Career In CSR

There’s no life without money. And who doesn’t want a life? Everyone. That’s what most of us are working for. But some people grow beyond the temptations of luxury. They live their lives by giving life to many. And yes, they do earn for themselves at the same time. How is it possible? That’s what you must be wondering. We are talking about the people working in non-governmental organizations.

A concept which benefits the society, as well as the people working for it, is what CSR is all about. Companies invest a percentage of their profit into environmental development and societal welfare. It may be voluntarily or by the authority of the government. The implementation of CSR develops a good reputation for the company. As a result, the trust of the consumers in their products increases. This leads to a rise in its users. Hence, CSR is a concept which helps a company to achieve a balance between the economic, environmental and social development.

Development of CSR Sector through Non-Governmental Organizations

Corporates have a wide reach, resources, innovation and wealth. Thus, they can influence the pace of growth and development. Furthermore, people expect a company to be more active in societal welfare. But they need trained professionals to manage and execute CSR activities for them. For this, they are ready to pay salaries to the workers. As a result, a CSR sector is has come into professionalism.

Need for CSR Workers

Due to the different nature of activities of the organizations, this sector is diverse. So the opportunities exist within the private, public and voluntary sectors. Although, many CSR roles may not be titled their job may reflect CSR activities.

In the private sector, companies establish CSR departments which include marketing, environmental management, public affairs, investor relations, finance, and human resources. Accounting and consulting firms also provide opportunities in the CSR sector. In the public sector, a career in CSR can be pursued through government agencies, PSUs and non-governmental organizations.

It is seen that in the greenfield projects, corporate giants and Government struggle to get land acquisitions and solve Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues. Hence, CSR professionals are in great demand here.

CSR sector recruits its major workforce who is into social work, rural development, and other developmental fields. Because they are fit to undertake and manage the CSR activities of a company.

Requirements for a CSR Professional

Within an organization, the implementation of the CSR agenda requires people with experience in fields like social work, health, education and disaster management, etc.

It is hard to be precise but there are some essential skills a CSR professional must possess

1. Business skills

It includes communication skills, decision making, commercial awareness, innovation, strategic awareness, leadership, and problem-solving.

2. Social Skills

Social skills include empathy, influencing without power, open-minded, integrity, political awareness, team working and questioning.

3. Technical Skills

Technical skills include technical expertise, stakeholder dialogue, internal consultancy, selling the business case and understanding sustainability.

Hence, the basic skills for the managers involved with CSR in organizations are:

• Understanding of the society
• Building capacity
• Questioning business
• Relations with stakeholders
• Strategic planning
• Harnessing diverse workforce

Remuneration range in CSR Jobs

A  CSR career has a healthy remuneration associated with it. The amount of remuneration that can be expected while working in a CSR wing of an organization:

• Junior level: Rs 5 lakh (per annum)
• Mid-level: Up to Rs 15 lakh (per annum)
• Senior-level: Rs 40-60 lakh.
• Exceptional and top  CSR Positions can go up to Rs 1 crore for CEOs

Tips for a Career in CSR

1. Corporations mostly look for candidates with some relevant CSR experience. But it is difficult to get on board with a company. Hence, it is better to opt for an Internship for some time and gain experience. However, companies recruit both fresher and experienced through media advertising or internal sources.
2. Do complete research for the companies/foundations/trust engaged in CSR activities.
3. Mostly, CSR Jobs are done by non-governmental organizations so search for the NGOs having connections with big corporations.
4. Keep up to date with the developments in the CSR sector through websites and newspapers.
5. Register yourself with a recruitment agency that handles CSR vacancies.
6. Many institutes offer courses that could land one a job in the CSR sector. Some of which are listed below:

• MBA in Sustainability, BIMTECH, Greater Noida
• MBA in Sustainability, TERI University.
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
• Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi

Conclusion

The CSR sector in itself is not well established in India. But the job opportunities in CSR are available either directly by big giants or indirectly through non-governmental organizations. Because the strict laws for the CSR implementation have made it necessary for the corporations to have an active CSR wing. Thus, the career opportunities in CSR are never-ending and will increase over some time.