As a Sustainability – ESG Advisor at CIMA+, you’ll support the implementation and tracking of the firm’s ESG strategy, from collecting and validating data to preparing annual reports and climate inventories. You’ll work across departments to embed ESG into everyday business practices and help advance responsible engineering.
The real impact here is on transparent disclosure and climate action within a major engineering consultancy. By improving how CIMA+ measures and manages its environmental and social performance, you’ll help the firm lead by example, showing clients and communities that sustainable infrastructure starts from within. Your work on emissions inventories and reconciliation initiatives will directly support the company’s credibility in a sector under growing scrutiny.
This suits someone who thrives in a collaborative, data-driven role and wants to see sustainability embedded in the core of a technical organization. If you’re fluent in both French and English, enjoy turning analysis into action, and care about responsible partnerships, especially with Indigenous communities, this could be your next step.
Job FAQs
What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?
The core mission of this role is to operationalize CIMA+'s ESG strategy across the organization. You would be responsible for collecting and analyzing ESG data from various departments, preparing CIMA+'s annual ESG report and internal dashboards, and tracking progress against targets. A significant part of your work would involve supporting the development of corporate greenhouse gas inventories for scopes 1, 2 and 3, applying methodologies like the GHG Protocol. You would also contribute to decarbonization planning and help integrate ESG considerations into internal processes.
Beyond data and reporting, you would collaborate with teams such as HR, procurement, operations, communications and marketing to advance ESG initiatives. This includes responding to client ESG information requests, helping with sustainability sections in proposals, and participating in internal awareness activities. The role also has a meaningful Indigenous partnership component, supporting initiatives aligned with reconciliation and the PAIR certification.
Longer-term, your work would help CIMA+ improve its ESG performance, ensure transparent disclosure aligned with frameworks like CSDS, ISSB and GRI, and strengthen its position as a responsible engineering firm. You would be a key player in embedding sustainability into the company's business practices and culture.
Key learning opportunities for this job
This position offers deep exposure to ESG reporting frameworks and standards, particularly CSDS, ISSB (IFRS S1 and S2), GRI, SASB and the GHG Protocol. You would gain hands-on experience in corporate GHG accounting, including scope 3 emissions, and learn how to apply these methodologies in a consulting engineering context. The role also provides opportunities to develop skills in ESG data management, performance analysis and benchmarking against industry peers.
Because you would collaborate with multiple internal departments and respond to client requests, you could strengthen your project management, communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Working on Indigenous partnership initiatives, including the PAIR certification, would offer unique learning in reconciliation and responsible engagement. You might also have access to mentorship from senior ESG professionals and potential support for certifications like EP or GRI, further improving your credentials.
How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?
The ideal candidate likely holds a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, sustainability or a related field, with a master's in sustainability or ESG being an asset. You should have 4 to 7 years of experience in ESG, sustainability, environmental management or corporate responsibility, ideally including involvement in ESG reporting or sustainability initiatives in a corporate setting. Familiarity with ESG reporting frameworks such as CSDS, ISSB, GRI, SASB and the GHG Protocol is essential, along with knowledge of GHG accounting methodologies and emissions reduction strategies.
Strong data management and analytical skills are important, including proficiency in tools like Excel or Power BI. Excellent project management abilities and the capacity to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously are also key. Given CIMA+'s pan-Canadian operations, you must be fully bilingual in French and English, both written and spoken. Soft skills such as integrity, teamwork, a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence are highly valued.
Additional assets could include experience in engineering, infrastructure or consulting, knowledge of climate reporting or carbon accounting, experience with Indigenous engagement or reconciliation programs, and professional certifications like EP or GRI certification. CIMA+ also values diversity and encourages candidates who may not meet every criterion to apply.
Advice to stand out and make a successful application
To stand out, tailor your application to highlight specific experience with ESG reporting frameworks and GHG accounting. Provide concrete examples of how you have contributed to ESG reports, managed data collection processes, or supported decarbonization initiatives. Since CIMA+ operates in engineering and consulting, emphasize any exposure to these sectors or to client-facing sustainability work. Demonstrate your bilingual proficiency clearly, as English and French are both required for regular interaction across Canada.
In your cover letter, show genuine interest in CIMA+'s sustainability journey and its unique aspects, such as Indigenous partnership initiatives and the PAIR certification. Reflect on how your values align with CIMA+'s emphasis on integrity, collaboration and sustainable solutions. If you have experience with reconciliation or Indigenous engagement, highlight it. Also, mention any relevant certifications or training, even if in progress.
Prepare for interviews by familiarizing yourself with CIMA+'s recent ESG reports and public commitments. Be ready to discuss how you would approach data collection challenges, stakeholder engagement and aligning reporting with multiple frameworks. Show that you can think strategically about embedding ESG into a large, decentralized organization. Finally, if you don't meet every qualification, consider applying anyway, CIMA+ explicitly welcomes diverse candidates and values unique perspectives.
What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?
This role will primarily focus on CIMA+'s corporate ESG performance, particularly environmental and social aspects. You would support the implementation of the company's ESG strategy, which likely includes climate action, emissions reduction and responsible business practices. A significant part of your work would involve developing and updating greenhouse gas inventories for scopes 1, 2 and 3, and contributing to decarbonization and climate transition planning. This directly supports CIMA+'s environmental goals and its ability to disclose transparently.
The social dimension is also prominent, especially through Indigenous partnership initiatives. You would help advance reconciliation efforts and support programs aligned with the PAIR certification, which focuses on progressive Indigenous relations. This reflects a commitment to social responsibility and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, you would assist in responding to client ESG requests, integrating sustainability into proposals and collaborating with internal teams to embed ESG into business processes.
Governance aspects are covered through your involvement in ESG reporting and compliance with frameworks like CSDS, ISSB and GRI. By ensuring accurate and transparent disclosure, you contribute to strong governance and accountability. Overall, the role intersects with all three ESG pillars, with a strong emphasis on environmental performance and social impact.
What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?
One key challenge could be managing ESG data collection across a large, decentralized organization with multiple offices and disciplines. Ensuring data accuracy, consistency and completeness from various departments may require strong influencing and project management skills. You might encounter resistance or slow adoption when trying to embed ESG into long-standing processes, especially in a technical engineering environment where sustainability may not always be the primary focus.
Keeping up with evolving ESG regulations and reporting standards (such as CSDS, ISSB and GRI) could also be demanding, as these frameworks continue to develop. Balancing multiple reporting requirements while maintaining alignment with CIMA+'s strategic goals would require agility and attention to detail. Additionally, supporting Indigenous partnership initiatives involves navigating complex historical and cultural contexts, requiring sensitivity, humility and a commitment to authentic relationship-building.
Another challenge might be prioritising among numerous initiatives while ensuring timely delivery of reports and responses to client requests. The hybrid work model, while flexible, could pose communication hurdles. Lastly, as a mid-level advisor, you may need to influence without direct authority, relying on collaboration and persuasion to drive ESG progress across the company.
How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?
A typical day could start with checking emails and prioritizing tasks, perhaps reviewing data requests from various departments or updating the ESG reporting tracker. You might spend time analyzing emissions data or preparing sections of the annual ESG report, ensuring alignment with frameworks like CSDS or ISSB. This could involve working with spreadsheets or Power BI to validate and visualize data.
You would likely have meetings with internal stakeholders (such as HR, procurement or operations) to discuss ESG initiatives, gather information or provide updates. You might also participate in a project team meeting for a client proposal, contributing sustainability content or responding to ESG-related questions. Occasionally, you could join calls with external partners or Indigenous communities to support partnership initiatives.
Throughout the day, you might handle ad-hoc requests for ESG information or contribute to internal awareness activities. In a hybrid setting, you might work from home two days a week and be in the office three days, allowing for both focused work and face-to-face collaboration. The role offers variability, with some periods heavier on reporting deadlines and others more focused on strategic projects or stakeholder engagement.
What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?
In this role, you could deepen your expertise in ESG reporting and climate accounting, becoming a subject matter expert within CIMA+. Successful performance might lead to opportunities to lead specific ESG workstreams, manage larger projects or eventually oversee the ESG function. Given CIMA+'s size and pan-Canadian presence, lateral moves into related areas such as corporate responsibility, Indigenous relations or sustainability consulting could be possible.
High-visibility projects, like the annual ESG report or decarbonization strategy, would allow you to show your skills to senior leadership. You might also have the chance to represent CIMA+ in industry forums or working groups, building your professional network. The company's emphasis on employee development, including customized training and support for certifications, suggests a conducive environment for continuous learning.
Longer-term, this position could serve as a springboard to a manager or director role in sustainability, either within CIMA+ or in the broader engineering and consulting sector. The experience gained in multi-stakeholder collaboration and framework alignment would be valuable for any ESG career path.
The main stakeholders you might be interacting with
You would interact regularly with internal teams across CIMA+, including HR, procurement, operations, communications and marketing, to advance ESG initiatives and collect data. You might also work closely with the finance department for reporting and with legal for compliance matters. Senior leadership would be key stakeholders, as you prepare dashboards and reports for management, requiring clear communication of complex ESG information.
Externally, you could engage with clients who request ESG information or seek sustainability content for proposals. This involves understanding their needs and translating CIMA+'s ESG performance into compelling narratives. You might also liaise with industry peers for benchmarking and best practices, and with regulatory bodies or standard-setters to stay updated on frameworks.
A unique stakeholder group is Indigenous communities and partners, where you would support relationship-building and reconciliation efforts. This requires a respectful, collaborative approach and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, you might coordinate with external consultants or assurance providers for ESG reporting. Overall, the role demands strong interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders and drive ESG progress collaboratively.
CSR Jobs newsletter
Never miss the next opportunity
Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.
You are subscribed
Want more relevant opportunities?
Share your LinkedIn profile so we can better understand the roles that may fit you. This step is optional.
You are all set!
Thanks for joining the CSR Jobs newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for sustainability opportunities.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Cookies
CSR Jobs uses analytics and marketing cookies. You can decline without affecting your browsing.