Senior Impact & ESG Officer

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: - ( - )

Experience: 8+ yrs

Location: Bengaluru

Job Type: Full-time

We are looking for an experienced and strategic ESG & Impact Management Leader to establish, strengthen, and oversee environmental, social, and governance risk management and impact measurement practices within the financial services and lending sector. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in ESG due diligence, impact assessment, portfolio monitoring, responsible finance, and sustainability frameworks, along with proven experience building and leading ESG functions.

This role requires a professional who can translate international standards into practical business processes, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure that ESG risks and impact considerations are embedded throughout the investment and lending lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of ESG and Impact Management frameworks, including policies, governance structures, assessment methodologies, tools, and reporting processes.
• Integrate ESG risk assessment and impact measurement into the complete lending and investment lifecycle, from pipeline evaluation to execution and portfolio monitoring.
• Conduct and oversee ESG due diligence and environmental and social risk assessments for prospective and existing portfolio companies, including businesses operating in high-risk sectors.
• Ensure alignment with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internationally recognised frameworks.
• Collaborate with business and investment teams to embed ESG processes into operational workflows and decision-making.
• Train and support internal teams in applying ESG policies, assessment tools, and impact measurement methodologies.
• Monitor ESG risks, impact indicators, and portfolio performance across business verticals, identifying gaps and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Engage with portfolio companies to improve ESG practices, strengthen reporting, and address underperformance.
• Maintain and continuously improve ESG methodologies in line with evolving regulations, international standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop ESG and impact reports, portfolio assessments, case studies, and communication materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in relevant industry forums, impact investing initiatives, stakeholder engagements, and sector events.
• Collaborate with global and cross-functional teams on impact-related initiatives, research, and strategic projects.
• Engage with senior leadership, investors, regulators, and external stakeholders to build alignment around ESG priorities and responsible investment practices.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, ideally with substantial expertise in ESG risk management, impact measurement, and responsible finance.
• Strong experience in financial services, fintech, microfinance, SME finance, private debt, or impact investing.
• Proven track record of building and operationalising ESG and impact management functions, frameworks, policies, and reporting systems.
• Hands-on experience conducting ESG due diligence and assessing environmental and social risks across financial portfolios.
• Strong knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, the Operating Principles for Impact Management (OPIM), and GIIN IRIS+ metrics.
• Experience managing teams or leading cross-functional ESG and impact initiatives.
• Strong understanding of portfolio monitoring, impact measurement, ESG reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, investors, business teams, and regulators.
• Strong analytical, research, presentation, and report-writing capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
• High levels of integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.