Principal Consultant - Environmental And Social Due Diligence (Esdd)

Energy Vault; Gauteng; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in environmental consulting is seeking an Environmental Specialist with over 6 years of experience. The role involves delivering international projects on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, managing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The company offers a supportive environment with flexible work arrangements, emphasizing work-life balance and diversity.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive environment valuing diversity

Qualifications

• 6+ years as an environmental specialist in ESDD and ESIA assignments.
• Extensive experience at project level across various sectors.
• Ability to read, write, and converse in French or Portuguese is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ESIAs per IFC and Equator Principles Standards.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business strategy.
• Support permit compliance audits under South African requirements.

Skills

Environmental Impact Assessment

Client Management

Business Development

Technical Report Writing

Knowledge of ESG Standards

Knowledge of Environmental Sub-disciplines

Education

Honours or higher degree in environmental and social discipline

Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA

Job description

Company Description

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready!

Think bigger scale.

Think higher profile.

Think ground-breaking.

Join WSP, and you'll be at the heart of a team of international experts all dedicated to growing and sharing their expertise, and working on projects that transform society for all of us.

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa, and the largest environmental consulting firm globally.

To further our strategic business execution plan, we are seeking leaders who share our guiding principles – we value our people and our reputation; we are locally dedicated with international scale; we are future-focused and challenge the status quo; we foster collaboration; we have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable.

Job Description

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

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Experience with preparing and implementing Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) will be advantageous.
• Manage key client relationships, participate in marketing and business development activities, and develop ESIA and ESDD proposals.
• Contribute to and drive the business strategy for the ESIA and ESDD service sector.
• Support the delivery of ESIAs in line with South African and international lender standards, including permit compliance audits under South African legal requirements.

Delivering local and international (Africa) ESDD projects.

Undertake permit compliance audits in terms of South African legal requirements.

Health and Safety: Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company's health, safety, environmental and quality policies by influencing those around you.

Contribute to the identification of SHEQ risks and drive processes to achieve Zero Harm.

Promote and ensure a safe working environment at all times.

Qualifications

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

Key Competencies and Skills:

• 6+ years experience as an environmental specialist leading and delivering local and international (Africa) ESDD and ESIA assignments.
• Professional qualification in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.
• Extensive experience with delivering ESDD projects at project level, supporting corporate mergers and acquisitions against lender standards.
• Deep knowledge of international ESG standards (IFC, AfDB, EBRD, ILO, King IV, World Bank EHS Guidelines).
• Experience across sectors such as power generation, infrastructure, ports, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing.
• Knowledge of environmental and social sub-disciplines (air quality, ecology, occupational health, resettlement, labour practices).
• Strong experience in Sub Sahara Africa, with ability to travel.
• Excellent technical report writing skills in English.
• Client-facing business development experience.
• Ability to read, write, and converse in French or Portuguese is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Impact Investing, Sustainability reporting, and Governance is advantageous.
• Experience with mining projects and financial sector clients is a plus.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you?

Work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values diversity and individual needs.

Here at WSP – we can!

We understand the importance of balancing work with personal life, including options for remote work, part-time work, and flexible hours. Let us know your preferences in your application.