The Sustainability Adviser supports the delivery of BITCI’s mission.  At BITCI we leverage our extensive member network and depth of knowledge to embed EESG principles into business strategy and operations. Our guidance drives impactful change and continuous improvement. We are a membership-based organisation, and we believe in the power of collective action and collaboration. 

As a Sustainability Adviser, you will have the opportunity to influence and support some of Ireland’s leading companies in their sustainability journeys. Our Advisers drive member engagement in our network and are responsible for service delivery and relationship management with our member companies. Every Adviser delivers a range of services to members (with on-the-job induction provided). In addition, every Adviser is required to have, or develop, a specialist expertise in at least one critical area of business sustainability.   

For this current vacancy, we are seeking an Adviser with the expertise to deliver on our social and stakeholder engagement services. Our services to members include Human Rights, Sustainable Supply Chains and Social Investment Strategies. To note in our sustainability framework stakeholder engagement is a core part of governance. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Manage a portfolio of member companies and as their key relationship manager: 
• Define and deliver rolling action plans with member companies to support transition to sustainable, socially inclusive business practices. Build relationships with member company staff across a range of functions and seniority levels.  
• Ensure that member companies participate fully in the BITCI Member Network, attending events and participating in collective initiatives. Ensure the company views BITCI as a valued, trusted partner and fully recognises the range of expertise that we offer.  
• Act as a subject matter expert on social dimensions of sustainability, offering insight and guidance externally and also to colleagues as BITCI seeks to fully integrate human rights and social performance perspectives into all areas of sustainability advisory.  
• Deliver advisory services on a one-to-one basis to member companies on human rights topics as well as other areas of social performance and good governance. 
• Identify, design and deliver collaborative projects to support member companies to fulfil their goals. 
• Design and deliver workshops and events (in person/hybrid/virtual) on human rights and other areas of social performance and good governance, suitable for senior business leaders, specialists, and practitioners from member companies. 
• Represent the organisation externally through speaking, writing articles and policy submissions, attending government meetings and engaging with media. 
• Identify and develop partnerships with relevant stakeholders to support delivery of member services. 

Personal specification 

Qualifications: 

In-depth expertise in and a thorough knowledge of corporate sustainability developed through a third level degree, or a similar qualification in a relevant discipline, and/or through relevant work experience. Experience with Business and Human Rights and/or social performance, likely gained through working with a company, a consultancy, or an industry association/initiative. 

Core:  

• Minimum of five years’ experience of working directly with business, or in business advisory organisations, in a role responsible for social performance, sustainable procurement and/or human rights.  
• Demonstrable experience in areas that support the embedding of human rights and social performance in business, such as due diligence, supplier engagement, training development, and developing social investment and engagement strategies. 
• Experience in account management and client relationship management at senior level. 
• Experience designing and delivering services and interventions that promote sustainability within business (either in-house or as a consultant/adviser).  
• Thorough understanding of sustainability trends, and the challenges and opportunities around improving corporate sustainability in an Irish context.  
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 

Other skills:  

• Ideally hold a postgraduate specialisation in sustainability, sustainable procurement, human rights or social performance.  
• Experience of delivering strategy development and/or change management processes for large businesses.  
• Experience of applying best practice standards including relevant ISO standards.  
• Knowledge of partnership design and delivery in the context of business accountability and social performance.  
• Stakeholder engagement expertise in the context of sustainable business practice. 

Skills/ Personal Attributes:  

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small dynamic team with multiple tasks and deadlines.  
• Client-driven attitude and professional demeanor.  
• Work to high degree of attention to detail and thoroughness.  
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize key insights into actions and recommendations.   
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, research and writing skills.  
• Strong time and project management skills.  
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic.  
• Computer literate and fully conversant with the Microsoft Office suite.  
• Committed to the values of Business in the Community Ireland. 

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. There may be other ad-hoc duties assigned from time to time, and the Adviser will be expected to support the Advisory Service team as needed, in line with the overall  organizational objectives of BITCI.