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Sustainability Specialist

Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) • Australia • Added on Jul 22, 2026
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Working under the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, you will manage the rollout of a three-year sustainability strategy within a major development financier. This role balances technical reporting, such as meeting mandatory climate disclosure obligations, with the strategic task of embedding ESG factors into complex investment portfolios for northern Australia.

This position is a rare chance to bridge government policy with large-scale industrial development. You will influence how billions of dollars are deployed, ensuring that infrastructure projects in mining, energy, and water are not just economically viable but actively contribute to the energy transition and Indigenous outcomes. Your work directly shapes the environmental and social resilience of Australia’s most remote regions.

This suits someone who is an emerging ESG professional with a background in finance or infrastructure who thrives on translating complex climate risks into actionable advice for investment committees. You should be equally comfortable with technical data and high-level strategic influence.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission involves operationalizing NAIF’s inaugural sustainability strategy across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure investments. You will own the process of integrating ESG considerations into the investment lifecycle, from initial assessments of new proposals to ongoing portfolio monitoring. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring the organization meets its mandatory Commonwealth Climate Disclosure obligations. This involves technical reporting, data modeling, and providing strategic insights to the Investment Team to ensure new projects align with national sustainability ambitions.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to sustainable finance within a government context, providing a unique perspective on how public capital can drive the energy transition. You will likely develop expertise in specific reporting frameworks required by the Australian government, which are becoming gold standards in the region. Furthermore, the role offers a chance to understand the nuances of Indigenous outcomes and social impact in remote infrastructure development. Working closely with the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer provides high-level mentorship in governance and strategy execution.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is an emerging professional who has already built a solid foundation in ESG, climate risk, or sustainable investment. A collaborative mindset is essential, as the role requires influencing decision-makers who may be more focused on financial or engineering outcomes than sustainability metrics. Technically, you should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets. Experience in the finance, construction, or infrastructure sectors is highly valued, as is a tertiary qualification in a related field such as environmental management, economics, or public policy.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the Specific geographic and social context of Northern Australia. Show how your previous experience relates to the challenges of large-scale infrastructure, such as water, energy transition, or transport, rather than just general corporate ESG. Align your cover letter with NAIF’s dual mandate of economic growth and Indigenous empowerment. Proving that you can balance rigorous technical reporting with a passion for regional development will mark you as a high-potential candidate for this purpose-led financier.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on climate risk and transition finance. Because NAIF invests in sectors like mining and energy, a core challenge is supporting proponents through the decarbonization process while maintaining regional economic stability. There is also a strong emphasis on the 'Social' and 'Governance' pillars of ESG. You will be instrumental in ensuring projects deliver public benefits and tangible outcomes for Indigenous communities, ensuring that the 'just transition' is more than just a buzzword in northern territories.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One significant challenge will be stakeholder management within a high-performing investment environment. You must be able to translate sustainability jargon into practical, risk-based advice that resonates with investment professionals and project proponents. Additionally, keeping pace with evolving regulatory frameworks for climate disclosure will require continuous learning and agility. Balancing the inaugural nature of the sustainability strategy with fixed reporting deadlines will demand excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing an investment proposal to assess its alignment with sustainability benchmarks and ESG policies. This is followed by a meeting with the Investment Team to discuss climate-related risks or opportunities identified in a new infrastructure project. Afternoons could be spent drafting disclosure reports or analyzing data for the annual sustainability metrics. The role is collaborative, so you will often find yourself in discussions with the Chief Legal Officer or external stakeholders to refine transition investment strategies.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a member of a relatively small, specialized team within a $7 billion facility, you will have high visibility and the chance to take clear ownership of major initiatives. This is a springboard role for someone looking to move into senior sustainable finance or ESG leadership positions. Success in this role could lead to strategic leadership opportunities as the sustainability function at NAIF matures. The experience gained in government-led infrastructure financing is highly sought after in both the public and private sectors.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Your primary internal stakeholders include the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer and the broader Investment Team. You will act as a bridge, providing them with the ESG insights needed to make informed lending decisions. Externally, you will interact with project proponents (businesses and project leads) across Australia. You may also engage with regulatory bodies and local communities to ensure that the projects funded by NAIF align with broader social and environmental expectations.

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