The profession of a CSR consultant
The CSR consultant (Corporate Social Responsibility) defines and implements a company's CSR strategy. This policy aims to have a more positive impact on society and the environment without penalizing the company's activity and economic viability.
The CSR project manager carries the organization's overall ethical and responsible approach, engaging with stakeholders and senior management. They assist the company in undertaking actions for sustainable development by conducting audits and making concrete recommendations.
The Master's in Public Policy at Paris Dauphine University – PSL offers a diverse training program in mastering the tools and methods in social sciences to become a CSR consultant. It equips future graduates with solid skills in business support and the management of social and environmental projects.
Words from our alumni
"What are the most interesting aspects of this job?"
"Changing the core of the reactor and evolving the system."
What does the job of a CSR Director consist of on a daily basis?
After identifying the key issues and defining the company's CSR strategy, my daily job involves transforming this strategy into concrete actions. This requires extensive communication with various departments and teams at all levels to collaboratively create a roadmap and keep it alive.
What aspect of this job interests you the most?
Changing the core of the reactor. Influencing the model. The vast majority of impacts originate from the system itself… Convincing others to evolve it is the most interesting yet challenging part.
Why did you choose the University Paris Dauphine-PSL for your training?
When I looked for a training program to transition into CSR, it was 11 years ago. There weren't many options back then. The Master in Sustainable Development and Organizations at the University Paris Dauphine-PSL had already been around for 9 years! It was visionary. The university's reputation and the program's format, which was designed for professionals (I pursued it without leaving my job), were also key factors in my choice.
What is the essential skill that the Master 2 in Sustainable Development and Organizations has provided you to build a career in this field, and that still serves you today?
If I had to highlight just one, I would say the ability to deconstruct. We tackled numerous issues related to sustainable development, always with the requirement of deconstructing narratives and beliefs that are difficult to question and that hinder us from finding solutions.
What advice would you give to a student looking to pursue a career as a CSR Director?
This position will become increasingly important in the demand for corporate transformation. A student considering this type of role should ensure they are ready to go to battle, defend their ideas, and engage everyone in the company. For that, it is essential that they themselves are convinced of the meaning of this job and that their personal convictions are strong.
VALERIA MAIO
CSR DIRECTOR - GROUPE CERBA HEALTHCARE
His background:
Master in Sustainable Development and Organizations
Role and responsibilities of the CSR consultant
The CSR consultant develops strategies and action plans to support companies in their societal and environmental development approach. This job can be performed internally, integrated into the organization, as an external consultant in an auditing firm, or as an independent consultant.
Daily tasks
Throughout their career, the CSR consultant will be required to:
- Identify problems and areas for improvement
- Provide concrete solutions to managers and executives
- Engage in dialogue with all stakeholders
- Conduct preventive work on issues related to the environment, society, and ethics
- Develop internal and external communication on CSR topics
- Manage and evaluate projects
- Carry out CSR reporting and audits
Salaries and career progression
The median salary for graduates of the Master in Public Policies from Paris Dauphine – PSL is €42,000 gross per year. This salary varies depending on the status, the type of company they work for, and the responsibilities assigned to the CSR project manager. After 5 years of experience, their salary can reach €55,000 gross per year.
The CSR consultant progresses throughout their career by specializing in a specific area, becoming a consultant in advisory and organizational transformation, or even becoming a business leader depending on their experience and acquired professional skills. Within large organizations, they may be offered the position of CSR director.
Required skills
- Curiosity and interest in current affairs and the public life of the company
- Keeping up with trends and new CSR practices
- Upholding the values of sustainable development
- Interest in technical and technological innovations
- Staying informed about new norms and regulations in force
- Demonstrating a solid understanding of the company and the industry
- Developing skills in communication and project management
- Having a sense of listening and diplomacy
- Showing pedagogy and adaptability
- Adopting an economic and social strategy tailored to the company through strong analytical skills
- Synthetic thinking
What studies are required to become a CSR consultant?
The role of a CSR consultant requires in-depth skills in economic, environmental, and social fields. A Master's degree (Bac+5) in social sciences is necessary, along with solid knowledge of environmental law and social law.
Training to become a CSR consultant at Paris Dauphine – PSL
Paris Dauphine – PSL offers a Master in Public Policies. It allows future graduates to study qualitative and quantitative methods in social sciences. Comprehensive knowledge of businesses and administrations, essential for the role of a CSR consultant, provides a concrete dimension to the training.
The specialization Corporate Policies & Social Responsibilities, accessible in the second year of the master's program, enables mastery of the analytical and methodological tools necessary for understanding and supporting companies in their social and environmental practices.
Finally, the Master 2 in Sustainable Development and Responsibility of Organizations trains for specialized careers in sustainable development, CSR, and supporting transitions.