S

Sustainability & ESG Associate-Finance Department

Seylan Bank PLC • Sri Lanka • Added on Sep 9, 2026
Apply →

This role acts as the operational engine for Seylan Bank’s ESG strategy within the Finance Department. You will be responsible for the end-to-end data lifecycle, from collecting and validating sustainability metrics across various business units to preparing complex regulatory submissions. Your daily work ensures the bank meets evolving climate disclosure standards and maintains rigorous environmental and social management systems for its lending portfolio.

The position is critical because it bridges the gap between traditional financial reporting and emerging green finance standards in Sri Lanka. By implementing SLFRS S1 and S2 reporting architectures, you help the bank quantify its climate-related risks and financed emissions. This transparency is vital for driving the bank’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and supporting the national transition toward a greener economy through verified sustainable finance opportunities.

This suits someone who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a passion for data integrity in the context of climate change. You should be comfortable navigating financial frameworks while translating complex environmental data into actionable business insights.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core mission involves managing the bank's ESG data infrastructure to ensure compliance with emerging regulatory standards. You will oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of sustainability data from multiple business units to produce annual climate-related reports. Key responsibilities include implementing the SLFRS S1 and S2 reporting architecture and managing the bank's GHG accounting. This includes tracking operational emissions and progressively measuring financed emissions within the value chain. You will also support the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). This involves performing due diligence and screening on lending activities to ensure the bank's portfolio aligns with sustainable finance taxonomies and internal risk policies.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep technical expertise in global reporting standards such as SLFRS S1 and S2, which are becoming the gold standard for corporate transparency. This is a rare opportunity to apply these frameworks within a highly regulated banking environment. You will develop specialized knowledge in Sustainable Finance Taxonomies and the CBSL Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Learning how to identify and assess 'green' versus 'transition' assets provides a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial sector. The role also offers practical exposure to GHG accounting methodologies. You will learn how to translate complex climate science into the language of finance, specifically regarding Scope 3 financed emissions and climate-related risk modeling.

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

The ideal candidate brings 1–2 years of experience at the intersection of finance and environmental management. A background in banking is preferred, but a strong foundation in data analysis and sustainability frameworks is essential for success in this role. Technical proficiency in Advanced Excel and data reconciliation is a must-have, as the role requires interpreting information from diverse sources. You should demonstrate a clear understanding of green finance principles and social risk management. Soft skills are equally important; the bank looks for a proactive communicator who can engage with various departments. A meticulous attention to detail is required to ensure that public disclosures and regulatory filings are error-free and traceable.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a specific understanding of the Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy. Mentioning how your previous experience relates to local regulatory frameworks or international climate goals will show you are ready to hit the ground running. Highlight any experience you have with data auditing or validation. Since this role sits within the Finance Department, emphasizing your ability to treat ESG data with the same rigor as financial data will resonate strongly with the hiring team. In your cover letter, focus on your problem-solving skills related to data gaps. Explain how you have previously coordinated with multiple stakeholders to collect information, as this collaborative aspect is central to the role's success at Seylan Bank.

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

The role focuses heavily on transparency and climate-related risk. By formalizing the reporting architecture, the associate helps the bank move beyond qualitative claims toward quantitative, science-based targets and disclosures. There is a significant emphasis on sustainable lending. You will work on integrating ESG factors into the credit process, ensuring that the bank’s capital supports projects that have a positive environmental or social impact while mitigating systemic risks. Additionally, the role supports social impact initiatives and stakeholder engagement. This ensures that the bank's 'Heart'—its commitment to being a responsible citizen—is reflected in community programs and the way it treats its diverse group of stakeholders.

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

One of the primary challenges will be data fragmentation. Sustainability information is often spread across different departments that may not be used to reporting to the Finance team, requiring patience and persistent coordination. Keeping pace with rapidly changing regulations is another hurdle. As climate disclosure laws evolve both globally and locally in Sri Lanka, the associate must constantly update internal procedures to stay compliant and ahead of the curve. Finally, translating technical ESG concepts for non-expert colleagues can be difficult. You will need to influence others to prioritize ESG data collection alongside their core business functions without having direct authority over them.

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

A typical day might begin with reconciling GHG emission data collected from branch operations. You would spend time verifying figures to ensure they meet the bank's internal quality standards for the annual sustainability report. Afternoons are often dedicated to cross-functional meetings. You might collaborate with the lending team to review an Environmental and Social due diligence report for a new project or discuss green finance opportunities with the strategy department. The day usually concludes with research or policy drafting. You might analyze a new regulatory circular from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and prepare a summary brief for senior management on how it impacts the bank’s disclosure requirements.

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

As a junior-to-mid-level associate in a specialized department, there is a clear path toward becoming a Sustainability Manager or ESG Lead. The bank’s commitment to growth means that high performers can eventually influence enterprise-wide strategy. The role provides high visibility by requiring the preparation of Board-level papers. Direct exposure to senior leadership's decision-making processes regarding sustainability can significantly accelerate your career trajectory within the banking sector. Furthermore, the technical skills gained in climate finance are currently in high demand globally. Mastery of SLFRS S1/S2 and carbon accounting makes you a valuable asset for any international financial institution or sustainability consultancy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will work most closely with the Finance and Risk management teams. These colleagues rely on your data to ensure that the bank's financial health and reputation are protected from ESG-related risks. External interactions will include regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. You will act as a point of contact for sustainability submissions and ensure the bank meets all national reporting mandates. You will also engage with department heads and branch managers. Your role is to educate and support them in implementing the bank's sustainability policies, ensuring that ESG criteria are integrated into their daily operational workflows.

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.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.