Principal, ESG

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future.

Minderoo’s Effective Philanthropy Enabler drives the foundation strategy and vision through a holistic, systems-thinking approach and the development of organisational capability. Develops long-term relationships with our philanthropic peers, deploys impact investments and sets and holds the central standards for impact-related activities, impact measurement, capability development and sustainability. Effective Philanthropy plays a vital role in providing thought leadership to realise the 2030 Strategy’s ambitions through its focus on ensuring a targeted and cohesive approach to philanthropy that amplifies our overall impact.


Reporting to the Head of Sustainability, you will actively contribute to a high-performing team and drive impact by working productively and efficiently, collaborating closely with other Focus & Enabler areas as part of our matrix structure and championing our One Minderoo Culture. Focusing where applicable on partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries to develop and execute a content strategy aligned with Minderoo’s strategic goals.

As Principal, ESG you will be responsible for assessing and continuously improving Minderoo Foundation's ESG practices and performance. You will bring best practice approaches to developing and monitoring our performance and continuously uplifting ESG capability and performance of our partners, supplier and investments whilst building strong, effective relationships across the organisation to continuously improve our ESG performance.



Position responsibilities

• Develop and continuously improve frameworks, policies and practices relating to Minderoo Foundation’s ESG requirements, in alignment with other organisational requirements.
  
• Provide strategic advice on ESG performance, challenges, risks and opportunities in response to global trends and socio-environmental impacts.
  
• Ensure proactive communication of ESG strategies, plans, performance and potential to ensure that all key stakeholders are informed and consulted where required.
  
• Identify, manage, monitor and report on a suite of ESG commitments and projects, in areas such as modern slavery, gender equality, Indigenous participation, climate change risk, emissions reduction, single use plastic elimination and other strategies.
  
• Integrate strategic ESG programs into overall corporate strategy and execute key ESG projects to improve ESG performance.
  
• Working in collaboration with internal teams to engage with our partners and suppliers to improve their ESG practices, as well as identifying key risks in our supply chains.
  
• Promote internal awareness of ESG commitments and performance by collaborating with and reporting to key stakeholders.
  

Competence and experience



Subject matter expertise

Deep expertise in the ESG field, including understanding of best practice approaches and regulatory environment domestically and abroad with demonstrated experience in ESG related roles and implementation of ESG programs and projects. Proven experience in compliance and reporting for ESG notably on topics including Gender Equality, Modern Slavery, emissions and supply chain. Demonstrated experience managing and influencing senior stakeholders internally and externally. Proven experience in improving outcomes and driving impact in this area. Demonstrated knowledge of related issues and understanding of the complexity and challenges associated with ESG. Proven ability to problem-solve complex social, economic and or environmental problems and influence the agents of change for the benefit of our beneficiaries. Can identify and utilise internal strengths to pivot when a particular approach is not working and adapt plans to foster a One Minderoo Culture. Tertiary level qualifications in a related field, such as environmental science, social science, commerce or other.


Collaborating and Influencing

Works collaboratively in a matrixed environment, including an ability to reconcile multiple diverse viewpoints and often to negotiate across internal partners and external stakeholders (private, public, academic, etc). Influences and collaborates to accomplish work, demonstrating the ability to build trust and serve as a team player and understands the value of interpersonal relationship-building.



Work Health and Safety

Ability to comply with all relevant laws and any rules and regulations of external agencies that apply to your position and the duties assigned to you (including but not limited to compliance with applicable employment laws, equal opportunity, and anti-discrimination laws, and WHS laws).

Additional Information

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements that support your wellbeing

• Attractive parental leave

Applications close: 31 May 2026

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.

Please note we reserve the right to extend closing date and/or close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.

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