Requirements: English, French
Company: Confidential Careers
Region: Paris , le-de-France
Head of Environmental & Social
Location: Europe, HQ (with 50% 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
- Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field (Masters 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