Planning and Assessment (ESIA)- Principal Environmental Consultant ( Renewables)

SLR; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm in Durban is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead large-scale Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, a strong command of environmental legislation, and exceptional project management skills. This role involves mentoring junior professionals and ensuring high-quality outputs that meet regulatory frameworks. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years’ experience in ESIAs in South Africa or Africa.
• Experience in managing a number of team members.
• Sound knowledge of environmental legislation processes within South Africa.
• Sound project management knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the implementation of large-scale ESIA projects.
• Manage a team of over 10 environmental professionals.
• Mentorship and leadership for junior and mid-level staff.
• Develop and sustain client relationships for repeat business.
• Prepare and submit winning proposals.
• Travel within South Africa and possibly other African countries.

Skills

Report writing skills

Excellent command of English

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Hons or Master’s in Environmental or Natural Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

The role

requires expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-quality outputs that meet either national regulatory frameworks and / or international best practice standards, including those of international financial institutions and development lenders (, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles).

Key responsibilities include leading and overseeing the end-to-end implementation of large-scale ESIA and related environmental and social projects. This encompasses project scoping, impact assessment, report preparation, coordination of specialist studies, public and stakeholder engagement, regulatory authority consultations, and overall project management and administration.

This role includes the day-to-day management and coordination of a team of over 10 environmental professionals, serving as a line manager responsible for performance oversight, capacity development, and career progression of team members. Mentorship and leadership are central to the role, with a focus on developing junior and mid-level staff through on-the-job training and creating an environment that fosters collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities Minimum Requirements & Responsibilities

• Over 15 years’ experience in ESIAs in South Africa or Africa.
• (Hons) or Master’s in environmental or Natural Sciences or similar qualification.
• Must have experience in managing a number of team members.
• Must have a sound knowledge of environmental legislation processes within South Africa, with an opportunity to manage ESIAs in the rest of Africa.
• Must have sound project management knowledge (methodology, proposal / report compilation, budget control, timely project completion, write-off presentation skills, etc.).
• Must develop and sustain client relationships, leading to repeat business.
• Must be able to lead the preparation and submission of winning proposals.
• Must be able to manage large, complex ESIA projects.
• Must be able to travel within South Africa and possibly other African countries.
• Must be able to complete and review reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Should have a valid driver’s license.

Skills / Attributes

• Sound report writing skills.
• Excellent command / highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritise work.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Should be able to work well in a team and communicate confidently with others.
• The ability to work to deadlines and within set budgets is essential.

SLR’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered part of the recruitment process. We actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. SLR is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity and inclusion.