Sustainability - Lead Consultant

Role Overview

The candidate should be well versed in GHG accounting, corporate decarbonisation, carbon markets and carbon pricing, with demonstrated experience of working with clients to develop emissions inventories, identify and quantify decarbonisation opportunities, assess carbon market implications and evaluate the financial viability of low-carbon interventions.

The role requires a combination of technical sustainability expertise, quantitative analysis and financial modelling capabilities to support clients in translating climate ambitions into practical and financially viable decarbonisation programmes.

Candidates with a background in sustainability/climate consulting, energy and decarbonisation advisory, carbon markets or climate finance would be preferred.

Job Requirements

* Strong understanding of GHG accounting principles and methodologies, including the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, Scope 2 Guidance and Scope 3 Standard.
* Hands-on experience in developing and reviewing Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG inventories, including activity data assessment, emission factor selection, calculation methodologies, data validation and development of emissions baselines.
* Experience in developing corporate and sector-specific decarbonisation / Net Zero roadmaps, including identification, prioritisation and quantification of emission reduction opportunities.
* Good understanding of Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) requirements, target-setting methodologies, absolute and intensity-based reduction pathways and Net Zero principles.
* Ability to identify and assess decarbonisation interventions across areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, fuel switching, alternative fuels, process improvements, waste and circularity, logistics and supply-chain decarbonisation.
* Ability to quantify energy, GHG and cost reduction potential associated with individual decarbonisation interventions.
* Strong understanding of India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Indian Carbon Market and compliance carbon market architecture, including emerging sectoral trajectories, obligated entities, GHG emission intensity targets, credit generation and compliance requirements.
* Understanding of voluntary carbon markets, carbon credit project development and major carbon standards / methodologies.
* Knowledge of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, corresponding adjustments and international carbon market developments would be an advantage.
* Ability to assess the implications of internal and external carbon pricing on business operations, investment decisions and decarbonisation strategies.
* Experience in developing carbon price scenarios and incorporating carbon costs into investment and business-case assessments.
* Strong financial modelling capabilities for evaluating decarbonisation investments, including:
   * CAPEX and OPEX assessment
   * Energy and operating cost savings
   * Simple and discounted payback
   * NPV
   * IRR
   * Cash-flow modelling
   * Sensitivity and scenario analysis
   * Carbon-price impact
   * Marginal Abatement Cost / Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC)
* Ability to develop business cases for decarbonisation interventions by integrating technical emission-reduction potential with financial attractiveness.
* Understanding of financing mechanisms for decarbonisation projects, including green loans, sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, blended finance, concessional finance, ESCO/RESCO models and other relevant financing structures.
* Ability to assess different decarbonisation financing options based on project characteristics, technology maturity, investment requirement, payback period, risk allocation and potential funding sources.
* Understanding of green and sustainable finance frameworks, taxonomies and eligibility considerations relevant to financing low-carbon investments.
* Experience in undertaking sector research and benchmarking on emissions intensity, decarbonisation technologies, carbon prices, regulatory developments and low-carbon transition pathways.
* Exposure to sectors such as Power, Manufacturing, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Cement, Steel, Metals & Mining, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Infrastructure and Financial Services would be preferred.
* Ability to develop robust Excel-based analytical and financial models and translate complex analysis into clear management insights.
* Ability to independently manage client workstreams, conduct stakeholder discussions, coordinate data collection and deliver assignments within agreed timelines.
* Ability to prepare and deliver high-impact presentations, technical reports and recommendations to clients and internal committees.
* Support preparation of proposals, technical approaches, pitch presentations and client discussions for decarbonisation, carbon markets and climate finance opportunities.
* Contribute to thought leadership, knowledge reports, articles and sector insights on decarbonisation, CCTS, carbon markets and climate finance.

Experience:  At least 5–6 years of relevant experience in sustainability, climate change, energy or related consulting/advisory roles.

Candidates should preferably have hands-on experience in at least 4–5 of the following areas:

* Scope 1, 2 & 3 GHG Accounting
* Net Zero / Decarbonisation Roadmaps
* SBTi
* Energy and Emission Reduction Assessment
* Indian CCTS / Carbon Markets
* Carbon Pricing
* Carbon Credit Assessment
* Financial Modelling
* MACC Development
* Climate / Green Finance
* Decarbonisation Project Financing

Qualification:

* MBA / Master's degree in Energy, Sustainability, Environmental Management, Climate Change, Finance, Economics or related discipline; or
* Bachelor's / Master's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy or another relevant discipline.

Certifications / qualifications in GHG accounting, carbon markets, energy management, climate finance or financial modelling would be an advantage.

Preferred Skill Set:

Technical: GHG Accounting | Scope 1, 2 & 3 | SBTi | Net Zero | Decarbonisation | CCTS | Indian Carbon Market | Carbon Credits | Carbon Pricing | MACC

Financial: Financial Modelling | CAPEX/OPEX | NPV | IRR | Payback | Sensitivity Analysis | Green Finance | Sustainable Finance | Decarbonisation Financing

Consulting: Client Management | Research & Analysis | Project Management | Stakeholder Engagement | Report Writing | Business Development | Presentation Skills

Tools: Strong working knowledge of MS Excel and PowerPoint, with demonstrated ability to develop quantitative and financial models.