Esg officer

About the Client

The client is building a renewable energy wood pellet manufacturing facility in Bhunya, Eswatini, in partnership with Lesedi Nuclear Services (EPC contractor) and Usutu Forest Products (feedstock supplier). The facility will supply industrial-grade wood pellets to an international off-taker under a long-term supply agreement, contributing to Eswatini’s industrial base and the global transition to sustainable energy.

The project is at an early stage of construction and moving toward commissioning and commercial operations within the next two years. This role offers broad exposure to a biomass supply chain and manufacturing within a renewable energy environment. This is a rare opportunity to join a technically complex, investor-backed infrastructure project from the ground up.

Role Purpose

The ESG Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and Business Integrity Management System (BIMS) for the wood pellet manufacturing plant in Eswatini. The role ensures compliance with local laws and international sustainability standards such as the IFC Performance Standards, while supporting the client’s commitment to responsible forestry, renewable energy production, ethical operations, and transparent reporting for global biomass energy markets.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining certifications, managing environmental and social (E&S) risks, engaging stakeholders, and demonstrating ESG performance to international customers, investors, regulators, and certification bodies.

Key Responsibilities
– Environmental Stewardship Ensure compliance with Eswatini environmental legislation, permits, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conditions. Develop, implement, and maintain the client’s ESMS (policies, processes, procedures, and management plans), including air emissions, water use, waste management, noise, and biodiversity protection. Monitor sustainable sourcing of plantation forestry residues and ensure traceability across the supply chain. Support compliance with international sustainability frameworks and biomass certification schemes (e.g. FSC and SBP). Track plant-level environmental performance indicators (GHG emissions, energy efficiency, water footprint, etc.). Support climate-related risk assessments and decarbonisation initiatives aligned with global renewable energy expectations.

Key Responsibilities
– Social Responsibility Promote safe, fair, and ethical working conditions in line with Eswatini labour laws and international best practice. Oversee occupational health and safety coordination in collaboration with the Operations team. Support community engagement, grievance mechanisms, and social impact initiatives linked to forestry operations and plant activities. Ensure respect for land rights, community livelihoods, and cultural considerations in forestry supply areas. Monitor contractor and supplier compliance with social standards, including labour, health, safety, and human rights expectations.

Key Responsibilities
– Governance & Compliance Support the implementation of strong governance practices, ethical conduct, and internal controls. Develop, implement, and maintain the client’s BIMS (policies, procedures, and codes of conduct). Coordinate audits and third-party verifications related to sustainability, certification, and ESG performance. Maintain accurate records, documentation, and compliance reporting. Track evolving ESG regulations and customer requirements in international biomass and power generation markets.

Key Responsibilities
– Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement Prepare ESG, sustainability, and compliance reports for internal management and external stakeholders and investors. Support disclosures aligned with recognised standards (e.g. GRI, customer-specific ESG questionnaires, investor requirements such as PRIF-2). Act as a key point of contact for regulators, certification bodies, auditors, customers, and community representatives. Provide ESG input for tenders, contracts, and customer due diligence processes. Furthermore The incumbent will be based primarily at the wood pellet manufacturing plant in Eswatini, with periodic travel to forestry sites and community locations within Eswatini. The role involves interaction with local communities, contractors, international investors, customers, and auditors as required. Exposure to industrial manufacturing environments. Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or similar) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Sustainability, Engineering, Social Sciences, Safety, or a related field. 5+ years’ experience in ESG, environmental management, sustainability, or compliance within manufacturing, energy, or forestry sectors. Strong knowledge of environmental permitting, sustainability standards, and ESG frameworks. Experience working with audits, certifications, and re