Environmental & Social Specialist-Limpopo

Main objective of the position and Tasks Description (not limited)

Reporting to the Asset Owner and interfacing and cooperating daily with the Construction Manager, this position will support our local project team to ensure that the project meets the highest environmental and social standards. Your focus will be on the construction of a 148 MW Solar PV Plant, focusing on environmental performance with support for social responsibilities

You will work closely with the local project team to implement the project’s Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS), primarily addressing environmental aspects. This includes identifying potential environmental issues, conducting regular site audits, and supporting the execution of the Environmental & Social Action Plan (ESAP). You will ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices, manage environmental risks, and provide training to staff on environmental matters as needed.

The role will furthermore more be required to provide support to the social team (Social Advisor and IR Manager) on stakeholder engagements; implementation of site labor plans; contractor’s audits to ensure adherence to social procedures and best practices; and social risk management.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to improving the project team's capacity to enhance environmental performance and ensure adherence to standards, regulations, and international best practices. Your role requires extensive experience in managing environmental issues, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to effectively work with various stakeholders.

You will bring to this role, practical experience in managing a range of environmental and social issues, excellent stakeholder engagement skills to support our relationships with National and Local Officials, as well as written and verbal communication skills to best communicate your analyses to the Managers and their teams.

Key tasks and responsibilities include the following:

Environmental Responsibilities

- Supporting the implementation of the project’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), focusing on environmental aspects.

- Conducting regular site environmental audits to ensure compliance with environmental standards and readiness for external audits.

- Interfacing with the construction Environmental Officer to ensure environmental performance and best practices are adhered to.

- Working with authorities from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), municipalities, and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

- Collaborating with the Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) to address and close out audit findings promptly.

- Monitoring and managing environmental risks associated with construction activities, including waste management, water use, pollution prevention, and biodiversity and heritage protection.

- Providing training and capacity building (as required) for the site team on environmental best practices and compliance requirements.

- Coordinating with the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team and the construction team to integrate environmental requirements into project planning and execution.

Social Responsibilities:

- Supporting the implementation of the project's Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), with a focus on social components.

- Supporting the Social Advisor and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) to ensure the effective implementation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM);

- Supporting the social Advisor to ensure comprehensive reporting on social workstreams and maintaining accurate records of community engagements.

- Assisting the Social Advisor and CLOs (as required) in local engagements to foster strong community relationships.

- Collaborating with the IR Manager on implementing the site labor plan and related procedures.

- Supporting the Social Advisor and IR Manager during construction in ensuring the Project’s social requirements are integrated and effectively managed throughout the construction phase.

Education and Technical Skills Level (academic degree, experience, courses, habilitations, language, …)

- 5 years proven work experience as E&S Officer / Specialist.

- On site experience for construction infrastructure projects.

- Experience in developing or implementing ESMS at project level

- Experience in reconciling business and community needs.

- Experience in community engagement in a multi-cultural context.

- Experience in training and coaching local teams.

- Degree in Environmental Management, Science or Social Science.

- Fluent in English (knowledge of other languages is a plus).

- Knowledge of broader trends in environmental and social management and engagement.

- Knowledge of the renewable energy sector in South Africa advantageous.

- Driver's License

Required Soft Skills (autonomy level, responsibility level, accuracy, interpersonal skills, …)

- Service oriented

- Excellent communicator

- Passionate about renewables and the environment

- Cultural sensitivity

- Commitment to participatory approaches

- Ability to lead by example and merit, not title

- Attentive to details

- Adept at problem solving

- Empathic

- Organized

- Strong sense of personal and professional integrity

- Inspired by The Company mission to improve the global environment and foster local development

- Strong interpersonal skills

- Good writing and presenting skills in English are essential