Senior Consultant : Climate Change

Greenfield Sustainable Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

An emerging environmental consultancy in South Africa seeks a Senior Consultant to lead consulting projects and manage teams. The ideal candidate will have a master's or PhD in Environmental Sciences and significant consulting experience. Responsibilities include developing climate strategies, managing stakeholder engagements, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The role also requires mentoring juniors and driving business development initiatives. A hybrid working model is in place with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' consulting experience with 2 years in project leadership.
• Professional Registration: Pr. EAP (EAPASA) and/or Pr. Sci. Nat. (SACNASP) required.
• Strong knowledge of South African climate and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary projects from inception to completion.
• Develop climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• Manage EIAs, Scoping Reports, ensuring compliance with NEMA and IFC standards.

Skills

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Research & Innovation

Climate Change Strategies

Environmental Compliance

Mentoring

Technical Mastery

Education

MSc / PhD in Environmental Sciences or related

Tools

Python

R

GIS

BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)

MS Project or ClickUp

Job description

Senior Consultant – Climate Change & Environmental Compliance

Location: Midrand, Johannesburg / Hybrid (with local & international travel).

Technical Division / Team: Climate Change & Environmental Compliance.

Reports To: Executive Manager.

About GSG: Greenfield Sustainable Group (GSG) is an emerging blue-chip environmental consulting firm based in Midrand, Johannesburg, and distinguished by its technical excellence, strategic partnerships, and ability to deliver high‑impact solutions across the environment, climate, and natural resources nexus.

With a growing reputation for professionalism and innovation, GSG combines international best practice with deep local knowledge to support clients ranging from industries and corporates, to Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), multilateral agencies and the public sector.

Guided by its vision to become a leading African sustainability consultancy, GSG is committed to delivering cutting‑edge, bankable, and compliant solutions that drive environmental resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, while positioning itself as a trusted partner in shaping Africa's green economy.

Role Purpose

The Senior Consultant is responsible for leading small‑to‑medium consulting projects, managing technical teams, engaging clients and regulators, and ensuring the highest quality of deliverables. This role requires strategic thinking, technical depth, and leadership skills to position GSG as a trusted partner for high‑profile projects.

Senior Consultants are expected to mentor juniors, lead proposals, and contribute to GSG's growth as a leading African environmental consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Delivery: Lead and coordinate multi‑disciplinary projects from inception to completion. Develop scopes of work and schedules, ensuring on‑time and within‑budget delivery. Manage client expectations, project risks, and contractual obligations.
2. Technical Excellence: Climate Change – Develop climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, conduct GHG inventories, and design frameworks aligned with TCFD, SASB, and IFC PS. Environmental Compliance – Manage EIAs, Scoping Reports, E‑MPs, and regulatory applications (WULA, AEL, IWMP), ensuring compliance with NEMA and IFC standards. Review, manage and sign‑off on technical and specialist reports.
3. Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Lead stakeholder and regulator consultations, and public participation meetings. Present technical findings persuasively to stakeholders. Build and maintain long‑term client relationships.
4. Research & Innovation: Identify and introduce innovative tools, methodologies, and best practices. Drive integration of ESG, climate, and sustainability into consulting outputs.
5. Business Development: Lead preparation of technical and financial proposals, tenders, and responses. Identify business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Support Directors in developing new service offerings and market strategies.
6. Team Leadership & Mentorship: Supervise and mentor junior and associate consultants. Conduct training sessions, and knowledge‑sharing workshops. Promote a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
7. Professional Standards & Compliance: Uphold professional ethics and ensure compliance with OHSA, POPIA, etc. Represent GSG as a credible and respected consulting partner.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: MSc / PhD in Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, or related.
• Minimum 5 years' consulting experience, with at least 2 years in project leadership.
• Professional Registration: Pr. EAP (EAPASA) and / or Pr. Sci. Nat. (SACNASP) required.
• Technical Mastery: Climate – Corporate / municipal GHG inventories, climate strategies, IFRS S1 & S2, TCFD‑aligned risk assessments, SBTi / net‑zero roadmaps, climate finance mechanisms (GCF, AfDB); EIA – Complex EIAs, E‑MP performance metrics, licensing strategies (WULA / AEL / IWMP), IFC PS / Equator Principles alignment, stakeholder engagement in high‑sensitivity projects.
• Methodologies & Standards: Knowledge of IFC PS, Equator Principles, ISO, IPCC guidelines, etc.
• Software & Tools: Proficiency in specialised analytical techniques and project management tools, including Python, R, Lumina Analytica, GIS and remote sensing, advanced Excel (Power Query), MS Project or ClickUp, BI tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Project & Commercial: Skilled in preparing budgets, negotiating scope changes, and managing risks.
• Client & Stakeholder: Experienced in board‑level presentations, sensitive stakeholder facilitation, conflict resolution.
• Mentorship: Proven record of mentoring juniors / associates, conducting reviews, and running training sessions.
• Strong knowledge of South African climate and environmental legislation; international policies, frameworks and guidelines.
• Proficiency with climate models, ESG frameworks, & environmental management tools.
• Petencies & Attributes: Leadership presence – inspires confidence in clients and teams; Strategic thinker – aligns technical delivery with GSG's growth vision; Mentorship ability – develops juniors and associates into leaders; Resilient & courageous – performs under pressure and makes ethical decisions; Innovative & forward‑looking – introduces new approaches to problem‑solving; Loyal & trustworthy – protects GSG's brand and client trust.

Application Process

Apply on LinkedIn via the link: Submit detailed CV with work experience and project details (your role, project scope and deliverable); and evidence of project leadership (e.g., sample authored reports).

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a two‑phase process:

1. Phase 1: Technical & HR Screening.
2. Phase 2: Cultural & Leadership Fit.

All applications will be responded to via the LinkedIn platform. However, if you have not received feedback within 21 days of submission, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Please note that a probationary period of 3 to 6 months applies to this position. GSG reserves the right not to fill a position or to withdraw an opening should the circumstance of the offer change.