Graduate Advisor - Sustainability

Role overview

GHD is inviting recent graduates, as well as candidates who will complete their studies by 2026, to join its Sustainability Advisory team through a graduate programme focused on delivering practical, measurable progress toward sustainable development. The position is based in London, England, United Kingdom, with an expectation of office attendance at least three days each week; the same working pattern may apply across London, Newcastle, Manchester, or Guildford.

About the organisation

GHD is a multinational engineering consulting business with more than 14,000 employees. Its work spans energy, water, transport, and the built environment, helping public and private sector clients meet sustainability obligations and embed sustainable solutions into everyday operations. The company’s projects are designed to support communities, reshape places, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

What this graduate role involves

This opportunity is aimed at a curious and proactive graduate who is keen to build a career in sustainability. You will support analytical, evidence-led sustainability and natural environment assignments across infrastructure and development projects. The role particularly suits someone with strong research ability, clear written communication, analytical thinking, and working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and/or PowerBI, along with a genuine interest in climate change, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and the natural environment.

Graduate development programme

The graduate programme is a two-year global scheme designed to develop future technical specialists. As part of the Sustainability and Resilience Advisory team, you will gain exposure to work in Energy Transition, Water Management, Decarbonisation, Climate Reporting, and ESG Strategy. Depending on project needs, there may also be opportunities to contribute to work in Water, Renewable Energy, Industrial, Property, and Buildings sectors in the UK and internationally.

Throughout the programme, you will strengthen your judgement, communication, technical ability, and leadership capability while learning about the business, its values, your team, and your own strengths. You will receive mentoring, structured development activities, on-the-job experience, and exposure to a wide mix of projects. When eligible, the organisation will also support you toward Chartership.

Key responsibilities

• Gather, review, clean, analyse, and present client data and information, making sure data needs are understood and that the material is interpreted in the context of the project or site.
• Carry out predominantly desktop-based research, identify relevant sources with guidance where needed, and summarise findings in strong written form or presentation-ready material.
• Use Excel, PowerBI, or similar tools to build or support models that can estimate carbon emissions and assist with pathway or scenario analysis; candidates who are not yet proficient should be willing to learn the relevant software.
• Help prepare client-facing outputs such as presentations, slide decks, and reports, working collaboratively with the project team.
• Support client engagement activities by organising meetings, actions, events, and related materials to help create a positive client experience.
• Develop your own capability through assessments, development planning, formal and informal learning, coaching, and professional accreditation where relevant.
• Keep up to date with technology, regulations, and industry best practice by continuing professional learning, attending conferences, and reading specialist publications.
• Support senior colleagues in managing client relationships using appropriate sales or client systems.
• Follow GHD’s health, safety, and environment standards and demonstrate the required HSE behaviours at all times.

Requirements

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in sustainability, environmental studies, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Between 0 and 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Availability to work from the office at least three days per week.

Preferred background

While not mandatory, experience or interest in any of the following would be an advantage: ecology or biodiversity, natural capital valuation or environmental economics, risk assessment and reporting for nature, climate, or other sustainability topics, greenhouse gas quantification or reporting, whole-life carbon reduction, nature finance, and sustainable finance.

Personal attributes

• Strong analytical thinking and close attention to detail.
• A curious attitude and readiness to learn new frameworks and tools.
• Comfort working collaboratively in a consulting environment.
• Clear enthusiasm for building a career in sustainability and environmental consulting.

About the opportunity

This role offers the chance to contribute to projects that support a net zero future and more resilient urban living, while working alongside engineers, scientists, and environmental specialists who are focused on making a meaningful difference.