Graduate Programme: ESG

Harmattan Renewables; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan Renewables in Rosebank, Johannesburg, invites recent graduates to join a year-long graduate programme focused on responsible renewables project delivery. You will support E&S due diligence, ESMS design, and compliance monitoring to meet lender expectations.

The role combines data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and reporting, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience across ESG, development economics, and environmental policy in the African renewables context.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge or academic exposure to ESG, sustainability, environmental science, engineering, finance, economics, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to interpret data and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing documentation, presentations, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software) and willingness to learn new digital systems.
• Demonstrated interest in renewable energy, impact investing, or sustainable development, particularly within the African context.
• Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams, take initiative, and manage time and tasks in a structured way.
• Recent graduate or final-year student eligible for a graduate programme; prior internship or project experience in ESG or renewables is an advantage but not essential.
• Commitment to ethical, socially responsible work and enthusiasm for contributing to BBBEE and broader transformation objectives in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• ESG due diligence, ESMS design and gap analysis, compliance monitoring against the IFC Performance Standards.
• EIA and permitting support, documentation, and stakeholder liaison as needed.
• Assist with reporting, data gathering, and preparation of concise analyses for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

ESG concepts

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Office tools

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Education

Environmental Science/Management/Geography/Ecology or related

Honours preferred

Final-year student eligible

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Company Description Harmattan Renewables is a specialist consultancy focused on unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential, built by experts who have worked across Europe and America. The company supports clients through the full renewables lifecycle, providing best-in-class technology, services, and advisory support. Harmattan is a socially responsible employer, committed to helping the next generation build meaningful careers in engineering, financial services, and renewables. As a Level 1 women-owned BBBEE company, Harmattan offers paid opportunities to black graduates across South Africa, helping them gain valuable skills and experience in the world of work.

Role Description

Help make sure Africa's renewable energy projects are built responsibly, to the standards lenders and investors demand.

You'll do: E&S due diligence, ESMS design and gap analysis, compliance monitoring against the IFC Performance Standards, and EIA and permitting support.

You'll have: a degree in Environmental Science or Management, Geography, Ecology, or Social Science and Development Studies. Honours preferred. No more than two years' full-time work experience.

24 months|Starts 1 February 2027|Full time, in office, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Closes 30 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge or academic exposure to ESG, sustainability, environmental science, engineering, finance, economics, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to interpret data and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing documentation, presentations, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software) and willingness to learn new digital systems.
• Demonstrated interest in renewable energy, impact investing, or sustainable development, particularly within the African context.
• Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams, take initiative, and manage time and tasks in a structured way.
• Recent graduate or final-year student eligible for a graduate programme; prior internship or project experience in ESG or renewables is an advantage but not essential.
• Commitment to ethical, socially responsible work and enthusiasm for contributing to BBBEE and broader transformation objectives in South Africa.