Talent Pool: Climate Risk Specialist

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Performance Risk

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Pretoria, South Africa

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Job description

We are seeking a passionate and technically proficient Climate Risk Specialists to join our team. In this role, you will lead the effort to identify, assess, and manage climate andsustainability-related risks—both physical and transitional—across our organization or for our clients. You will be responsible for developing climate risk frameworks, conducting scenario analysis, ensuring compliance with evolving disclosure regulations, and integrating climate considerations into overall enterprise risk management (ERM) strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Climate Risk Assessment & Analysis

  • Identify and assess physical climate risks (e.g., extreme weather events, sea-level rise, chronic shifts) and transition risks (e.g., policy changes, technology disruption, market shifts) to the organization's operations, supply chain, and investments.
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative climate scenario analysis (e.g., NGFS scenarios, IPCC pathways) to model potential impacts under different climate futures.
  • Develop and maintain climate risk heat maps, dashboards, and risk registers.

Strategy & Integration

  • Integrate climate risk considerations into the organization's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework.
  • Collaborate with finance, strategy, and operations teams to stress-test business models and develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
  • Advise on opportunities related to the low-carbon transition, including green finance and sustainable product development.

Reporting & Compliance

  • Lead the preparation of climate-related disclosures in line with global standards such as the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) , ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) , SASB, and CDP.
  • Monitor evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., EU CSRD, SEC climate rules) and ensure organizational compliance.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, the board of directors, and external stakeholders.

Data & Modeling

  • Source, manage, and analyze climate data sets from various providers (e.g., climate models, geospatial data, emissions data).
  • Work with data scientists and external consultants to develop or enhance climate risk models.
  • Quantify financial impacts of climate risks on assets, liabilities, and investments.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Liaise with internal stakeholders (investor relations, legal, communications) to ensure consistent messaging on climate risk.
  • Represent the organization in industry working groups and engage with investors on climate-related matters.
  • Stay abreast of the latest climate science, policy developments, and industry best practices.
Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Climate Science, Meteorology, Sustainability, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in climate risk, sustainability consulting, environmental modeling, or a related analytical role.
  • Experience with climate scenario analysis, physical risk modeling, or transition risk assessment is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with climate disclosure frameworks (for e.g., TCFD, ISSB, CDP) is essential.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of climate science, climate modeling, and the socio-economic impacts of climate change.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Python, R, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Excel).
  • Experience working with climate data sets (e.g., CMIP6, NGFS scenarios) is a significant plus.
  • Knowledge of financial risk management principles and their application to climate risks.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex climate data into actionable business insights for non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Certifications (Optional but a Plus)
  • SCR™ (Sustainability and Climate Risk) Certificate from GARP.
  • CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing.
  • PRM or FRM with a focus on climate risk.