Senior Principal Sustainability Specialist (IT Governance)

Applicable Limited; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Johannesburg seeks a Sustainable IT Governance Leader to drive IT sustainability initiatives and align them with business objectives. This role requires expertise in IT governance and sustainability, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint and promote responsible technology practices. Candidates should have a strong background in IT governance frameworks and sustainability standards, with excellent communication skills to foster collaboration across the organization.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in sustainability and IT governance.
• Proven experience in IT governance and sustainability leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT) and sustainability standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sustainable IT governance framework.
• Collaborate with executive management to ensure IT sustainability initiatives support business objectives.
• Identify and manage risks associated with IT sustainability initiatives.

Skills

IT governance

sustainability leadership

stakeholder management

strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field

Advanced degree with a focus on sustainability preferred

Tools

IT governance frameworks

data analysis tools

Job description

Continue to make an impact with a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. At NTT DATA, we are renowned for our technical excellence, leading innovations, and making a difference for our clients and society. Our workplace embraces diversity and inclusion – it’s a place where you can continue to grow, belong, and thrive.

Your career here is about believing in yourself and seizing new opportunities and challenges. It’s about expanding your skills and expertise in your current role and preparing yourself for future advancements. That’s why we encourage you to take every opportunity to further your career within our great global team.

Grow Your Career with NTT DATA

IT Sustainability CoE
The IT Sustainability CoE oversees the delivery of initiatives that translate the overall NTT business sustainability strategy and policies into comprehensive IT strategy, standards, policies, and solutions to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible technology practice. IT Sustainability will be focused on driving a culture of Sustainability in IT, Sustainable Sourcing for IT, and supporting our business partners in advancing their sustainability goals and objectives with Sustainability by IT.
We are seeking a visionary Sustainable IT Governance Leader to drive our Global IT organization's commitment to sustainability while ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory compliance. This role combines IT governance expertise with sustainability knowledge to develop and manage eco-friendly IT strategies and policies
As the Sustainable IT Governance Leader, you will play a crucial role in shaping our organization's approach to environmentally responsible technology governance. Your work will directly contribute to reducing our carbon footprint, optimizing resource usage, and positioning our company as a leader in sustainable IT practices while ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements.

What you'll be doing

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Policy Development

• Develop and implement a sustainable IT governance framework that aligns with the organization's overall strategy and sustainability goal
• Create and maintain IT policies and procedures that promote environmental responsibility and resource optimization
• Design and oversee the implementation of sustainability KPIs for IT operations
• Advocate for green IT architectures,including cloud optimization, energy-efficient data centers, and responsible decommissioning strategies.

Cross-functional Leadership

• Collaborate with the executive management team in Global IT, with the Corporate Sustainability Business office, and various IT organizations to ensure IT sustainability initiatives support broader business objectives
• Work closely with the leader of the IT Sustainability CoE to set the IT vision, mission, and objectives that align with the business strategy and sustainability values
• Engage with various stakeholders to foster a culture of sustainable IT practices across the organization
• Lead cross-functional teams and champion a culture of sustainabilityacross IT functions through training, advocacy, and policy enforcement.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Collaborate with legal and compliance teamstoensure IT operations meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting obligations.
• Identify and manage risks associated with IT sustainability initiatives, including regulatory compliance and reputational risks
• Ensure adherence to relevant environmental standards and regulations in IT operations
• Conduct regular audits and reviews of IT sustainability practices and performance
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Stay updated on emerging trends in sustainable technology and IT governance best practices
• Identify opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of IT operations and infrastructure

Primary Objectives

Strategic Alignment: Ensure that IT Sustainability initiatives and investments are synchronized with the organization's overall business strategy and sustainability goals.

Value Delivery: Drive meaning improvements into the IT organization to deliver the IT Sustainability strategy.

Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate IT-related risks, including those associated with sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance, and reputational risks.

Performance Measurement: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to IT sustainability, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with organizational objectives.

Establish high standards of IT Sustainability governance, ethics, and transparency, embedding these into the risk management framework.

Identify opportunities to minimize environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Ensure that IT processes and activities comply with relevant environmental regulations, industry standards, and internal sustainability policies.

Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration between IT, business units, and sustainability experts to promote a culture of sustainable IT practices across the organization.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on emerging trends in sustainable technology and IT governance best practices, identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact and optimize IT operations.

Transparency and Accountability: Implement clear decision-making processes and governance structures that promote transparency in IT-related decisions and sustainability initiatives3.

Sustainable Culture Promotion: Build awareness and promote a culture of sustainability within IT operations and across the organization through training, education, and communication.

Skills and Qualifications:

By possessing these qualifications and skills, a Sustainable IT Governance Leader can effectively align IT strategies with business goals while prioritizing environmental responsibility and sustainable practices into the IT organization.

Looking for at least 3 years of experience working in sustainability and IT governance.

• Proven experience in IT governance and sustainability leadership roles
• Strong understanding of IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT) and sustainability standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical, business, and environmental considerations
• Knowledge of relevant environmental regulations and standards in the IT sector
• Advanced degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field, with preferred focus on sustainability

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field
• Advanced degree with a focus on sustainability preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in IT governance frameworks
• Proficiency in IT operations
• Excellent understanding of sustainability standards and environmental regulations
• Data analysis and interpretation abilities
• Risk assessment and compliance management expertise

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Leadership and team-building capabilities
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and continuous learning mindset

Domain-Specific Knowledge

• Deep understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concepts
• Solid understanding of Sustainable IT concepts and frameworks
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and implementation
• Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB)
• Understanding of life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA)

Financial Acumen

• Basic financial skills for portfolio management and investment analysis
• Ability to assess and optimize the return on investment (ROI) of IT initiatives

Regulatory and Compliance Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of relevant sustainability laws, industry standards, and internal policies
• Ability to conduct audits and ensure ongoing compliance

Workplace type:

Hybrid Working

Equal Opportunity Employer
NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Accelerate your career with us. Apply today