Senior Ecologist (Mid-Senior Level)

Job Profile Summary

We are seeking a passionate, experienced and knowledgeable Ecologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in ecological principles and practices and have substantial experience in the assessment and management of complex biodiversity-related projects across sub-Saharan Africa. They will ensure all work aligns with international reference frameworks notably the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6 (PS6) on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and Equator Principles. This role will require collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to successfully deliver projects while promoting sustainable practices and protecting biodiversity.

This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional looking to advance their career with a global sustainability leader and be part of ERM’s continuing growth in Capital projects across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Consultant within the team, you will be responsible for:

Project Management:

1. Lead and oversee biodiversity-related projects, ensuring compliance with IFC PS6 and other relevant environmental regulations and standards.
2. Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure successful project delivery within allocated resources.
3. Supervise junior ecologists and support their professional development.
4. Understand the inter-relationships between ERM services and policies and how these are applied within the clients’ business model.

Biodiversity Assessment:

1. Conduct comprehensive biodiversity assessments, including ecological surveys, habitat assessments, and species inventories to identify potential impacts of projects.
2. Analyse ecological data to inform project planning, decision-making, and mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Collaborate with stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and NGOs, to promote biodiversity conservation initiatives and ensure the inclusion of local knowledge and perspectives.
2. Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and recommendations to clients and stakeholders on biodiversity management strategies.
3. Contribute to our key local, regional and global clients and support the solutions ERM delivers for their Environmental and Social Governance and related challenges.
4. Establish strong working relationships with clients through project delivery.
5. Understand how work of the project team and or practice community contributes to ERM’s success.

Mitigation and Management Strategies:

1. Develop and implement effective biodiversity management plans and monitoring programs that align with industry best practices and IFC guidelines.
2. Identify and propose mitigation measures for potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems associated with projects.

Research and Development:

1. Stay updated on latest research trends, regulatory changes, and best practices related to biodiversity and ecology.
2. Contribute to the development of innovative approaches and methodologies for assessing and managing biodiversity impacts.
3. Share expertise and knowledge within the business unit and/or global practice area.

Reporting and Documentation:

1. Prepare technical reports, proposals and documents for regulatory compliance, stakeholder communication, and project evaluations.
2. Ensure all documentation meets required quality standards and reflects the objectives and outcomes of biodiversity assessments.

Health and Safety:

1. Adhere to all ERM and client requirements, specifically those related to H&S and governance.
2. Supervise subcontractors during fieldwork, ensuring they comply with ERM's Health & Safety policies and ABC code, and work is completed in line with project scope.

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Ecology / Botany, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in ecological consulting (ESIA’s, gap assessments and ESDD’s), biodiversity assessment, and management, with specific expertise in IFC PS6 and Equator Principle implementation.

Professional Registration: SACNASP registration is required.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in ecological survey methodologies, GIS applications, and biodiversity assessment tools. Strong conceptual and analytical skills – both quantitative and qualitative. Familiarity with relevant software (e.g., R, ArcGIS) is an advantage.

Client Interactions: Track record in selling and delivering consulting services to senior client representatives.

Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of biodiversity conservation policies, environmental regulations, and ecological frameworks, especially IFC PS6.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Interpersonal Skills: Strong teamwork and leadership abilities, with experience in managing teams and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

Additional Requirements: Frequent travel by airplane or car as necessary to perform work at other locations. Flexibility and responsiveness in managing multiple projects simultaneously (sometimes under pressured conditions).