Head Of Sustainability

Solarafrica Energy; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A clean energy leader in Pretoria is seeking a Head of ESG to drive sustainability strategies and ensure compliance with environmental and health standards. The ideal candidate should have 15+ years of experience in sustainability roles and a strong track record in developing ESG frameworks. This leadership position involves working closely with the COO and other stakeholders to foster a culture of safety and sustainability across the organization.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in sustainability, ESG, or HSE leadership roles.
• Strong track record in developing and implementing ESG frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in leading environmental approvals and compliance.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regionally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement SolarAfrica's ESG and sustainability strategies.
• Lead Environmental & Social compliance and stakeholder engagement.
• Champion HSE leadership and culture across the business.
• Manage ESG metrics and disclosures as required by stakeholders.

Skills

Sustainability expertise

ESG frameworks development

Health and Safety leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental risk management

Regulatory compliance

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's in Environmental Science or related field

Job description

At SolarAfrica, sustainability isn't a box we tick; it's the heartbeat of how we power progress.

The Head of ESG (Environment, Health & Safety, and Sustainability) will be the champion of our commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more responsible energy future. In this role, you won't just ensure compliance, you will inspire transformation, embedding sustainability and safety into every project, every community we serve, and every decision we make.

From driving down our carbon footprint to building a culture where every employee goes home safely, you will shape how SolarAfrica delivers on its promise of sustainable growth. You'll work at the intersection of strategy and impact, aligning us with world‑class ESG standards, securing community trust, and opening doors to green finance opportunities.

By bringing together environmental stewardship, health and safety excellence, and long‑term sustainability practices, you will position SolarAfrica as a leader in Africa's clean energy transition. This is more than a compliance role; it's about leaving a legacy: cleaner projects, safer operations, stronger communities, and a future where business and sustainability are inseparable.

Position of the job in the organisation: the successful candidate will report directly to the COO.

Principal responsibilities

• LMA ESG & Sustainability Strategy – develop and implement SolarAfrica's ESG and sustainability frameworks across all regions and align with global standards (IFC, Equator Principles, SDGs).
• Drive ESG integration into strategic decision‑making and business growth.
• Environmental & Social Compliance: lead EIAs, basic assessments, and environmental approvals; ensure full compliance with ESHS regulations and manage environmental/social risks; oversee Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) and stakeholder engagement.
• HSE Leadership & Risk Management: oversee HSE frameworks and performance across the group; champion a safety‑first culture with proactive training and risk management; collaborate with PMO and Project Leads to ensure operational compliance.
• ESG Reporting: track ESG metrics, including carbon, climate, and sustainability indicators; manage internal and external ESG disclosures in line with GRI, TCFD, ISSB, CDP as required by investors, lenders, and shareholders; lead third‑party audits and prepare credible ESG reports for the Board, investors, and regulators.
• Sustainability Culture & Ethical Practices: promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and sustainability across the business; drive awareness, training, and policy initiatives; support sustainable finance readiness (e.g., ESG‑linked funding).

Person profile

• Experience: 15+ years of proven experience in sustainability, ESG, or HSE leadership roles.
• Strong track record in developing and implementing ESG frameworks aligned with international standards (IFC, Equator Principles, SDGs, GRI, TCFD, ISSB, CDP).
• Demonstrated success in leading environmental approvals (EIAs, Basic Assessments) and ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple regions.
• Experience managing cross‑functional teams and stakeholder engagement, including community liaison functions and health and safety.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regionally as required.
• Deep understanding of environmental and social risk management in large‑scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
• Strong ability to integrate sustainability into project execution and business decision‑making.
• Skilled in ESG reporting, data management, and third‑party assurance processes.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence at Board and executive level.
• Proven ability to foster a culture of safety, ethics, and sustainability across diverse teams.
• Desirable attributes: experience in sustainability‑linked finance or green funding mechanisms; familiarity with African regulatory and stakeholder environments; advanced academic qualifications (e.g., Master's in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Social or related field).
• Strong networks with industry bodies, regulators, and sustainability leaders.

What Does Success Look Like?

By 3 months: embedded within SolarAfrica's leadership team, with strong relationships built across CFO, COO, PMO, Project Leads, Sales and CLOs; presenting a baseline report of SolarAfrica's ESG, HSE, and social performance, highlighting compliance status and risks; providing a clear roadmap for ESG framework alignment with IFC, Equator Principles, and SDGs.

By 6 months: leading the implementation of the ESG and sustainability framework, with measurable compliance improvements across projects; demonstrating structured stakeholder engagement, with regular CLO reporting and proactive social risk management; presenting consolidated ESG data to executives, covering compliance, safety, carbon, and social metrics.

By 12 months: recognised as the driver of a strong sustainability and safety culture across SolarAfrica, evidenced by improved audits, reduced incidents, and strengthened community relationships; delivering ESG and sustainability reporting aligned with GRI, TCFD, ISSB, and CDP as required by various investors, lenders and stakeholders; demonstrating SolarAfrica's readiness for sustainability‑linked financing, with frameworks and disclosures supporting funding opportunities.

Core Values

We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently. We are passionate and proud of what we do. We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult. We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together. We are dependable and take accountability. No one person is bigger than the solution – no egos.