Associate Consultant - Environmental And Social Due Diligence (Esdd)

Wsp Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm seeks an experienced Environmental and Social Due Diligence Project Lead based in South Africa. The ideal candidate will have substantial expertise in project management within environmental and social contexts, delivering assessments for diverse sectors. This role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive pay

Medical cover

Generous leave

Professional subscriptions

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience leading ESDD and ESIA projects.
• Deep knowledge of international ESG standards.
• Capability to travel within Sub Sahara Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ESDD projects and ESIA assessments.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders at senior levels.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business strategy.

Skills

Client engagement

Project management

Report writing

Education

Honours or higher degree in a relevant environmental and/or social discipline

Job description

Company Description

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready! Think bigger scale, higher profile, and ground-breaking projects. WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa and the largest environmental consulting firm globally.

To further our strategic business plan, we seek leaders who share our principles: valuing our people and reputation, being locally dedicated with an international scale, future-focused, collaborative, empowering, and accountable.

Job Description

This role can be based in Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and deliver local and international (Africa) Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) projects, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and support for mergers and acquisitions.
2. Engage with clients and stakeholders at the senior level, providing guidance on environmental and social aspects affecting investment decisions.
3. Prepare and implement Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS).
4. Manage client relationships, participate in marketing and business development, and develop ESDD proposals.
5. Contribute to business strategy for the ESDD sector.
6. Support the delivery of ESIAs and permit compliance audits in line with South African and international standards.
7. Undertake permit compliance audits per South African legal requirements.
8. Model health and safety standards, promote a safe working environment, and contribute to SHEQ risk management.

Qualifications:

• Honours or higher degree in a relevant environmental and/or social discipline.
• 8+ years experience leading and delivering local and international ESDD and ESIA projects.

Other Requirements:

• Deep knowledge of international ESG standards (e.g., IFC, AfDB, EBRD, ILO, King III/IV, World Bank).
• Project experience in sectors such as power, infrastructure, ports, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing.
• Knowledge across environmental and social sub-disciplines.
• Strong experience in Sub Sahara Africa and ability to travel.
• Excellent report writing and project management skills.
• Client engagement and business development capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and converse in French or Portuguese.
• Knowledge of impact investing, sustainability reporting, governance.
• Experience with financial sector clients or international ESIAs.
• Team management experience.

Additional Information:

WSP offers work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, benefits including medical cover, generous leave, and professional subscriptions. We promote an inclusive culture and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to accessibility and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the criteria.

Note: This job posting appears active; no indication of expiry.