The world today is becoming aware of the effects of human progress in the community as a whole. Companies are observing a lot of standards in order to be an ethically sound business establishment. These businesses are not just there to build their profit but to include the community where it belongs in their success as well. It is because of the Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant’s work that the companies today are becoming involved in community and environment building.
What is a CSR Consultant?
A CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant is someone who directs a company in keeping up with the goals of the society and the government in different aspects of the community namely: employee welfare, human rights, community development and environmental responsibility. He ensures that the business establishment complies with the standards laid out by the local government and the federal state. With this, the company is a ‘green’ company.
Duties of a CSR Consultant
- A CSR Consultant is responsible to make sure that a company’s production and the overall process of manufacturing its product has limited harm to the environment. And if a company’s product is indeed harmful, he proposes ways to make the product assembly be more helpful to the environment and applies such change to be compliant to the standards given.
- A CSR Consultant ensures that the workers in a company are treated with respect; that the workers are given the proper wages or salaries and other benefits applicable and not tolerate child labor.
- A CSR Consultant is responsible for carrying out the company’s involvement in the community by supporting non-profit organizations and local charities;
- As a company representative, A CSR Consultant establishes his professional relations with the community and the government to increase his external public relations; attends the community or business functions when needed.
Work Condition of a CSR Consultant
A CSR Consultant can work in any area of society; be it in a business company, government or self-employment. This profession usually works in an office in a 40 hour per week work schedule including travels within the community. The CSR Consultant works with other teams such as risk and compliance managers.
This job requires the individual to be keen in global and domestic affairs in order to promote ethical business standards.
Educational Requirements of a CSR Consultant
To be a CSR Consultant, one must have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Corporate Responsibility, Sustainable Development or Environmental Studies. Some companies may even require a graduate degree to land this position.
To become a CSR Consultant, one should also have the open mind to learn more and grow more with the company.
Occupation and Progress of a CSR Consultant
A CSR Consultant is a high-level type of job. Attending trainings and seminars and additional education will give the consultant an advantage to be in a higher level, may be in a managing position at the least. This type of job is steadily growing in demand as the business sector of society is becoming more aware of making their company comply with the ethical standards not just of the government but of society as well.
As a CSR consultant I have got several experiences. Community development is the area where corporates make maximum expenditure. Under that infrastructural support, HR development for future activities of corporates, environmental development and livelihood development of poor households and unemployed youth are the major activities. Increasing the productivity of soil, conservation of biodiversity, health and educational support for poor, afforestation and women empowerment are the major activities done by those corporates under CSR. However it is a fact that most of the time I experienced that the linkage building with Govt for community development remained either weak or the Govt Departments deliberately avoid such initiatives. Therefore the corporates suffer a lot. Corporates pay a lot of taxes and support many Govt programs and activities. Unfortunately Govt does not support much in working in peripheral development and CSR activities.