Senior ESG Manager - Environmental Specialisation (Contract)

Energy Vault; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy sector seeks a Senior ESG Manager to spearhead environmental, social, and governance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ESG management, a solid background in the energy sector, and a strong focus on stakeholder engagement. This role will involve developing strategies to meet ESG goals in line with local regulations and international standards, ultimately driving sustainability efforts within the organisation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in ESG management with a focus on environmental issues.
• Experience in designing and implementing ESG frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills in data management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement environmental strategies to meet ESG targets.
• Monitor compliance with local and international environmental regulations.
• Engage with stakeholders for transparency on environmental initiatives.

Skills

Data Analytics

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Renewable Energy

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Job description

Description

The Senior ESG Manager will lead Pele Energy Group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, with a strong focus on environmental compliance and performance. This role is central to achieving the Group’s ambitious ESG goals and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in environmental issues, coupled with experience in the energy and impact sectors. Strong data analytics and stakeholder management skills are essential for ensuring timely, accurate, and impactful reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

ESG Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement Pele Energy Group’s environmental strategies to meet progressive ESG targets.
• Ensure alignment with international ESG standards, frameworks, and regulations, including the UN SDGs and South Africa’s environmental laws.
• Lead the integration of environmental performance metrics into broader ESG initiatives and strategies.

Data Collection and Analytics

• Design and oversee systems for collecting and analysing environmental data, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) across energy and development workstreams, providing actionable insights to drive improvements.
• Generate detailed reports on environmental performance, emissions, resource use, and other ESG metrics for internal review and external stakeholders.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Monitor compliance with local and international environmental regulations, ensuring risk mitigation measures are in place.
• Conduct environmental risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to address identified gaps.
• Stay updated on evolving environmental regulations and best practices, advising the leadership team on potential impacts and adjustments.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage with internal teams, government agencies, investors, and community stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency on environmental initiatives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for ESG-related audits, investor inquiries, and sustainability reports.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including NGOs, industry experts, and certification bodies.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate the effectiveness of current ESG practices and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation and sustainability within the organisation, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration on environmental initiatives.
• Contribute to thought leadership in environmental sustainability through research, presentations, and participation in industry events.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in ESG management, with a strong focus on environmental issues in the energy or impact sectors.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing ESG frameworks and reporting systems.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data management and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Excel.
• Knowledge of global ESG frameworks and standards, including GRI, TCFD, and SASB.
• Familiarity with South Africa’s environmental policies and regulations.

Competencies

• Data Analytics: Expertise in collecting, analysing, and interpreting environmental data to guide decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to manage relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management: Strong organisational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align environmental goals with broader organisational strategies.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing effective solutions.