Head of ESG Advisory

Krutham; Cape Town, Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research and advisory firm in Cape Town is seeking a head for its ESG advisory practice. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead ESG integration in investment decisions for major clients across Africa. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of experience in ESG or sustainable finance, strong analytical skills, and a proven track record in consulting. This role combines leadership with a commitment to drive impactful change in the region, contributing to the firm's ambitious growth and influence in the market.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Professional development support

Insurance cover

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of experience in ESG, sustainable finance, or impact investing.
• Successful track record of managing consulting engagements.
• Strong understanding of African capital markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead ESG advisory services and research initiatives.
• Advise clients on ESG strategies and project implementations.
• Drive thought leadership through original research.

Skills

Leadership

ESG expertise

Analytical skills

Interpersonal abilities

Business development

Education

Master's or PhD in finance, economics, sustainability, or related field

Job description

About Krutham

Krutham is a leading research and advisory firm pioneering financial solutions for social impact in emerging markets. We work with clients spanning the full spectrum of capital – from global investors and asset managers to philanthropic foundations – developing innovative approaches that prove financial systems can be a powerful force for good.

Operating from offices in Johannesburg, London, and Cape Town, our team of MBAs, CFA charterholders, and PhDs combines deep financial sector expertise with rigorous social economy insight to deliver research and advisory services that shape markets and drive meaningful change.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional leader to head our ESG advisory practice, a cornerstone of Krutham's impact capital vertical. This is a pivotal role at the intersection of finance, sustainability, and social impact, offering the opportunity to shape how institutional investors, banks, and corporations across Africa integrate ESG into investment decision‑making and business strategy.

You will take the helm of an established practice with flagship products including the Sanlam ESG Barometer (the definitive research on ESG practices of JSE and Kenyan‑listed companies) and advisory relationships with major African banks, pension funds, and international development institutions. You will lead a talented team of researchers and analysts, drive thought leadership that influences policy and practice and build new business in a rapidly evolving field.

This role reports to the Principal: Impact Capital and includes membership of Krutham's management committee.

What You Will Do

Lead the Practice

• Provide strategic direction for Krutham's ESG advisory services, positioning the firm as the leading voice on ESG integration in African markets
• Oversee flagship research initiatives, including the Sanlam ESG Barometer and the African Impact Awards
• Supervise a team of analysts, developing their capabilities and ensuring excellent client service
• Serve on Krutham's management committee, contributing to firm‑wide strategy and operational decisions

Advise Clients

• Lead high‑impact consulting engagements with institutional investors, banks, asset managers, and corporates on ESG strategy, integration, and reporting
• Provide expert guidance on portfolio management, investment decision‑making frameworks, ESG materiality assessments, and impact measurement
• Navigate clients through the complex global ESG landscape, interpreting over 2,300 international policy provisions and translating them into actionable African market strategies
• Support clients in positioning themselves effectively to access international capital and meet stakeholder expectations

Drive Thought Leadership

• Produce original research that sets the agenda for ESG and sustainable finance discussions across Africa
• Represent Krutham at conferences, industry forums, and with media, building the firm's authority in the field
• Build strategic relationships with key ecosystem players including regulators, industry associations, development finance institutions, and peer organisations

Grow the Business

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across South Africa and expanding into the broader African continent
• Develop innovative service offerings that address emerging client needs in ESG, climate finance, and the just transition
• Convert research insights into commercial advisory engagements
• Contribute to revenue growth targets for the impact capital vertical

What You Will Bring

Essential

• 8‑12 years of progressive experience in ESG, sustainable finance, impact investing, or responsible investment, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity
• Proven track record of managing successful consulting engagements or investment projects with demonstrable impact
• Deep expertise in ESG frameworks, standards, and their practical application to investment decision‑making and corporate strategy
• Strong understanding of African capital markets, financial institutions, and the specific ESG challenges and opportunities in emerging markets
• Excellent analytical skills, including financial modelling and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable recommendations
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience engaging senior stakeholders (C‑suite executives, board members, institutional investors)
• Demonstrated business development capabilities and comfort with revenue accountability
• Strong team leadership and people management experience
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in finance, economics, sustainability, development, or related field; professional qualifications (CFA, CA, MBA) advantageous

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience at a major institutional investor, asset manager, bank, consulting firm, or development finance institution
• Established network within African financial services and sustainability sectors
• Track record of thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, or advisory roles
• Experience working with international development agencies or philanthropic organisations
• Understanding of climate finance, just transition, impact measurement and management and blended finance mechanisms

Personal Attributes

• Genuine passion for leveraging finance to achieve positive social and environmental outcomes
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and scale a practice
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment
• Strategic thinker who can also execute with attention to detail
• Confident working with ambiguity and shaping your own agenda
• Collaborative approach, able to work across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders
• Resilient and adaptable in fast‑changing markets

What We Offer

The Role

• Significant influence over the direction of ESG practice and sustainable finance in Africa
• Autonomy to shape your role and build new initiatives within an established framework
• Direct access to senior decision‑makers across Africa's financial services sector
• Platform to drive real‑world impact through advisory work that shapes billions in investment across the continent

The Environment

• Small, collegial firm culture where your contribution matters
• Work alongside exceptional colleagues (MBAs, CFA charterholders, PhDs) committed to both intellectual rigour and practical impact
• Exposure to diverse, high‑stakes projects spanning from government policy to philanthropic strategy

Practicalities

• Based at our Sandton, Johannesburg or Cape Town (CBD) offices
• Hybrid work policy: work from home up to two days per week (subject to eligibility)
• Competitive remuneration package combining base salary and performance‑based incentives, commensurate with experience and seniority
• Benefits including insurance cover, with flexibility to structure medical aid and pension arrangements
• Professional development support and opportunities to represent the firm internationally

Application Process

1. Your relevant experience and why you are suited to lead this practice
2. Your vision for ESG advisory in African markets over the next 3‑5 years, including its integration with impact investing
3. One example of impact you have achieved in advancing ESG or sustainable finance

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with appointment targeted as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is encouraged.

Our Standards

Krutham maintains exceptionally high standards. We seek individuals who combine technical excellence with strategic thinking, commercial acumen with genuine commitment to impact, and the confidence to lead with the humility to collaborate. If this describes you, we welcome your application.

Please apply before 12 December 2025