Senior Environmental and Social Specialist / PGE ESG Manager

Pele Energy Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 70 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative energy organization located in Sandton is seeking a Senior Environmental and Social Specialist to manage ESG compliance and risk across projects. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and maintaining key relationships throughout project phases. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in Environmental Sciences and 5-10 years of related experience. An understanding of renewable energy systems and ESG frameworks is essential, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of project management or development experience in energy or a related industry.
• Understanding of regulatory/ESG frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate ESG risks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) across projects.
• Manage relationships with Board ESG Committee and external stakeholders.
• Conduct internal compliance audits and manage external audits.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Data Analysis and Reporting

Risk Management Skills

Technical Knowledge of Renewable Energy Systems

Excellent communication skills

Education

Postgraduate Degree in Environmental Sciences or related field

Qualification in Occupational Health and Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Environmental and Social Specialist/PGE ESG Manager will be responsible for risk management and provide sound leadership experience for all ESG and Risk matters across the PGE platform, reporting directly to the Head of Energy Operations.

The Senior Environmental and Social Specialist/PGE ESG Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices. This role requires a deep understanding of environmental, social, health and safety issues, as well as excellent communication and analytical skills.

The individual will also be responsible for maintaining key relationships with the Board ESG Committee, Lenders, Legal Counsels, EPCs and Authorities through Financial Close, Construction and medium to long-term Operational phases of Projects.

• Develop Exhibit schedules in line with PGE policies on development projects for RFP’s which need to be submitted to EPC’s.
• Implement the Project Specific Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and project specific Environmental & Social Action Plan (ESAP), together with all Asset Management reporting requirements, across projects in both construction and in the operational portfolio.
• Facilitate the relevant E&S requirements of lenders and carry out necessary training for onsite teams to help develop the necessary environmental and social management skills aligned with IFC PS and EPs.
• Appointment and manage the Stakeholder Engagement Manager and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) as direct reportees, and oversee the implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and stakeholder engagement strategy.

• Co-ordination with construction and HSE teams and contractors to ensure Projects ESG requirements are planned and implemented during the construction and operational periods.
• Selection and appointment of the ECO and H&S Agent, which include the drafting of the request for proposal, scope of work etc.
• Conduct internal compliance audits, and subsequent Action Plans.
• Manage external Audits and subsequent Action Plans.
• Facilitate Environmental and Social permitting related matters from Preferred Bidder status to COD
• Ensure compliance with the EAs, EMPrs, ESAP, and permit conditions.
• Prepare monthly Environmental and Social Reports aligned with lender requirements for the duration of the projects.

Regulatory Role

• Monitor the effectiveness of implementation the appropriate ESMS (Policies, Process, Procedures and Guides) and provide for updating in line with changes in laws, regulations, and corporate directives;
• Review corporate activities and ensure compliance with ESG Policies, Management Plans and Procedures;
• Support the Management in driving the education, communication, training, and implementation of the ESMS across the company in all operational areas, including its associated business activities, sub-contractors, and supply chains, where relevant.
• Assist in incorporating ESG template clauses and negotiating procurement and project supply agreements.
• Align with PEGs ESMS standards as a reference framework, overseeing and reviewing due diligence findings preceding FC/construction.
• Evaluate and advise on mitigation or management plans for identified ESG risks.
• Review final investment decision presentations.

Risk Management Role

• Work across Projects to identify E&S related risks;
• Develop the appropriate strategies to address the E&S risks and their potential impacts;
• Carry out E&S risk assessments through the support from HSE team
• Continuously assess asset compliance with specific ESG standards and offer guidance if issues or trends are identified.
• Advise on specific ESG incident responses and prevention strategies (e.g., safety, environmental, regulatory incidents).
• Facilitate strategic sustainability initiatives on-site across PGE portfolio, focusing on waste reduction, decommissioning plans, supplier engagement, and HSE programs.
• Collaborate closely with local portfolio companies and project partners for successful delivery of ESG projects.
• Plan and execute recurring risk workshops with relevant internal stakeholders.

Reporting /Other

• Strengthen PEGs ESG and sustainability data framework by consolidating and managing project- and portfolio-level data.
• Streamline and expand ESG reporting processes, from project/investment to stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of ESG reporting developments and ensure PGE remains at the forefront of sustainability reporting initiatives.
• Develop training materials and educational presentations for staff.
• Foster best practices adoption by effectively communicating and coaching across the business.

People Management

• Disciplinary and functional management of the E&S team members. This includes all typical line manager functions such as:
• leave,
• performance and growth objectives and guidance, including personal development programs,
• KPA and KPI monitoring of direct staff, including performance scorecards
• team cohesion and communication,
• crisis and conflict management, and
• Identification of training opportunities.
• Standardisation and improvement of project tasks and processes as follows:
• streamlining of progress and project reporting,
• development and standardization of project E&S processes
• Ensuring project E&S data across the portfolio is captured, stored and maintained as per the organization’s standards.
• Leadership, key decision making and guidance on tasks, timeframes, deliverables, quality, timing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Team resourcing and staffing, including candidate identification, interviews, job descriptions
• Facilitate team adoption of new environmental standards, development and regulatory requirements
• Identify team members for succession pipeline and career progression.
• Oversee effective utilization of systems and tools to ensure that knowledge is managed efficiently for continuous improvement.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Postgraduate Degree (Hons / equivalent) in Environmental Sciences or a related field
• Qualification in Occupational Health and Safety
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible project management or development experience in energy or a related industry.
• Understanding of Regulatory / ESG Frameworks: Knowledge of various ESG frameworks such as GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) is essential. They should understand how these frameworks apply specifically to the renewable energy sector.
• Technical Knowledge of Renewable Energy Systems: A strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, BESS, and Hydrogen is necessary. They should grasp the technical aspects of energy generation, storage, distribution, and efficiency improvements.
• Risk Management Skills: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate ESG risks associated with renewable energy projects. This includes risks related to climate change, environmental impacts, social license to operate, and governance issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proficiency in engaging with various stakeholders including local communities, government agencies, investors, NGOs, and supply chain partners. They should be able to build relationships and communicate effectively to address stakeholder concerns and interests.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding the financial implications of ESG initiatives and the ability to integrate sustainability goals with financial performance metrics. This includes assessing the impact of ESG factors on investment decisions, cost structures, and revenue streams.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Skills in collecting, analyzing, and reporting ESG data to internal and external stakeholders. This involves using tools and software for data management, performance tracking, and reporting in line with industry standards.
• Ethical Leadership: Demonstrating ethical leadership and a commitment to sustainability principles within the organization and the broader industry. This includes promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of operations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration with cross-functional teams including engineering, finance, legal, and marketing departments to integrate ESG considerations into decision-making processes and business strategies
• Excellent verbal, written, technical and computer communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software with strong Excel skills.

Competencies

An effective Senior Environmental and Social Specialist/PGE ESG Manager should possess a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, environmental and stakeholder engagement skills, and a strong commitment to sustainability principles.

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organising
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Qualify Orientation