Jordi Lesaffer
I help investors and corporates anticipate ESG & reputational risks| Controversy Intelligence | SFDR • CSRD • CSDDD | Sustainable Finance | Double Materiality Assessment | Geopolitical Risks | NOVARISQ Consulting
Salary / Daily rate
Brussels, Belgium
Mobility: Brussels
Freelance, open to permanent contract
Can come onsite
Skills
Languages
About me
Intro
I am a Strategic ESG & Reputational Risk Advisor and Owner of NOVARISQ Consulting, helping investors, financial institutions and corporates anticipate, assess and manage ESG-related risks and controversies. With over 20 years of experience in ESG research, SRI strategies and controversy analysis, I specialize in translating complex sustainability developments (CSRD, CSDDD, SFDR) into clear, decision-useful intelligence for risk, compliance and investment teams. My work focuses particularly on early identification of reputational and ESG risks, controversy monitoring, double materiality insights and forward-looking risk assessment. I combine deep analytical expertise with a pragmatic, client-oriented approach. Typical engagements include: • ESG & reputational risk screening • Controversy and incident monitoring • CSRD/CSDDD / double materiality risk input • ESG risk intelligence for investors • Expert calls and short-term advisory projects I work comfortably in multicultural environments and support clients across Europe and internationally.
Work experience
Manager
NOVARISQ Consulting - Sustainability Risk IntelligenceFreelance
Dec 2024 - Present
1 year 11 months
Brussels, Belgium
Freelance ESG Consultant - Product Manager UNGC Risk Incident Database @ Sentometrics
https://sentometrics.com/Freelance
Aug 2024 - Present
2 years 3 months
Brussels, Belgium
As a freelance consultant specializing in ESG risks and opportunities, I offer my knowledge and expertise to companies and organizations seeking to integrate ESG and sustainability into their business strategies and investment decisions.
AVP ESG Analytics, Product Manager Controversy Risk Assessment - Moody's
Moody's Corporation
Feb 2022 - Jul 2024
2 years 6 months
Brussels, Belgium
Product Manager of Moody's ESG Incidents screening. Responsible for method, product development, quality control, client relations. People Manager of a diverse team of 20 analysts. Follow-up of international ESG trends and regulations (SFDR, CSRD, CSDDD, EU Taxonomy...)
Site Manager Moody's ESG Solutions Belgium & Product Manager Controversy Risk Assessment
Moody's ESG Solutions - Moody's
Nov 2020 - Mar 2022
1 year 5 months
Brussels Area, Belgium
Site Manager: Responsible for the management of the Vigeo Eiris Brussels teams. Product Manager Controversy Risk Assessment: Responsible for product development; method; client relations. Manager of a diverse team of analysts. Follow-up of international ESG trends and regulations (GRI, SFDR, EU Taxonomy...)
Site Manager; ESG Research Manager & Product Manager Controversy Risk Assessment
VIGEO EIRIS - an affiliate of Moody's Investors Services
Jan 2009 - Oct 2020
11 years 10 months
Brussels, Belgium
- Research Manager Basic Resources ESG Analyst Team (Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Forest & Paper) : Organization of sector ratings. Quality control. Expertise development. Follow-up of international ESG trends and regulations (GRI, SFDR, EU Taxonomy...) - Site Manager Vigeo Eiris Belgium: HR management; logistics; external relations; networking. - Product Manager Vigeo Eiris Controversy Risk analysis: development of controversies methodology; management controversy team; quality control; sales and client relations; product development. - Engagement Services - Portfolio screenings (Portfolio21)
ESG Research Analyst Vigeo-Eiris Belgium
VIGEO - EIRIS
May 2005 - Dec 2009
4 years 8 months
Brussels, Belgium
ESG Research Analyst, covering the ESG rating of companies from different sectors.
Policy Advisor Social Economy
Belgian Ministry of Social Economy
Mar 2004 - May 2005
1 year 3 months
Brussels Area, Belgium
Policy Advisor Social Economy & CSR, Ministry of Social Affairs.
Coordinator Social Economy Network
Vosec vzw
Mar 2001 - Dec 2003
2 years 10 months
Brussels Area, Belgium
Coordinator Social Economy Network 'VOSEC' (Vlaams Overleg Sociale Economie)
Project Coordinator Micro-credit project Venezuela
CEDES - Mérida - Venezuela
Dec 1997 - May 2000
2 years 6 months
Merida, Mérida, Venezuela
Responsible for micro-credit programs (coffee growers), training programmes, Fair Trade (Max Havelaar) and fundraising.
Education
Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management
Master, Accelerated Management Programme
2019 - 2020
1 year 1 month
Grade: High honours
6 Modules: Leadership, Accounting, Project Management, Marketing, Finance, Strategic Management.
VUB Brussels
Master in Sustainable Development & Human Ecology, Sustainable Development
2007 - 2008
1 year 1 month
Dissertation on the Oil sector & Renewable Energy
University Ghent
Master in Development Cooperation, Development Cooperation
1995 - 1997
2 years 1 month
Dissertation on the informal economy in Mérida, Venezuela
Ghent University
Bachelor of Political Sciences, Politics
1991 - 1995
4 years 1 month
Activities and societies: Dissertation on the Sandinista government in Nicaragua
Licenses & certifications
Carbon Accounting
Issued: Oct 2025
Impact Strategy
Issued: Apr 2025