools and software (e.g., carbon footprint calculators, energy management systems).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about environmental sustainability and committed to promoting sustainable practices.
• Innovative and adaptable in developing creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and monitor sustainability programs and policies across the organization.
• Conduct assessments to measure environmental impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with departments to integrate sustainability practices into operations and decision-making processes.
• Prepare reports and presentations on sustainability performance for stakeholders.
• Engage and educate employees and the community on sustainability initiatives and best practices.
• Stay current with trends, regulations, and advancements in sustainability practices.