Esg Risk Lead

Findojobs South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking an experienced ESG Risk Lead in Johannesburg to manage a team and develop innovative risk methodologies. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in ESG risk and a strong background in financial services. Responsibilities include leading research initiatives and providing strategic advice on risk integration. This role offers significant influence within the organization and aims to position the firm as a leader in sustainable banking.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in ESG risk, environmental risk, or financial risk roles.
• Experience in banking or financial services is essential.
• Familiarity with digital tools, data analytics, and ESG risk systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead Nedbank’s ESG Risk Lead Team, managing environmental analysts focused on research and innovation.
• Develop and implement ESG risk methodologies such as climate risk assessments.
• Provide thought leadership and strategic advice to business units.

Skills

Leadership

ESG risk methodologies

Financial risk integration

Education

Honours or Master’s degree in Risk Management, Environmental Science, Finance, Engineering

Job description

Requisition Details & Talent Acquisition Consultant

Position Title : ESG Risk Lead – Strategic Innovation & Risk Integration

REQ 141058 Themb Mtshali

Location : Johannesburg

Closing date : 28 July 2025

Job Family

Risk, Audit and Compliance

Career Stream

Enterprise Wide Risk Management

Leadership Pipeline

Manage Managers

Job Purpose

Nedbank is seeking a practical, forward-thinking ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Risk Lead to head our ESG Risk Lead Team within Group Strategic Risk. This is a strategic, risk-focused leadership position for a candidate with deep expertise in ESG risk methodologies, global regulatory frameworks, and risk integration.

You will develop and apply advanced ESG risk tools, frameworks, and scenario analyses to shape Nedbank’s enterprise-wide risk posture. Your work will influence how ESG risks are embedded into credit, market, operational, and liquidity risk management frameworks, ensuring Nedbank remains a leader in sustainable banking in South Africa.

This role suits a candidate who excels at ESG risk innovation, financial risk integration, and strategic influence. You will collaborate with our ESG Risk Management team to promote research, foresight, and practical ESG risk implementation across the bank.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Nedbank’s ESG Risk Lead Team, managing environmental analysts focused on research and innovation.
• Develop and implement ESG risk methodologies such as climate risk assessments, scenario analysis, and glidepaths.
• Translate global frameworks (e.g., TCFD, TNFD, ISSB, NGFS, PACTA) into practical risk tools and disclosures.
• Partner with ESG Risk Management to develop forward-looking risk identification and integration methods.
• Provide thought leadership, training, and strategic advice to business units, risk committees, and leadership as Nedbank’s ESG risk centre of excellence.
• Monitor global ESG risk trends and regulatory changes to keep Nedbank ahead.
• Represent Nedbank in industry forums (e.g., BASA, UNEP FI) and with external stakeholders (e.g., SARB, rating agencies, investors).
• Publish ESG risk research to reinforce Nedbank’s leadership position.

Essential Qualification

Honours or Master’s degree in Risk Management, Environmental Science, Finance, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Certifications

Professional risk qualification (e.g., GARP SCR, CFA ESG, PRM)

Minimum Experience Level

5–7 years in ESG risk, environmental risk, enterprise risk, or financial risk roles.

Experience in banking or financial services is essential.

Familiarity with digital tools, data analytics, and ESG risk systems is advantageous.

Types of Exposures

Proven leadership in ESG risk within financial institutions or regulatory bodies.

Deep understanding of financial risks and ESG risk intersections.

Experience leading climate and nature risk assessments, including methodology design.

Knowledge of global ESG frameworks and standards (TCFD, TNFD, ISSB, NGFS, Basel, UNEP FI).

Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive enterprise change.

Skilled in translating complex concepts into actionable insights.

Experience managing high-performing teams and mentoring talent.

Passionate about research, development, and innovation.

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Budgeting and financial principles
• Business terminology and definitions
• Capacity planning
• Client service management
• Communication strategies
• Diversity management
• Governance, risk, and controls
• Organizational behavior theory
• Project management principles
• Regulatory knowledge
• Stakeholder management
• Strategic planning
• Risk management policies and procedures
• Business reporting skills

Behavioral Competencies

• Building partnerships
• Coaching
• Continuous learning
• Customer focus
• Facilitating change
• Influencing

Disclaimer

Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups. Please contact the Nedbank Recruiting Team at [phone].