Anand Sambandam
Climate Finance And ESG Specialist With More Than Two Decades Of Experience Designing Environmentally Sustainable Development Initiatives And Assessing Environmental And Social Risks For Public & Private Investment Programs.
Chennai
Summary
Led environmental and social risk assessments for multi-sector development projects, integrating climate resilience strategies and biodiversity conservation measures aligned with international sustainability standards.
Climate finance and ESG specialist with more than two decades of experience designing environmentally sustainable development initiatives and assessing environmental and social risks for public & private investment programs.
Extensive experience in:
• Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF)
• Climate resilience and adaptation
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods and rural development
• climate finance and sustainable investment for rural enterprises
Strong understanding of global sustainability frameworks including ESG standards, climate risk analysis, and sustainability reporting.
Currently expanding expertise in:
• carbon markets and emissions accounting
• climate-risk analytics and green finance strategies
Interested in collaborating with development finance institutions, climate funds, and global consulting firms to design resilient and sustainable investment strategies.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Deputy COO – Environment & Social Management Framework
Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project, Dept of Rural Development & PR, Govt of Tamil Nadu
07.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented ESMF aligned with ESG, and SDG frameworks.
- Led capacity building for state, district, and field-level staff on E&S safeguards.
- Prepared Tribal Development Plans for PVTG inclusion in livelihood programs.
- Integrated ESG performance indicators into monitoring and reporting systems.
- Mentored employees at all levels within the organization to support their professional development goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to optimize workflow and enhance communication channels.
- Boosted operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Partnered with HR on employee engagement initiatives that enhanced workplace morale while reducing turnover rates.
Project Coordinator
Vayumithra Skill Development Project (MNRE)
03.2022 - 06.2022
- Delivered renewable energy skill training with a focus on social inclusion and gender equity.
- Contributed to community-based programs on livelihood resilience and conservation awareness.
- Advised NGOs and CSR projects on safeguards integration, and sustainability reporting.
Independent ESG Consultant / Professional Development
09.2021 - 02.2022
State Coordinator
NABCONS (NABARD Consultancy Services), Mumbai
08.2017 - 08.2021
- Directed ESG-aligned operations for DDU-GKY financial inclusion program.
- Conducted due diligence, audits, and monitoring for training centers and PIAs.
- Supported fundraising and proposal development for sustainable projects.
Associate Project Manager
Department of Environment, TN
12.2016 - 08.2017
- Led climate vulnerability studies and restoration of coral reefs, seagrass, and coastal habitats.
- Implemented alternative livelihood projects (ecotourism, seaweed, microfinance).
Lead Learning Consultant
Elysium Technologies Pvt Ltd – Chennai
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Designed renewable energy & fisheries livelihood modules under NSDC projects.
- Built training materials embedding environmental and social safeguards into vocational curricula.
Senior Subject Matter Expert
Agnite Education Ltd
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Created ESG-aligned vocational training content on sustainable livelihood practices.
- Integrated climate adaptation, renewable energy, and biodiversity education into digital learning modules.
Education Officer
WWF India
08.2005 - 12.2008
- Secured international donor funding (SIDA) for microfinance and conservation.
- Managed environmental education and sustainability programs across schools and communities.
Field Biologist
Tamil Nadu Forest Department (Point Calimere WLS)
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Conducted biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration programs for endangered marine and terrestrial species.
- Developed microfinance-linked sustainable livelihood models for tribal communities, aligned with social safeguards.
- Engaged with stakeholders on community-based conservation and ESG compliance for protected areas.
- Earlier roles include biodiversity research & fieldwork with TN Forest Department, Bombay Natural History Society.
Education
MBA - Project Management
Alagappa University
Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu 01-2024
M.Phil - Zoology
Bharathidasan University
Tiruchi, India01-2007
M.Sc - Wildlife Biology (Natural Resources Management)
Bharathidasan University
Tiruchi, India01-1999
Skills
GRI and SDG compliance
Environmental & Social Management Frameworks (ESMF)
Environmental sustainability initiatives
Inclusive financial solutions
Strengthening governance frameworks
Experience with World Bank environmental and social standards
Accomplishments
- Mobilized ₹6 Cr funding for sustainable livelihood programs under MSRLM.
- Implemented ESMF and ESG capacity building across livelihood & enterprise development missions.
- Restored 4 sq. km coral & seagrass ecosystems, improving climate resilience.
- Featured in NDTV's Born Wild for conservation work.
- Awarded Teacher's Day Achiever's Award (2021) for Learning & Development.
- Conducted green audit for MSME under TNRTP World bank funded project
Certification
GRI 2021 Certified Professional – Global Reporting Initiative
Timeline
Deputy COO – Environment & Social Management Framework
Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project, Dept of Rural Development & PR, Govt of Tamil Nadu
07.2022 - Current
Project Coordinator
Vayumithra Skill Development Project (MNRE)
03.2022 - 06.2022
Independent ESG Consultant / Professional Development
09.2021 - 02.2022
State Coordinator
NABCONS (NABARD Consultancy Services), Mumbai
08.2017 - 08.2021
Associate Project Manager
Department of Environment, TN
12.2016 - 08.2017
Lead Learning Consultant
Elysium Technologies Pvt Ltd – Chennai
01.2013 - 01.2016
Senior Subject Matter Expert
Agnite Education Ltd
01.2009 - 01.2013
Education Officer
WWF India
08.2005 - 12.2008
Field Biologist
Tamil Nadu Forest Department (Point Calimere WLS)
01.2003 - 01.2005
MBA - Project Management
Alagappa University
M.Phil - Zoology
Bharathidasan University
M.Sc - Wildlife Biology (Natural Resources Management)
Bharathidasan University