Principal Consultant - Environmental And Social Due Diligence (Esdd)

Wsp Global Inc.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is seeking a Principal Consultant for Environmental and Social Due Diligence. The role involves delivering ESDD projects, managing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with local and international standards. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in ESDD and ESIA consulting, strong report writing skills, and the ability to work on diverse projects across various sectors. WSP values work-life balance, offering flexible work options.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Remote work options

Flexible hours

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience in ESDD and ESIA consulting.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.

Responsibilities

• Deliver international ESDD projects to meet ESG/ESIA due diligence.
• Manage client relationships and develop proposals.
• Conduct permit compliance audits as per South African legal requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Report Writing

Business Development

Education

Honours or higher degree in environmental and/or social discipline

Job description

Principal Consultant - Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD)

Full-time

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready! Think bigger scale, higher profile, and ground-breaking projects.

Join WSP, and you'll be part of a team of international experts dedicated to growing their expertise and working on projects that transform society. 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 values: valuing our people and reputation; being locally dedicated with an international scale; focusing on the future and challenging the status quo; fostering collaboration; and maintaining an empowering culture with accountability. This role can be based in Durban, Cape Town, or Midrand.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver international projects focusing on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to meet development finance institution requirements and ESG / ESIA due diligence based on IFC and Equator Principles Standards.
2. Prepare and implement Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS).
3. Manage client relationships, participate in marketing and business development, and develop ESIA and ESDD proposals.
4. Contribute to and drive the business strategy for the ESIA and ESDD services.
5. Support the delivery of ESIAs in line with South African and international standards and conduct permit compliance audits as per South African legal requirements.
6. Deliver local and international (Africa) ESDD projects.
7. Undertake permit compliance audits according to South African legal standards.
8. Model health and safety standards, influence SHEQ performance, and promote a safe working environment.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Key Competencies and Skills

• At least 6 years of experience leading and delivering local and international (Africa) ESDD and ESIA consulting assignments.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.
• Extensive experience with ESDD projects supporting mergers, acquisitions, and compliance with lender standards.
• Deep knowledge of international ESG standards (IFC, AfDB, EBRD, ILO, King III/IV, World Bank).
• Demonstrable project experience across sectors like power, infrastructure, ports, mining, oil & gas, manufacturing.
• Knowledge of environmental and social sub-disciplines such as air quality, ecology, occupational health, resettlement, and labor practices.
• Strong report writing skills in English and client-facing business development experience.
• Preference for candidates fluent in French or Portuguese, with knowledge of Impact Investing, Sustainability reporting, and Governance.
• Additional advantageous experience includes mining projects, financial qualifications, and international ESIAs.

What’s in it for you?

WSP values work-life balance and offers options like remote work, part-time work, and flexible hours. Let us know your preferences when applying.