Junior Sustainability Practitioner

Old Mutual is seeking a motivated Junior Sustainability Practitioner to join their team in Johannesburg. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles within the non-life insurance sector. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to gain practical experience in a leading financial services organisation, this position could be your ideal starting point.

The core of this role involves actively supporting the integration and delivery of sustainability initiatives. You’ll be instrumental in ensuring that both regulatory compliance and climate risk management are effectively addressed. A significant part of the job will also be dedicated to maintaining accurate reporting and upholding robust governance processes that are ready for audit scrutiny. This is a chance to learn and grow within a dynamic and forward-thinking company that is committed to Africa's potential.

About the programme

You will be part of a programme focused on enhancing Old Mutual's commitment to sustainability and ESG. This involves assisting with the execution of ESG strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives and the specific priorities of the insurance industry. A key aspect of your contribution will be coordinating various sustainability projects and facilitating the integration of ESG considerations across different business units. You’ll also play a part in tracking progress against established sustainability roadmaps, ensuring that initiatives are moving forward effectively and on schedule.

Your responsibilities

The Junior Sustainability Practitioner will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• **ESG & Sustainability Programme Support:**
• Assist in the implementation of ESG initiatives, ensuring they align with business strategy and insurance sector demands.
• Help coordinate sustainability projects and the integration of ESG practices across relevant departments.
• Monitor and track the delivery of sustainability programmes against set roadmaps.
• **ESG Data Management & Reporting:**
• Collect, validate, and carefully maintain ESG data.
• Support the preparation of key reports, such as Integrated Reports, Sustainability/ESG disclosures, and presentations for Internal Executive and Board committees.
• Ensure the integrity of data to ensure it is audit-ready for both internal and external assurance processes.
• **Regulatory Compliance & Governance:**
• Contribute to compliance with relevant sustainability frameworks and regulations, including emerging requirements for climate-related disclosures.
• Assist with internal audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain structured documentation and evidence files to support the governance discipline of relevant committees.
• Develop a personal work schedule to ensure all critical reporting deadlines are met, coordinating with relevant business departments.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:**
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to embed sustainability practices throughout the organisation.
• Aid in the creation of communication materials for employees, committees, and external parties.
• **Research & Industry Insights:**
• Conduct research on evolving ESG trends, regulatory developments impacting sustainability, and best practices in sustainability reporting.
• Provide insights to inform strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement in sustainability efforts.

What you'll bring

To be successful in this role, you'll need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Sustainability, Environmental Science, Commerce, Actuarial Science, or Risk Management. While specific professional experience isn't mandatory, with 0–2 years in sustainability, ESG, risk, compliance, or the insurance sector being ideal. Prior exposure to regulatory reporting, data analysis, or project coordination would be a significant advantage.

You'll also need a solid understanding of fundamental ESG principles, common reporting frameworks, and climate risk concepts pertinent to the insurance industry. Strong analytical and data analysis skills, particularly with tools like Excel and PowerPoint (Power BI experience is a plus), are essential. You should possess excellent research capabilities and a keen eye for detail, especially concerning governance and accuracy.

From a behavioural standpoint, you should be adept at managing multiple tasks under strict deadlines, demonstrate effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and approach your work with a proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset.

This entry-level position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in the growing field of corporate sustainability within South Africa's financial services sector. Junior roles like this often provide a strong foundation for future growth into more senior sustainability or ESG management positions. While salaries vary, entry-level positions in this specialist area typically start in the range of R25,000 to R35,000 per month, depending on qualifications and the specific responsibilities. Old Mutual, as a major financial institution, offers a stable and reputable environment for professional development.

Qualifications & Experience:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Commerce, Actuarial Science, Risk Management, or related field.

Experience:

• 0–2 years’ experience in sustainability, ESG, risk, compliance, or insurance-related environment.
• Exposure to regulatory reporting, data analysis, or project coordination is advantageous.

Required Skills & Competencies:

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of ESG principles, reporting frameworks and climate risk concepts in insurance.
• Data analysis and reporting (Excel, PowerPoint; Power BI advantageous).
• Strong research and analytical capabilities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on governance discipline.
• Ability to manage multiple deliverables within strict reporting timelines.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset.

The Recruitment Process:

• TA Interview: This will be a discussion with our Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.

• Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.

• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.

• Final Feedback.

 

Skills

Climate Risk Management, Data Analysis, Global Environmental Governance, Reporting

Competencies

Directs Work

Drives Results

Ensures Accountability

Manages Complexity

Optimizes Work Processes

Plans and Aligns

Tech Savvy

Education

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Environmental Science (Required), NQF Level 3 & NQF Level 2 - Below school leaving

Closing Date

08 July 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

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