Head of Environmental, Social and Governance
Highly Attractive Package
Cape Town, Western Cape
Purpose
The Head: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), reporting to the CEO, is an integral member of the leadership team. The role will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of the organisation's Environmental and Social Management System and implement ESG risk mitigation actions during project design, development, investment, construction and operation across a growing portfolio of energy projects.
The role will be responsible for reporting to investors, lenders and broader stakeholder group, together with oversight of project reporting and permitting. The ideal candidate will function as a hands-on problem-solver within cross-cutting finance, engineering, and legal workstreams to deliver utility scale renewable energy power projects, enabling the organisation to deliver on its mission of decarbonising the energy system in South Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Create the company’s ESG strategy, policies, and guidelines in line with our Investor’s requirements. Design, develop and implement the ESMS in line with international ESG standards as required by investors to provide an E&S risk management lens to their investment process throughout the investment lifecycle. Oversee environmental due diligence and permitting process for renewable energy projects, leading scope, selection, and oversight of environmental consultants as needed. Update and continuously validate company policies for managing environmental and social impact against international standards – including the IFC Performance Standards. Act in cases where ESG issues are escalating to avoid risks to people, environment or property. Consult with EPC contractors, technical consultants, and others working on site to make sure that ESG mitigation activities are being undertaken in an integrated and collaborative manner across all parties. Develop ESG requirements for inclusion in contracts with external partners and lead the onboarding of these requirements to ensure their full understanding. Oversee the implementation of the ESG requirements through review of documentation (ESIAs, permits, ESMSs, ESG policies, ESG risk registers, stakeholder engagement plans (SEPs), emergency preparedness and response plans (EPRPs), grievance mechanisms), conducting site visits, and reviewing reports from the external parties, etc. Assess external partners’ ESG compliance as they develop, construct, and operate projects; and Prepare and present comprehensive ESG reports as needed for both internal and external stakeholders including investors and distribute in accordance with reporting deadlines. This includes quarterly and annual investor ESG reports for Shareholder and Board Engagement.
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor's degree (Master’s or PhD is an advantage) in business / commerce, development studies, economics or related fields. 8+ years’ experience in CSR/ESG, CSI, Enterprise / Supplier Development, Sustainability or Transformation. Previous experience in green and environmental management in a corporate setting. Experience in marketing and communications, specifically relating to sustainability and stakeholder reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in strategy, planning, and project management as relates to the field of sustainability and economic development. Demonstrated experience working with senior level stakeholders in the corporate sector, with additional public or impact sector engagement. Demonstrated experience in enterprise or supplier development, with a good understanding of drivers of success in capacity building of SMEs (knowledge on funding of SMEs would be an advantage). Previous experience in socio-economic development in areas such as local economic development, social and environmental themes, livelihoods, etc. (direct community engagement experience would be an advantage).
