Lead: ESG Commercialization

Job Description

Absa Bank is hiring a Lead for ESG Commercialisation within the Corporate & Investment Banking division. The role involves advancing the firmwide ESG strategy, supporting client engagement, driving ESG-aligned transactions, and co-developing net zero plans and sustainability solutions across sectors. This full-time position in Sandton offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of ESG innovation, shaping sustainable finance initiatives and contributing to long-term impact.

Requirements

• Postgraduate Degree in Commerce or Finance (required)
• Master’s Degree preferred
• Extensive experience leading and executing complex transactions
• Robust knowledge of banking and finance products
• Deep understanding of ESG principles and their application in banking and capital markets
• Strong collaboration skills across diverse teams and functions
• Strategic mindset and demonstrated passion for ESG, sustainability, and innovation
• Highly developed knowledge of ESG regulatory and reporting frameworks (e.g., TCFD, UN Principles for Responsible Banking)
• Ability to structure and implement ESG-linked transactions
• Experience developing ESG-aligned products and propositions
• Strong presentation skills and ability to create client-facing materials on ESG trends and regulatory expectations
• Capability to advise clients on sustainability and de-carbonisation strategies

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and enhance ESG commercialisation strategy across the organisation
• Partner with Product, Client Coverage, Risk, and Credit teams to drive ESG integration
• Originate ESG-aligned transactions and lead strategic client engagements
• Support structuring and execution of ESG-linked financial transactions
• Develop innovative ESG products and propositions in collaboration with Product and Coverage teams
• Drive the creation of the CIB net zero plan in partnership with Group Sustainability and other stakeholders
• Prepare market reviews and insights for client meetings on ESG regulations and investor trends
• Assist clients in designing and refining de-carbonisation and sustainability plans
• Lead internal ESG commercialisation initiatives and reporting
• Foster ESG capability development across Corporate & Investment Banking functions