Global ESG / Sustainability Analyst

William Blair is seeking a Global ESG/Sustainability Analyst in London Mills, IL. The role involves assisting fundamental research analysts and portfolio managers with ESG ratings and frameworks, conducting ESG research, and supporting engagement meetings. Responsibilities include monitoring ESG ratings, contributing to ESG reporting, and staying updated on industry trends. A bachelor's degree is required, along with investment industry experience and knowledge of ESG factors and reporting standards.
Work directly with fundamental research analysts and portfolio managers to assist in the application of the team’s ESG ratings and materiality frameworks, supporting insights into company quality, growth and competitive advantage. Support fundamental analysts in the initial ESG ratings assessment and ongoing due diligence. Monitor that ESG ratings are completed for owned stocks and re-viewed on a timely basis. Help to drive consistency in ESG analysis across the team. In collaboration with fundamental analysts, identify and prioritize company ESG engagement opportunities; assist with preparing analysts and portfolio managers for engagement meetings through research summaries, agenda setting and formulation of engagement questions. Monitor documentation of ESG engagements and assist when needed. Stay abreast of ESG industry developments and communicate these to the analysts and portfolio managers.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
• Work directly with fundamental research analysts to assist in the application of the team’s ESG ratings and materiality frameworks, supporting insights into company quality, growth and competitive advantage
• Support fundamental analysts in the initial ESG ratings assessment and ongoing due diligence
• In collaboration with fundamental analysts, identify and prioritize company ESG engagement opportunities; prepare analysts and portfolio managers for engagement meetings through research summaries, agenda setting and formulation of engagement questions
• Participate in engagement meetings, help monitor company progress on key initiatives and document outcomes on William Blair’s internal research platform
• Conduct thematic ESG research to better inform the team’s assessment of risks and opportunities by industry, country and company
• Contribute to the development of new ESG frameworks and tools to enhance investment insights and process efficiency
• Provide input to fundamental analysts and portfolio managers on key proxy voting issues in collaboration with the stewardship associate
• In collaboration with the ESG data specialist, support efforts to better interpret and utilize ESG data in the investment process
• Remain current on ESG-related industry trends and communicate relevant topical updates to the team; contribute to broader ESG-related learning and development initiatives.
• Contribute to ESG-focused reporting efforts including integration and engagement activity summaries for clients and signatory commitments (e.g. PRI, UK Stewardship Code, etc.)

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required: ESG-related investment certification(s) a plus (e.g. SASB FSA credential, CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, PRI Academy, etc.)
• Extensive investment industry experience including fundamental company and industry financial analysis, experience integrating ESG factors in company research at a buy-side or sell-side firm
• Experience with IFRS and ISSB reporting standards
• Strong working knowledge of accounting and finance.
• Background in fundamental equity research is preferred.
• Experience engaging with company management teams on material ESG issues is preferred.
• Working knowledge of ESG reporting, disclosure standards and frameworks (TCFD, IFRS/SASB, etc.) is preferred
• Experience working with third-party ESG data is preferred
• Experience with proxy voting analysis and engaging with companies on proxy matters is preferred
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize tasks.
• Able to exercise independent thought and judgment and adapt to new tasks with little notice.
• Responds to requests in a timely manner.
• Delivers clear, effective communication and commits to understanding others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

We are open to this role being based in London or Chicago.

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