Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (CCS-ESG)

Call for applications for the Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (CCS-ESG) training certificate course.

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

 Background Information

Africa faces escalating climate risks while balancing rapid economic growth with sustainable development. As the knowledge of climate risks, environmental degradation and sustainability grows, governments, corporate institutions, and civil societies are under increasing pressure to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices that integrate sustainability into policy and decision-making. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks are critical in ensuring that development aligned with global, regional and national climate goals.  The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and increasing climate investor pressures for transparent ESG reporting have made it imperative for professionals to seek more understanding and manage sustainability challenges. ESG adoption in Africa, however, remains low due to low technical capacity, limited awareness, weak regulatory frameworks, and high costs.

Justification

Africa vulnerability to climate change demands urgent ESG integration in businesses and governance. Global capital Investments are increasingly flowing toward businesses and government institutions that demonstrate robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. ESG has become essential considerations in corporate strategy, investment decision-making, and regulatory compliance. Investors and climate financiers are increasingly prioritizing transparency, ethical operations, and sustainable business compliance. Strong ESG frameworks can unlock climate finance, improve corporate resilience, and align with the global and national climate goals. There is a vital need for professionals who understand ESG risks and opportunities and can effectively implement sustainability frameworks and reporting standards as ESG analysts, sustainability consultants, climate risk managers, green finance specialists, and environmental compliance officers. A course that will produce professionals with interdisciplinary expertise in climate science, sustainability management, and ESG practices is required. The course in Climate Change and Environment, Social, and Governance will equip African professionals and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools to integrate ESG principles into their investments in driving climate action and responsible corporate governance.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Certificate Course in Climate Change, Sustainability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (CCS-ESG) is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and organizational leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to the growing demands of climate resilience, sustainable development, and responsible governance. Rooted in current global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ESG reporting standards, the program offers a practical and evidence-based understanding of the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental stewardship, social equity, and corporate accountability.

Candidates will explore core topics which include climate science and adaptation, sustainable finance, ESG risk assessment, carbon markets, climate disclosure frameworks, and the role of policy, regulation, and innovation in driving sustainability transitions. The course emphasizes real-world application through case studies, project-based learning, and engagement with leading tools and metrics used by companies, investors, and governments. Whether working in the public or private sector, graduates of the CCS-ESG certificate will be well-prepared to lead or support sustainability initiatives, enhance ESG performance, and integrate climate-smart strategies into organizational or policy frameworks

Aims of the Course 

• Develop in-depth knowledge and application of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks for climate action
• Build interdisciplinary problem-solving and analytical skills that integrated science, policy, economics, and ethics in addressing climate and sustainability issues
• Promote leadership and strategic thinking in sustainability and ESG management to lead organizational or policy transformation.
• Build professionals for careers in sustainability, climate policy, environmental management, and ESG consultancy

Goal of the Programme 

The goal is to develop a new generation of climate-smart, sustainability-conscious, and ESG-compliant professionals who can drive impactful change in organizations, businesses, and policy systems for investments across sectors.

Learning Objectives  

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Explore the intersection between climate change and ESG principles in African development contexts.
• Evaluate global ESG standards and propose context-specific adaptations for African markets.
• Design integrated ESG strategies that address climate adaptation, mitigation, social inclusion, and governance challenges.
• Apply ESG metrics and reporting frameworks to enhance corporate sustainability and access green finance.
• Develop policy recommendations and regulatory approaches to promote ESG compliance and accountability.

  Learning Outcomes 

• Conduct climate related ESG disclosures, carbon footprint assessments, and prepare sustainability reports in alignment with international standards.
• Integrate ESG principles into business models, investment decisions, and national policy frameworks for sustainable development.
• Establish professional networks and effective engagements with ESG experts, investors, and policymakers across Africa.

 Course Outline
The content of the CCS-ESG course is organised in fourteen (16) Units that will be delivered in 3 trimesters as indicated:

Trimester 1

 Trimester 2

Trimester 3

The course total unit credit is 33 credits

TARGET GROUPS 
The course is designed for a wide range of professionals and stakeholders:

• Policymakers and regulators
• Development practitioners (CSOs, NGOs, Multilateral agencies).
• Financial Institutions (banks, asset managers, insurers).
• Corporate and Private sector Leaders
• Entrepreneurs and SMEs.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The course will admit practitioners or professionals in the area of climate change, environment and sustainability fields. These include:

• Undergraduate and other candidates pursuing degrees, diploma in relevant disciplines
• Postgraduate, graduates in relevant field
• Qualified Corporate employees who want to expand or career opportunities into the environmental science practice/consulting.

MODE OF DELIVERY
The certificate course of CC-ESG is delivered virtually and is designed to accommodate working professionals, students, and international participants. Courses are accessible via a virtual learning platform, featuring recorded lectures, readings, discussion forums, quizzes, and interactive assignments. Live webinars and Q&A sessions with faculty and guest experts may be scheduled to enhance engagement.

ASSESSMENT
The CC-ESG course will have three levels of assessment as described:

• Continuous Assessment Test (CAT)
• Oral presentation – 20%
• Essay Writing         – 20%
• Final Examination     – 60%

Overall total assessment grade will be 100%.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Candidates will be awarded the Certificate in Climate Change, Sustainability, and ESG (CCS-ESG) upon fulfilling the following course requirements:

• Completion of Core Modules: Successfully complete all required core courses covering climate science, sustainability principles, ESG frameworks, climate finance, and policy integration.

• Minimum Attendance and Participation: Achieve a minimum attendance rate of 75% or above) for live sessions, workshops, or webinars. Actively participate in discussions, group work, and peer engagement activities.

• Assessment and Assignments: Pass all required assessments, including oral assignments with 40% and written examination with a minimum overall grade of 60% or as specified by the partnering institutions.

• Adherence to Academic Integrity Policies: Comply with institutional standards for academic honesty, ethical conduct, and professional behaviour throughout the course.

ACCREDITATION
The course is hosted by an accredited institution under the Kenya national accreditations decisive for the University’s quality management system. The International Leadership University (ILU)- Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (ISuCA) is certified to offer and promote academic, vocational and professional training.  The academic programmes at the ILU University have full accreditations by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya. ILU is legally recognized and institutionally accredited by CUE, TVET and NITA.

The Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action at ILU equips transformative leaders for a climate-resilient Africa, grounded in Biblical stewardship and scientific rigor. It is a knowledge hub for sustainability innovation, policy engagement, community empowerment, and interdisciplinary education that links climate action with faith, justice, and development.

Tuition Fees
Annual Tuition Fee:  Ksh 100,000 ($780) per annum. The estimate is based on the Ksh 1500 charged by credit hour at the ILU. Candidates will be requested to make an initial payment of 50% at the point of registration. The balance of the course fee can then be made in additional two instalments.