Environmental and Social Governance Manager

Smart4Energy; Wes-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Manager to oversee ESG planning and implementation for diverse power projects across Africa. This role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices while managing ESG risks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in environmental or social sciences, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a commitment to sustainable development. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a positive impact in the energy sector and driving the energy transition in Africa.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in ESG, sustainability, or infrastructure development.
• Advanced degree in relevant fields required.

Responsibilities

• Manage ESG planning and project implementation across various teams.
• Coordinate ESG due diligence and impact assessments for new projects.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

ESG Standards Knowledge

Environmental and Social Awareness

Flexibility and Adaptability

Education

University Degree in Environmental Sciences

University Degree in Social Sciences

University Degree in Development Studies

Job description

Title: Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Manager

Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg (Hybrid-working)

About the Role

For more than 20 years, our client has been a long-term investor, developer, owner and operator of diversified power projects in Africa. With nearly 1800MW of generation capacity in operation across 17 power plants in 7 countries, 485MW of new power projects in construction and >2,000MW in development, they are one of the largest independent power producers solely focused in Africa. They are 70% owned by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, the development finance institutions of the UK and Norway, and has a proven track record for supporting the ongoing development of the African power sector.

Their various generation technologies include gas, wind, solar PV, battery energy storage (BESS), and geothermal. The company is also actively pursuing new opportunities which focus on the energy transition. This role will manage ESG planning, project implementation, portfolio support, technical advice and add value to all of the team’s projects.

The role will also work closely with the Business Development, Engineering, Construction and Operations teams to ensure that all projects are developed, constructed and operated in accordance with their HSESS policies, and international environment and social best practice.

Responsibilities

For all new projects under development or acquisition

• Screen and provide early guidance and feedback on ESG issues associated with new prospects (specifically to reflect their HSESS policies).
• Take ownership and provide support to project developers for all ESG and climate matters whilst operating within a well-defined strategy and operational framework. Help to alleviate any potential risks for new complex projects by undertaking due diligence, coordinating the development of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and defining ESG and climate risk mitigation strategies.
• Undertake or source and manage advisors for ESG due diligence, impact assessments, and other related activities/assessments as and when required.
• Take ownership in the development of project specific ESG employer’s requirements and documentation, monitoring programs, selection of project specific ESG staff, training and or any other support required for the effective implementation of GQ standards on projects.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Lenders who are interested in the ESG and climate aspects of their project finance loans.
• Co-ordinate and ensure consistency in the delivery of monitoring reports to Lenders.

For all projects under construction

• Act as the ESG and climate point of contact for the Construction, Engineering and Legal teams throughout contract negotiation and all construction activity that is related to ESG and climate risks and their mitigation
• Review the performance and support the construction management staff, contractors and site teams in accordance with their HSESS policies and standards, and steer or change to ensure best practice is adhered to throughout the construction site and areas of influence.

For their operational assets

• When needed, support the Sustainability team’s Group ESG and H&S Managers as well as the operation’s HSESS teams to ensure all assets are managed according to international environmental, social and health & safety best practice in a manner that they are fully compliant with all corporate and relevant local standards and their HSESS policies.
• Provide support and assistance to local operational teams for all environmental or social related matters as required.

Additionally, the role incumbent will be required to support the MD ESG and Climate in the following areas

• Take ownership of the in-house carbon footprint calculator and associated risk management tools and support the MD ESG and Climate in managing the Climate risk on a project level.

Skills/Competencies

• Display passion for ESG topics coupled with a strong environmental and/or social subject matter is essential.
• Sound understanding as to how local stakeholders can benefit from the projects we undertake would also be advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of international ESG standards and, more specifically, the IFC Performance Standards and World Bank EHS Guidelines.
• Solid understanding of Africa and the challenges the countries within bring.
• Stakeholder Management – Able to build and sustain relationships at all levels of seniority throughout the delivery of projects.
• Communication – Clear and concise verbal and written skills.
• Goal-focused and achievement-orientated.
• Strong focus on diversity & and good work ethic.
• Flexible-working location and will be required to travel and sometimes with short notice.

Experience/Qualifications

• (Advanced) University Degree (B.Sc./M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, preferably environmental or social sciences, power, energy, environmental engineering, or alternatively development studies/ development finance.
• At least 5 years’ work experience in a related field (infrastructure, ESG, sustainability), preferably within infrastructure development, E&S consulting, development finance, banking or the investment industry at least some of which should have been achieved in Africa.
• A strong background in the environmental or social discipline is an advantage.
• Ability to travel for up to 40 days a year sometimes at short notice.
• Technical Skills.
• Familiar with the application of IFC Performance Standards to investments is essential.
• Sound knowledge of energy, infrastructure development, environmental and social issues as they apply to their businesses.
• Provide insight into the challenges associated with implementing environmental and social improvements in infrastructure projects, particularly, as these relate to businesses in Africa.
• Significant exposure in the power generation industry and exposure to ESG-related topics related to it is an advantage.
• Experience of international context including applicable regulatory requirements and cultural differences would be advantageous.
• Display knowledge of ESG standards (including IFC) and their application throughout the development, construction and operational lifecycle.