Environmental Specialist

**Position of the job in the organisation**:
The position reports to the Head of Compliance.

**Principal responsibilities**:

- Conduct high-level screenings on potential utility-scale projects to determine possible legal requirements.
- Develop a request for proposal documentation to be shared with Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP) and other specialists.
- Evaluate proposals and advise on the preferred EAP or specialists.
- Facilitate and coordinate with the EAP and specialists to undertake the work and obtain the necessary permits, licenses, authorisations, and consents.
- Communicate requirements to relevant teams, including but not limited to EPCs and Development team.
- Work with the project development team and guide meaningful engagement with affected communities, local governments, and other stakeholders.
- Design and implement community development programs that align with local needs and project impacts, focusing on long-term sustainability and empowerment, with the assistance of consultants.
- Develop & manage an environmental extended responsibility scheme aligned with South African legislation.
- Obtain information from the Contractor on environmental and social performance and compile monitoring reports to share with investors and other key role players.
- Development/Implementation or review of environmental and social management frameworks, management plans, etc., in line with legislation, policies, and procedures, IFC PS, WB EHS, Equator Principles and other investor requirements.
- Review Contractor policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures to ensure they align with legislation, policies, and procedures, IFC PS, WB EHS, Equator Principles and other investor requirements.
- Conduct site inspections on projects to evaluate compliance with EMP, IFC PS, Equator Principles, WB EHS Guidelines, and company policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with external environmental control officers to ensure audits are conducted, audit findings are communicated to relevant parties, and findings are closed out.
- Undertake environmental awareness training on environmental compliance requirements with internal and external stakeholders.
- Any other job duties associated with this role.

**PERSON DESCRIPTION**

**Experience**:

- Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science or development.
- 8+ years’ experience
- Knowledge of South African Environmental Legislation and IFC PS and EHS Guidelines
- Onsite environmental contractor management and compliance enforcement
- Solar PV experience
- Computer literacy (MS Suite)
- Valid driver's license and willing to travel

**Advantageous Skills Include**:

- Environmental officer experience
- Experience in ESIAs and EMPR development
- Experience and exposure to Extended Producer Responsibility legislation
- Environmental management system experience
- Botany exposure
- Team management

**What Does Success Look Like?**

**By month 3**:

- I will be familiar with the Projects Development Team and my role within the team
- I will know the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme requirements and have started engagements with various role players to get this off the ground.
- I will have reviewed and understood all the processes and procedures associated with the Utility Project.
- Commenced reviews of all contractor management requirements
- Developed a detailed action list of SAE requirements to implement as stipulated in the EMPR and IFC PS standards as required by the lenders for the Utility Project.
- I will have participated in monthly 1:1s and my quarterly review.
- I have visited the utility project site and met key role players.
- C&I environmental screening criteria have been developed.

**By month 6**:

- I have mastered what is required on the Utility Project and can function with only the support of my manager.
- The extended producer responsibility project's development is well underway; waste suppliers have been identified and are at the contracting stage; rates have been determined, and the structure and plan for implementation are ready.
- Reporting and inspection templates have been finalised for the utility project, and two inspections have been undertaken.
- ECO has been appointed for the Utility Project. Contractors know their requirements, and their environmental policies and procedures have been reviewed and approved before construction commencement.

**By month 12**:

- The EPR scheme has been implemented and is progressing.
- Utility project compliance inspections are flowing, risks are managed, and inspection findings are closed.
- All additional specialist work in terms of the action list compiled.
- C&I screenings are being undertaken, and risks are being managed.
- Working with social resources to ensure environmental and social components flow.

**Core Values**:
We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently.