Lead -Environmental Planning and Advisory

WSP USA; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is looking for an experienced Director to lead their Africa Environmental Planning and Advisory Team. You will oversee key initiatives in environmental planning, drive business development, and ensure sustainable development practices. The ideal candidate has over 18 years of experience in environmental consulting, holds an Honours degree in a related field, and possesses strong leadership and project management skills. This position is based in Gauteng, South Africa, with travel expected across Africa.

Qualifications

• 18 years or more experience as an environmental/social specialist.
• EAPASA registration is required or evidence of application in process.
• Experience in Sub Saharan Africa and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Africa Environmental Planning and Advisory team.
• Oversee environmental planning initiatives and advisory services.
• Drive and conduct recruitment as needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Technical report writing in fluent English

Project management skills

Business development

Interpersonal skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Honours or higher degree in a relevant environmental/social discipline

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to lead our Africa Environmental Planning and Advisory (EPA) Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing environmental planning initiatives, providing strategic advisory services, and ensuring sustainable development practices across the region.

Health and Safety

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company's health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you.
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm.
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times.

Key Competencies and Generic Skills

• Demonstrable leadership experience.
• 18 years or more experience as an environmental and/or social specialist leading and delivering local and international (Africa) ESIA and/or ESDD consulting assignments.
• EAPASA registration is required or evidence of application in process. Registered Pr. Sci. Nat is recommended.
• Project experience across the following sectors: conventional and renewable power generation and transmission, road and rail infrastructure, mining, ports and marine infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledgeable in a wide range of environmental and social sub-disciplines (i.e., air quality, ecological impact, occupational health and safety, resettlement planning, labour practices, etc.).
• Experience in Sub Saharan Africa (outside of South Africa) and ability to travel.
• Strong technical report writing skills, producing professional reports in fluent English.
• Strong project management skills.
• Comfortable to engage in client‑facing business development.
• Significant commercial acumen.
• Leadership.
• Collaborate with other P&A team leads.
• Input into wider WSP business policies.
• Provide team leadership and guidance to the Africa EPA team, including the South Africa, Mozambique and Ghana Teams.
• Assist with business administration and removal of roadblocks where needed.
• Crisis control and management.
• Drive and conduct recruitment as required by the team.
• The role requires strong interpersonal skills and provision of mentorship and guidance to all team members.

Business Development

• Tender Go‑No‑Go decisions.
• Be integral to securing significant Africa projects for the EPA Team.
• Technical and financial sign off of proposal in accordance with Authority Matrix.

Commercial

• Responsible for financial performance of EPA team (RSA, Moz, Ghana) and reaching financial targets for EPA Africa.
• Manage and interrogate Project Forecasting Tool (PFT) and provide guidance to the team on financial system.
• Monitoring work in progress (WIP) and invoicing progress.
• Conduct Debt review and follow up on relevant significant debts where required.

Technical

• Lead / prominent role in delivering local and international (Africa) projects.
• Offer technical guidance and support on projects where required.
• Maintain professional registration and technical capabilities.
• Engagement with Clients and other stakeholders at the senior executive level and providing support and guidance on critical E&S aspects affecting their projects.

Qualifications and Experience Required

An Honours or higher degree in a relevant environmental and/or social discipline.