Sustainability Intern (1 Year FTC)

BDO Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO Ireland is seeking a motivated Sustainability Intern for a 1-year fixed-term contract in Dublin. You will support sustainability, ESG reporting, carbon accounting, regulatory monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, gaining exposure to client projects in a fast-paced environment.

You will work alongside experienced consultants to develop reporting and data analysis skills, contribute to ESG strategy development, and assist with internal campaigns and events, while delivering high-quality work

Qualifications

• Graduated with a minimum 2:1 honours degree at Level 8 or higher in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Studies, Business, Geography, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in sustainability, ESG, climate action, and responsible business practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with data and identify trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and review of sustainability reports in line with recognised reporting frameworks and standards.
• Support the development of ESG disclosures and sustainability communications for clients.
• Help gather, organise, and validate sustainability-related information from multiple sources.
• Ensure reporting documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with quality standards.
• Assist with the collection, validation, and analysis of environmental, social, and governance data.
• Support carbon footprint calculations, emissions tracking, and sustainability performance measurement activities.
• Work with spreadsheets and data management tools to compile sustainability metrics and KPIs.
• Identify data gaps and support efforts to improve data quality and reporting processes.
• Produce summaries and insights from sustainability data to support client recommendations.
• Conduct research on emerging sustainability trends, ESG regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor updates relating to sustainability legislation and climate reporting obligations.
• Benchmark sustainability practices across industries and identify best practices.
• Summarise research findings and present insights clearly to the wider team.
• Assist consultants in the delivery of sustainability projects for clients across sectors.
• Prepare client presentations, reports, proposals, and other project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to planning.
• Help track project progress, actions, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support ESG objectives.
• Assist with sustainability awareness campaigns and events.
• Support collection and reporting of sustainability data relating to internal operations.
• Contribute ideas for improving environmental performance.
• Maintain accurate records, project files, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with scheduling meetings and documenting actions.
• Support process improvements and template development.
• Undertake additional project and administrative tasks as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

MS Excel

Education

2:1 honours degree (Level 8 or higher) in Sustainability or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Sustainability Intern (1 Year FTC)

Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

Department: Sustainability

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Dublin

Description

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic Sustainability Intern to join our growing Sustainability team for a 1 year fixed term contract basis. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience within a professional services environment while supporting a range of sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance), and climate-related projects.

Working alongside experienced consultants and senior team members, you will gain exposure to sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, ESG strategy development, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainability and eager to develop their knowledge within a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Reporting & ESG Disclosure

• Assist in the preparation and review of sustainability reports in line with recognised reporting frameworks and standards.
• Support the development of ESG disclosures and sustainability communications for clients.
• Help gather, organise, and validate sustainability-related information from multiple sources.
• Ensure reporting documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with quality standards.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Assist with the collection, validation, and analysis of environmental, social, and governance data.
• Support carbon footprint calculations, emissions tracking, and sustainability performance measurement activities.
• Work with spreadsheets and data management tools to compile sustainability metrics and key performance indicators.
• Identify data gaps and support efforts to improve data quality and reporting processes.
• Produce summaries and insights from sustainability data to support client recommendations.

Research & Regulatory Monitoring

• Conduct research on emerging sustainability trends, industry developments, ESG regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor updates relating to sustainability legislation, climate reporting obligations, and corporate responsibility initiatives.
• Benchmark sustainability practices across industries and identify examples of best practice.
• Summarise research findings and present insights clearly to the wider team.

Client Support & Project Delivery

• Assist consultants in the delivery of sustainability projects for clients across a range of sectors.
• Support the preparation of client presentations, reports, proposals, and other project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to project planning and coordination activities.
• Help track project progress, actions, and deliverables to support effective project management.

Internal Sustainability Initiatives

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support BDO's sustainability and ESG objectives.
• Assist with sustainability awareness campaigns, employee engagement initiatives, and related events.
• Support the collection and reporting of sustainability data relating to internal operations.
• Contribute ideas for improving environmental performance and embedding sustainability practices throughout the organisation.

Administrative & Team Support

• Maintain accurate records, project files, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting actions where required.
• Support process improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of templates, guidance materials, and tools.
• Undertake additional project and administrative tasks as required to support the Sustainability team.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Graduated with a minimum 2:1 honours degree at Level 8 or higher in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Climate Studies, Business, Geography, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in sustainability, ESG, climate action, and responsible business practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with data and identify trends.
• Effective organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.

Desirable

• Previous internship, placement, voluntary, or work experience in a business or sustainability-related environment.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting standards and frameworks.
• Familiarity with carbon accounting, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate-related concepts.
• Experience using data analysis tools, survey platforms, or business intelligence software.
• Participation in sustainability-related projects, research, volunteering activities, or student societies.

Benefits

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience working on real sustainability and ESG projects.
• Exposure to sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, and ESG advisory services.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced sustainability professionals.
• Development of analytical, research, project management, and client-facing skills.
• Insight into how organisations integrate sustainability into business strategy and decision-making.
• A supportive and collaborative environment focused on learning and professional development.

This internship provides an excellent foundation for individuals seeking to build a career in sustainability, ESG consulting, environmental management, or corporate responsibility.

Office Facilities

• State of the art high tech office in a Central Dublin City Centre location
• Onsite gym, with changing & shower facilities
• Secure bike parking
• Onsite café with complimentary barista

Health Benefits & Leave Entitlements

• Digital Doctor access
• Mini Health Assessments

Work Equipment & Resources

• Laptop
• L&D initiatives