Environmental and Social Specialist

Energy Africa Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking an Environmental and Social Specialist to manage compliance for large-scale renewable energy projects. This role involves overseeing all environmental permitting activities across various energy sources. The ideal candidate will possess experience in environmental compliance and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment are offered.

Benefits

Exposure to large-scale renewable energy assets

Collaborative work environment

Contribution to sustainable infrastructure projects

Qualifications

• 5–8 years’ experience managing environmental and social permitting for renewable energy developments.
• Strong knowledge of NEMA, SEMAs, and Environmental Authorisation processes.
• Proven experience in environmental and social compliance and auditing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GIS-based environmental and social screening.
• Manage environmental permitting processes and obtain key consents.
• Oversee Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and ensure compliance.
• Support implementation of the organisation’s ESG and ESMS.

Skills

Environmental and social compliance

Project management

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management or related field

Post-graduate qualification in Environmental Law or similar

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Overview

A renewable energy IPP with an enviable culture and team based environment seeks an Environmental and Social Specialist to support the development, construction, and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects.

The role ensures compliance with environmental and social legislation, international best‑practice standards, and corporate ESG frameworks.

The successful candidate will oversee all environmental and social permitting activities across solar, wind, hydro, and battery‑energy‑storage (BESS) projects, ensuring that projects are legally compliant, environmentally sound, and buildable.

What you’ll do

• Conduct GIS‑based environmental and social screening and risk identification during early project development.
• Manage environmental permitting processes and obtain key consents under NEMA, SEMAs, and other applicable statutes.
• Oversee specialist studies and integrate environmental and social opportunities and constraints into project design.
• Lead reviews of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments (BAs), and Scoping Reports for compliance with national and IFC/Equator Principles.
• Manage environmental license renewals, amendments, and water‑use licensing applications.
• Oversee environmental deliverables for bid submissions (REIPPPP and Private PPA) including legal opinions and lender due‑diligence documentation.
• Monitor and interpret evolving environmental legislation relevant to the project portfolio.
• Compile and review Environmental and Social Risk Assessments, Due Diligence reports, and Audit reports.
• Support lenders’ and shareholders’ environmental reporting and manage Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) compliance.
• Supervise Environmental and Social Compliance Officers during construction and operations phases.
• Manage consultant and contractor scopes for compliance processes on‑site.
• Undertake site inspections and stakeholder engagements across South Africa and Africa.
• Support implementation of the organisation’s ESG and Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS).

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, or related field.
• Post‑graduate qualification in Environmental Law, Environmental Management, or similar (advantageous).
• 5–8 years’ experience managing environmental and social permitting for renewable‑energy developments.
• Strong knowledge of NEMA, SEMAs, and Environmental Authorisation processes.
• Proven experience in environmental and social compliance, auditing, and risk management on construction and operational sites.
• Experience engaging with regulatory authorities, lenders, and stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.
• Familiarity with IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, ISO systems, and ESG reporting frameworks.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro or equivalent GIS tools.
• Excellent report writing, project management, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Practical knowledge of HSE compliance and relevant statutory frameworks.

What we offer

• Exposure to large‑scale renewable‑energy assets across multiple technologies (solar, wind, hydro, and BESS).
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects aligned with international ESG standards.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment committed to environmental excellence and innovation.

Should you not hear back from us within 14 days, your application was unsuccessful.