This presentation took place on November 1st 2015, at The British University in Dubai as part of the Sustainability Business Network (SBN) – Green Career Briefing. Aim of the presentation is to provide an overview of what working in the Sustainability and CSR field looks like, as well as the basic responsibilities and traits of a Sustainability professional. The presentation was developed with the purpose to unlock the secrets of a career in Sustainability. Have a look on a simple and practical outline of the role of CSR and Sustainability professionals and especially the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). The presentation introduces the Business Perspective of Sustainability based on the Triple-Bottom-Line (People-Planet-Profit) approach along with the NGO perspective. The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is demanding and we often see that in order to accomplish their duties, individuals taking up the role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), need to think like a combination of Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Financial Officers, early-stage entrepreneurs, coaches, politicians and top strategy consultants roles such as the CFO or a strategy consultant. From Managers up to Senior Vice Presidents, CSO’s top task include developing strategies with the aim of integrating Sustainability culture within the DNA of the company and assisting in the necessary mentality change. Key aspect for the successful sustainability implementation is telling the story and driving engagement among stakeholders. As we walk to 2020, the prevailing trend calls for more sustainability specialists in particular areas (climate, biodiversity, human rights, community, quality, operations, finance etc.) and more employees with knowledge of integrating Sustainability into functions, but less Sustainability departments!

1. A career in Sustainability
What does this really mean?
1st November 2015
Aglaia Ntili
Managing Director, Sustainability Knowledge Group
aglaia@sustainabilityknowledgegroup.com
www.sustainabilityknowledgegroup.com

2. Sustainability: The Big Picture
Simultaneous pursuit of
Economic Development,
effectiveness and prosperity
Environmental quality,
protection and performance
Social equity and inclusion
and Justice

3. Sustainability: The Business Perspective

4. Sustainability: The Business Perspective

5. Sustainability: The NGO Perspective

6. The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
A great CSO is someone who can think like a
combination of:
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• early-stage entrepreneur
• coach
• politician and
• top strategy consultant
and who very specifically understands and applies
sustainability to the culture of the company.
GreenBiz, 2013, The State of Profession

7. The Wider Role of CSO
CSO
Adapted from: PWC, Managing Sustainability risks and opportunities in the financial services sector

8. CSO Responsibilities
PWC, 2012, The Sustainability Executive: Profile and Progress

9. CSO’s Top Tasks

10. The Key Skill: Communication!
PWC, 2012, The Sustainability Executive: Profile and Progress

11. Professional Bodies

12. Trends: Sustainability beyond 2020
1. Codes, standards and guidelines will be necessary but insufficient
2. Innovation will become the answer to tackling social and
environmental problems
3. Partnerships will be at the heart of all Sustainability strategies and
initiatives
4. Companies will be expected to comply with global principles and
address local issues simultaneously
5. Corporate transparency and disclosure of social, environmental and
governance data will be mandatory
6. More sustainability specialists in particular areas (climate,
biodiversity, human rights, community, quality, operations, finance
etc.) and more employees with knowledge of integrating
Sustainability into functions, but less Sustainability departments!
Adapted from: ICCSR, 2015, Responsible Business in 2020

13. Join our open CSR & Sustainability meetup to network,
gain knowledge and understanding on Sustainability and
CSR. We offer:
• invaluable support in understanding the essence of
Sustainability (People-Planet-Profit)
• practical examples on how to implement CSR &
Sustainability and account for social impacts
• a platform for open discussion and best practice
exchange
• high calibre guest speakers who share openly their
experience
Join our ILM approved courses in Middle East & Europe to advance
your career:
• “Advanced Chief sustainability Officer (CSO) Professional”
training
• Sustainability and CSR Masterclass
• Stakeholder Management Masterclass
• Sustainability Strategy and Reporting Executive Training

14. Sustainability!
A of Opportunities