Proven Strategies to Build and Apply Business Knowledge in Sustainability

Author

Zyad Hatquai
January 20, 2025

Last week, I posted a meme about sustainability job descriptions… and the response was crazy!

It wasn’t just me who felt this way—the comments and messages made it clear that so many of you feel the same. Those job descriptions? They can be downright overwhelming, even for people who’ve been in the field for years.

It got me thinking: Why do these job descriptions feel so intimidating? And more importantly, what do you actually need to land these so-called "superhero" ESG jobs?

Whether you’re new to the field, transitioning from another department, or looking to grow in the rapidly expanding world of sustainability and ESG, this article is for you. Together, we’ll unpack the unrealistic expectations in ESG job descriptions, figure out what employers are truly looking for, and explore how you can position yourself to land the job you want—without feeling like you need to master every ESG framework ever created.

Let’s dive in and tackle this challenge head-on.

The Problem

Let’s be honest—those job descriptions are intimidating. When I first came across one, I remember thinking, Is this for a single person or an entire team? It felt like they wanted a superhero: someone who could juggle every ESG framework, stay ahead of upcoming regulations, and still manage the existing processes seamlessly.

From the comments on my meme, I know I’m not alone. Even seasoned professionals shared how overwhelming these long lists of requirements can feel. The truth is, no one is an expert in everything—not in ESG, not in sustainability, not anywhere.

So, why does this happen? Why do these job descriptions read like wish lists instead of focusing on what really matters? And most importantly, what do these roles actually require?

These are the questions we need to answer. Understanding the real expectations is key—whether you’re just starting out, shifting roles, or looking to level up in the ever-growing ESG field.

Why Are Job Descriptions Overloaded?

There are a few reasons why ESG job descriptions often feel overwhelming.

First, hiring managers are often unclear about what the role actually requires. To compensate, they end up adding every framework, standard, or regulation they’ve ever heard of—creating a “wish list” rather than a realistic set of expectations.

Second, some companies try to future-proof the role. They want someone who can “do it all” as the ESG field expands, juggling current needs while being ready for whatever comes next.

But in some cases, the reality is that these roles do involve working across various components—just not necessarily leading every single one of them. As sustainability and ESG become integral to every part of a business, these roles demand collaboration across departments. This often leads to two possibilities:

  • Sustainability professionals migrating into other departments (e.g., operations, finance, supply chain) to integrate ESG into their work.

  • Or, reverse migration, where insights from other departments are brought into the sustainability team to strengthen overall strategy.

The truth is, standards, frameworks, regulations, and trends affect every department and role differently. But it’s ultimately the responsibility of the sustainability professional or team to figure out how much weight each one carries—and focus on what matters most to drive real impact.

So, What is Actually Required?

We’ve just said it’s up to sustainability professionals and teams to figure out what’s necessary for a specific position—and that’s absolutely true. But how do you do that? And more importantly, what is actually required in these roles?

To answer that, we need to take a step back and ask: Why are we integrating sustainability into every department and sector?

There are six major drivers behind this push. While each driver deserves a deeper dive (which I’ll cover in another article), here’s a quick overview to frame the big picture:

Understanding these drivers helps you see the bigger picture and pinpoint where your position—or the business as a whole—fits into this ecosystem. Is the focus on critical risks and mitigation? Is it driven purely by regulation and compliance? Or is it about becoming more attractive to investors?

Even then, the answer isn’t always straightforward:

  • A company can appeal to investors in many ways.

  • Is it about competitiveness?

    • At the process level?

    • At the product level?

  • Is it about strategy, practice, or reporting—or a mix of all three?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a clearer sense of direction. From there, you can figure out the practical knowledge needed for your role:

  • For reporting roles: Familiarity with frameworks like GRI, ESRS, or CDP, and understanding how to collect, analyze, and disclose relevant data.

  • For strategy roles: Skills in materiality assessments and aligning ESG initiatives with global frameworks such as the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, ensuring the company’s sustainability goals are both impactful and aligned with international priorities.

  • For operational roles: Expertise in managing sustainability within processes like supply chain management, energy efficiency, emissions reduction, or circular economy practices.

The Most Important Skill: Adaptability and a Willingness to Learn

No matter what role you take in the ESG field, one thing is certain: the landscape is constantly evolving. Employers value professionals who can adapt and grow with these changes. Being open to continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve is not just a skill—it’s a necessity in this field.

Finding Your Place in the ESG Ecosystem

The ESG field is vast, with roles spanning everything from reporting and compliance to strategy and operations. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of it all. But here’s the key: you don’t need to master everything.

Instead, focus on your niche. Where do your skills and interests fit within the ESG ecosystem? How can you contribute and position yourself as the perfect fit for the roles you’re interested in?

For example:

  • A finance professional might specialize in sustainable finance, managing ESG disclosures, or aligning investments with sustainability goals.

  • An operations manager may prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction strategies, or optimizing supply chain sustainability.

Identifying your niche and aligning it with your strengths is the first step to building a successful ESG career.

How the ESG Masterclass for Non-Experts Can Help

This is exactly why I created the ESG Masterclass for Non-Experts—to help professionals like you understand what’s truly required for an ESG career.

The course is designed to equip you with the practical skills needed to navigate the ESG ecosystem confidently, including:
✅ Understanding where you fit within ESG and overcoming intimidation from endless acronyms.
✅ Connecting the three dimensions of sustainability—reporting, strategy, and practice—to see the bigger picture.
✅ Building the confidence to apply for roles without feeling overwhelmed by jargon or unrealistic job descriptions.

Take your ESG career to the next level with this comprehensive package, which includes:

1️⃣ The ESG Masterclass for Non-Experts (€79 value): Your roadmap to understanding ESG and finding your role in this growing field.
2️⃣ The Ultimate ESG Career Guide (€8.99 value): Packed with CV tips, interview strategies, and everything you need to land your dream ESG role.
3️⃣ The Ultimate EU ESG Handbook (€13.99 value): A complete guide to 26 key sustainability regulations, breaking down complex policies into actionable insights.

All for just €60, only through this link

Conclusion

Don’t let intimidating job descriptions hold you back. The reality of ESG roles is much simpler than it seems—focus on understanding the big picture, honing your practical skills, and finding your unique place in this growing field.

If you’re ready to demystify ESG, overcome the overwhelm, and build the skills you actually need, check out my ESG Masterclass for Non-Experts.

Let’s take the guesswork out of your sustainability career and help you step confidently into the role you’ve been aiming for!

There’s a reason 400,000 professionals read this daily.

Join The AI Report, trusted by 400,000+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Get daily insights, tools, and strategies to master practical AI skills that drive results.

Exciting News: Introducing My New Newsletter – SustainaEarn! 🎉

For those of you who’ve been part of the SustainaTrend community for a while, you might remember the Book Review and Podcast sections I used to share (yes, I do have interests outside ESG! 😄).

Over time, I realized I wanted a dedicated space to dive into those other passions—things like building a personal brand and online presence, creating digital products, monetizing what you love, and of course, sharing the books I’ve been reading and the podcasts I’ve been loving.

Empowering part-time Creatorpreneurs to monetize their passion, build digital ecosystems, and achieve freedom through actionable strategies.

That’s why I’m thrilled to announce SustainaEarn, a new newsletter focused on everything outside ESG! Here’s what you can expect:

  • Actionable tips for building your personal brand and growing an online presence.

  • Insights on creating and selling digital products.

  • Thoughts on monetizing passion projects and building income streams.

  • My personal recommendations for books and podcasts I’m enjoying.

I want to keep SustainaTrend focused on ESG, so this will be entirely separate to ensure I don’t annoy this community with unrelated topics.

Reply

or to participate.