Principal Consultant - Environmental And Social Due Diligence (Esdd)

Wsp Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading consulting firm dedicated to transforming society through innovative environmental and social impact assessments. This role offers the opportunity to work on significant projects across Africa, ensuring compliance with international standards while fostering client relationships and contributing to business strategy. With a focus on work-life balance and diversity, this position is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the environmental consulting sector.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Work-life balance

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in ESDD and ESIA consulting.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ESIAs to meet development finance institution requirements.
• Manage key client relationships and develop proposals.

Skills

ESIA Consulting

Environmental Management Systems

Client Relationship Management

Project Management

Report Writing

Knowledge of ESG Standards

SHEQ Performance Standards

Travel within Sub Sahara Africa

Education

Honours or higher degree in environmental discipline

Job description

Company Description

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready! Think bigger scale, higher profile, and ground-breaking projects. Join WSP, and you'll be at the heart of a team of international experts dedicated to growing and sharing their expertise, working on projects that transform society. WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa and the largest environmental consulting firm globally.

Job Description

This role can be based in Durban, Cape Town, or Midrand.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver international projects focusing on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to meet development finance institution requirements and ESG / ESIA due diligences based on IFC and Equator Principles Standards.
2. Prepare and implement Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS).
3. Manage key client relationships, participate in marketing and business development, and develop ESIA and ESDD proposals.
4. Contribute to and drive the business strategy for the ESIA and ESDD service sector.
5. Support the delivery of ESIAs in line with South African and international lender standards, including permit compliance audits.
6. Deliver local and international (Africa) ESDD projects.
7. Undertake permit compliance audits per South African legal requirements.
8. Model standards for SHEQ performance, influence safety culture, and contribute to a safe working environment.

Qualifications

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

Key Competencies and Skills

• At least 6 years of experience leading and delivering local and international ESDD and ESIA consulting assignments.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.
• Extensive experience with ESDD projects supporting mergers, acquisitions, and lender standards.
• Deep knowledge of international ESG standards (IFC, AfDB, EBRD, etc.).
• Experience across sectors like power, infrastructure, ports, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing.
• Knowledge of environmental and social sub-disciplines.
• Strong project management, report writing, and client engagement skills.
• Ability to travel within Sub Sahara Africa.

Preferred qualifications include proficiency in French or Portuguese, knowledge of impact investing, sustainability reporting, and experience with mining projects or financial sector clients.

Additional Information

We prioritize work-life balance and flexible working arrangements. We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants who seek flexible work options or wish to be part of a supportive work environment.