Principal Consultant - Environmental And Social Due Diligence (Esdd)

Wsp Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consulting firm is seeking a Principal Consultant - Environmental and Social Due Diligence to join their team in Gauteng. This role will deliver high-quality environmental services, manage international projects, and engage with clients. Successful candidates will have a strong background in environmental assessments, excellent report writing skills, and at least 6 years of experience. Join a dynamic team working on impactful projects globally. Competitive full-time role with potential for remote work.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years' experience in ESIA and ESDD.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA is advantageous.
• Experience with local and international ESDD projects.

Responsibilities

• Deliver international projects on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.
• Participate in client relationship management and business development.
• Support the delivery of ESIAs in line with regulations.

Skills

Environmental specialist experience

Client engagement and business development

Fluent English technical report writing

Knowledge of international ESG standards

Education

Honours or higher degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

WSP has a new opportunity for a Principal Consultant - Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) to join our Environmental Planning and Advisory team. The role is based in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Durban.

This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality environmental and social due diligence services to our clients, ensuring compliance with international standards and contributing to sustainable development.

This role offers an opportunity to join a global organization with a reputation for excellence and to work on exciting projects across the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver international projects focusing on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to meet requirements of international finance institutions (e.g., IFC, World Bank) and the Equator Principles, as well as local and international (Africa) ESDD projects based on IFC and Equator Principles standards.
• Participate in key client and account relationship management, marketing, business development activities, and proposal development for ESIA and ESDD services.
• Contribute to and drive the business strategy for the ESIA and ESDD service sectors.
• Support the delivery of ESIAs in line with South African and international lender standards and conduct permit compliance audits according to South African legal requirements.
• Health and Safety: Model SHEQ standards, promote a safe working environment, and contribute to SHEQ risk identification and mitigation, aiming for Zero Harm.

Qualifications

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

Key Competencies and Skills

• Minimum of 6 years' experience as an environmental specialist, leading and delivering local and international (Africa) ESIA, ESDD, and construction/operation E&S monitoring assignments.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.
• Extensive experience with local and international (Africa) ESDD projects.
• Deep knowledge of and ability to apply international ESG standards (e.g., IFC, AfDB, EIB, ILO, World Bank).
• Project experience across sectors such as power, infrastructure, water, ports, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
• Broad understanding of environmental and social sub-disciplines (air quality, ecology, occupational health and safety, social & resettlement, labor practices).
• Strong experience in Sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa, with ability to travel.
• Excellent technical report writing skills in fluent English.
• Client engagement and business development skills.

Additional Preferences

• Experience with international ESDDs and ESIAs, especially for financial sector clients.
• Experience in mining, renewable energy, or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to read, write, and converse in French or Portuguese.
• Relevant financial qualifications, EHS compliance auditing, impact investing, sustainability reporting, governance, and ESMS experience.

What’s in it for you

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals passionate about making a positive impact. Be part of a global team working on impactful projects worldwide. Apply today.

Remote Work: Employment Type: Full-time