Risk Officer : Environmental Risk

Nedbank; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services institution in South Africa seeks a Risk Officer for Environmental Risk. The role requires expertise in environmental management and compliance with global standards. Candidates should have over five years of experience, a relevant degree, and strong skills in stakeholder engagement. The ideal applicant will be responsible for executing environmental reviews, managing client interactions, and ensuring effective risk minimization strategies. This full-time position fosters professional growth and collaboration within the industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of environmental management experience.
• Understanding of contaminated land risk and EIA applications.
• Registered with recognized professional bodies (SACNASP, EAPASA).

Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive Environmental reviews following IFC standards.
• Manage teams of consultants during site visits.
• Support preparation of data for environmental risk reports.

Skills

Strong stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Excellent communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

4-year bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences/Environmental Management

Advanced Diplomas or National 1st Degrees

Tools

Relevant software and systems

Job description

Risk Officer: Environmental Risk at Nedbank

Step into a high‑impact role where your expertise truly matters. As a Risk Officer for Environmental Risk you will operate in a fast‑paced environment, balancing environmental exposure against lending objectives while ensuring compliance with global standards. Resilience, adaptability and strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Job Purpose

Provide expertise, advice, assistance and consultancy services for all Environmental and Social risk related services and compliance matters for Nedbank Cluster.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards, specifically in relation to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and reviews.
• Execute comprehensive Environmental and social reviews in line with the IFC Performance and Equator Principles.
• Evaluate, review and opine on the adequacy of Environmental and Social Action Plans, Environmental Management Programmes; EIAs; Scoping report and closure documents.
• Contribute and assist in coordinating awareness training courses on environmental risk management systems.
• Attend project site visits on an ad‑hoc basis (may require local and international travel).
• Manage teams of consultants on site visits.
• Liaise with internal/external Legal teams and clients on environmental matters.
• Build and sustain business relations to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
• Support preparation and provision of data for annual environmental and social risk reporting and audits.
• Contribute to a culture conducive to the achievement of transformation goals.

Essential Qualifications

• Advanced Diplomas or National 1st Degrees in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualification

• 4‑year bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science or equivalent.

Essential Certifications

• Registered with one or more recognised professional bodies relevant to environmental and sustainability practice, e.g. SACNASP, EAPASA.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of environmental management experience.
• Compilation and submission of EIA applications; application of NEMA (WASTE ACT; WATER ACT).
• Environmental audits/due diligence against IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles.
• Understanding of contaminated land risk, mine closure and rehabilitation liability estimates.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and develop risk minimisation strategies.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in presenting data in multiple formats; comparing and interpreting datasets.
• Collaborative mindset and strong relationship‑building capabilities.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills.

Advantageous Background

• Lender technical advisor experience and environmental consulting experience.
• Knowledge on contamination risk (soil, water, groundwater).

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Cluster specific operations
• Communication strategies
• Data analysis
• Governance, Risk and Controls
• Principles of financial management
• Principles of project management
• Relevant software and systems knowledge
• Research methodology
• Decision‑making process

Job Information

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Administrative
• Industries: Financial Services & Banking

Preference will be given to candidates from the under‑represented groups.