Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner Environmental • Kongiwe, Sandton

Yellowseed; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner to lead impactful Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. This role requires a seasoned expert with 10-15 years of experience to oversee project lifecycles, manage multi-disciplinary teams, and provide strategic leadership in environmental compliance. The successful candidate will collaborate with clients and stakeholders, mentor junior staff, and contribute to business growth. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your expertise can significantly influence sustainable practices across various sectors, including renewable energy and mineral resources.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of ESIA project experience with local and international standards.
• Professional registration (EAPASA and Pr.Sci.Nat) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ESIA projects ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Mentor junior staff and drive business development initiatives.

Skills

Environmental Impact Assessment

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Assessment

Report Writing

Business Development

Mentoring

Education

Post-graduate qualification in Environmental Science

Post-graduate qualification in Environmental Management

Job description

Kongiwe is seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to lead large-scale Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) across various sectors, including mineral resources and renewable energy.

With 10-15 years of experience, the ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of ESIA projects, providing strategic leadership, and ensuring the effective management of environmental and social risks.

This role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, working closely with clients and stakeholders, and providing expert advice on environmental strategies.

A key responsibility will also be mentoring junior staff and driving business development initiatives to expand the company's project portfolio.

Location: Bryanston, Sandton, South Africa

Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage complex ESIA projects within South Africa and internationally, ensuring the delivery of high-quality work aligned with both local and international environmental regulations.
2. Define, assess, and proactively mitigate environmental and social risks across diverse projects, providing strategic advice to clients and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
3. Collaborate with clients, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and that all project goals and requirements are met.
4. Oversee and manage multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring efficient coordination and successful delivery of all project phases.
5. Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities and contributing to the growth of the company's project portfolio.
6. Provide technical oversight and ensure the quality review of specialist reports, while mentoring junior staff and fostering their professional development.
7. Deliver strategic input on environmental policies and sustainability strategies to clients, ensuring alignment with best practices in environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
8. Develop, compile, and lead tenders and proposals, including project scoping, budgeting, and resourcing.
9. Ensure all environmental assessments comply with local, regional, and international environmental laws, including the South African National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the IFC Performance Standards.
10. Support the development and implementation of internal processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and the ongoing improvement of the team's capability.
11. Provide environmental compliance auditing services and support clients with regulatory reporting requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. A relevant post-graduate qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or related fields.
2. 10-15 years of experience in conducting ESIA projects, with proven expertise in both South African regulations and international standards (including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) requirements).
3. International work experience (multilingual ability would be an advantage).
4. Professional Registration (EAPASA and Pr.Sci.Nat).

Other Important Requirements for the Role:

1. Ability to manage work flexibility in a consulting environment, balancing day-to-day tasks with strategic responsibilities.
2. Valid driver's licence.
3. Valid passport and willingness to travel.
4. Experience in delivering project workstreams on time and within budget.
5. Commercial and entrepreneurial acuity.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent and efficient report writing.
7. Environmental Compliance Auditing experience.

Salary: A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Closing Date: Please submit your application by the 30th April.