Overview
We’re looking for a Sustainability Specialist to drive the implementation and embedding of our sustainability strategy across ICAS operations. You’ll play a pivotal role in delivering key projects on sustainability assurance, Net Zero and decarbonisation, ESG data integrity, CPD integration, and the intersection of sustainability and emerging technology.
You’ll act as a technical expert internally and externally, supporting colleagues, shaping thought leadership, producing impactful content, and representing the ICAS voice with regulators, policymakers, and other professional bodies. This role also involves preparing high-quality consultation responses, supporting committees and panels, and delivering presentations, guidance and updates across the organisation.
Who do we need?
A confident sustainability professional who is equally confident on technical detail, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership. You’ll be motivated by contributing to the profession’s evolution, comfortable balancing multiple projects, and skilled at translating complex sustainability topics into practical guidance for members and colleagues.
We need someone who can influence, collaborate, analyse emerging trends, and provide expert advice that helps uphold professional competence and public trust.
Key experience
Essential
- A professional accountancy qualification (CA or equivalent).
- Strong senior‑level experience in practice or industry.
- Proven subject matter expertise in sustainability, including:
- In-depth understanding of UK and global sustainability reporting and assurance requirements.
- Familiarity with major sustainability reporting initiatives.
- Clear understanding of sustainability as a business issue and its relevance to the profession.
- Awareness of themes such as Net Zero, decarbonisation, ESG data integrity, and sustainability‑technology links.
- Excellent project management, able to juggle multiple initiatives and priorities.
- High‑quality written communication skills, including writing articles and CPD/training materials.
- Strong interpersonal, influencing and networking skills with the ability to work with senior leaders, members, regulators, academics and peers across the sustainability ecosystem.
- Commitment to staying up to date with emerging sustainability developments.
Desirable
- Relevant sustainability‑related certification or training.
- Research experience, including understanding or applying research methods.
What you get?
As well as ICAS being a great place to work, with great people and an open and accessible executive team, we also offer a competitive salary, and generous staff flex benefits package which includes:
Private medical insurance, 35 days annual leave with option to purchase additional holiday, pension (9% employer contribution), your birthday day off, life assurance, health care and screening, dental care, technology, and cycle to work scheme, EV scheme, purchase discount vouchers/gym membership and an annual individual learning allowance to spend on personal development.
ICAS places equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of all that we do. With our partner organisations, we are committed to building a diverse membership and workforce that is beneficial for all, and that enables our communities to learn, grow and advance together
Please note we are not an institute that can provide sponsorship, therefore a valid right to work in the UK is required for this role.
