Head of Environmental & Social (E&S) Africa - French & English Bilingual

Head of Environmental & Social

Location: Madrid, HQ (with 30% travel to project sites)

Sector: Infrastructure & Supply Projects

Position Summary

A company specializing in the development and implementation of infrastructure and supply projects is seeking an experienced Head of Environmental & Social to strengthen its Environmental & Social (E&S) team. This role involves leading environmental and social assessments, due diligence processes, and providing strategic advice on Environmental, Social, and Human Rights (ESHR) matters for projects primarily in sub-Saharan French-speaking countries.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental & Social Due Diligence:

• Manage the procurement of third-party consultants to conduct Environmental & Social Due Diligence (ESDD) as required by financial institutions, Export Credit Agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee and contribute to:
• Preliminary environmental appraisals.
• Feasibility studies and guidance documents.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA).
• GAP analysis and Scope of Work preparation.
• Development of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAP).

Advisory & Oversight:

• Advise internal teams and contracting partners on ESHR-related matters, ensuring compliance with international best practices (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESS, Equator Principles) and country-specific regulations.
• Guide buyers on post-completion environmental obligations and conduct project reviews.
• Provide actionable recommendations for environmental mitigation and enhancement measures.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate and liaise with financial institutions, Export Credit Agencies, and Company clients.
• Lead negotiations with stakeholders as part of the environmental impact assessment process.

Technical Leadership:

• Oversee the preparation of ESIAs and associated management plans, ensuring alignment with international standards.
• Review environmental reports, including EIA screening letters, scoping reports, Environmental Statements, and policy assessment reports.
• Direct project management activities related to ESIA/ESMP/ESDD projects, including task delegation, subcontractor oversight, and quality assurance.

Project Delivery:

• Collaborate with external consultants for impact assessment and management projects.
• Conduct and/or oversee E&S audits for transactional due diligence.
• Contribute to delivering high-quality E&S outputs, including risk analyses, mitigation planning, and client recommendations.

Team Development:

• Mentor internal project teams to enhance their expertise in ESHR practices, including ESIA/ESMP/ESDD processes.
• Promote talent development and effective task prioritization within the team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field (Master's or PhD is highly advantageous).
• Membership in a recognized professional body, such as the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), is preferred. Chartered Environmentalist status is desirable.
• 5+ years of experience leading ESIAs, ESMPs, and ESDD projects in compliance with international best practices, particularly for projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Demonstrated understanding of international E&S Safeguards and Standards, including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and World Bank ESS.
• Proven track record of managing projects within fast-paced, commercial environments, including client management and relationship building.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on finding practical solutions to impact assessment and project management challenges.
• Exceptional communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Team management expertise, including task prioritization and staff development.

Languages

• Essential: Fluency in French and English. Spanish is a must.

Conditions

• Location: Based in Madrid HQ,.
• Work Model: Flexible hybrid work model (combining in-person and remote work).
• Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to join a dynamic, expanding company and collaborate with a team of experts in environmental and finance structuring departments.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in the infrastructure and supply sector while working on high-profile projects across sub-Saharan Africa. If you have the expertise, passion, and leadership skills to drive environmental and social excellence, we encourage you to apply.