Interim ESG Associate – Investments ATP Project

Interim ESG Associate – Investments ATP Project

Department: ESG and Impact

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Strategic Risk Specialist, Investments

Description Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa.  ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

Client:
The client is a development finance institution investing across Africa to catalyse sustainable, climate-positive, and inclusive growth. Operating as a hybrid between a DFI and an impact investor, it deploys capital through intermediaries and direct investments in sectors such as renewable energy, nature-based solutions, financial services, housing, and technology.

Project:
The client is looking for an interim ESG Associate to provide technical and operational support during a transition period. The consultant will ensure continuity in ESG due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and framework development, helping maintain investment quality and ESG compliance while the team reviews its long-term staffing structure. 

The consultant will conduct early-stage ESG screening for pipeline transactions and detailed due diligence for approved investments, supporting investment teams to identify, assess, and manage ESG risks and opportunities. The assignment will also contribute to strengthening ESG management systems, ensuring alignment with international standards, and informing future resourcing decisions for the ESG function.

Role and Responsibilities
Role: Interim ESG Associate – Investments
Direct Report: Strategic Risk Specialist, Investments
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

Early ESG Screening

• Conduct preliminary ESG screening for pipeline transactions to identify key environmental and social risks, potential exclusion criteria, and alignment with the client's investment strategy. 
• Apply the client's ESG screening checklist and risk categorisation framework to determine which opportunities require full ESG due diligence. 
• Prepare concise screening notes and recommendations for the investment team to inform deal prioritisation and approval discussions. 

ESG Due Diligence

• ESG Management Systems Review: Assess adequacy of governance structures, resourcing, and accountability mechanisms. 
• Environmental & Social Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate key E&S risks and mitigation measures, referencing IFC Performance Standards and relevant local regulations. 
• Labour and Working Conditions: Review OHS, labour rights, employee wellbeing, and supply chain standards. 
• Community Health, Safety, and Security: Evaluate community impacts, stakeholder engagement, and grievance mechanisms. 
• Climate and Nature Risk Assessment: Assess exposure to key environmental, climate, and nature-related risks, and evaluate the adequacy of mitigation measures and management practices. 
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (including Gender): Evaluate integration of gender equality and inclusion across organisational and investment practices. 
• Governance and Business Integrity: Review anti-corruption, transparency, and ethical business conduct frameworks. 
• Impact and Monitoring Alignment: Assess alignment between ESG and impact objectives, data collection, and reporting frameworks. 
• Action Plan Development: Develop ESG action plans to address identified gaps, ensuring integration into investment agreements. 

Post-Investment Monitoring:

• Track agreed ESG action plans for portfolio companies and funds; liaise with investees and fund managers to monitor and report progress. 
• Support preparation of internal reports on ESG performance and lessons learned. 

Framework Development:

• Contribute to refinement of internal ESG tools, templates, and monitoring frameworks. 
• Identify opportunities to align portfolio practices with emerging standards and peers. 

Advisory Support:

• Provide technical input to investment teams on ESG risk management, policy design, and capacity-building for intermediaries. 
• Support coordination with the broader impact team to align ESG and impact measurement.

Requirements Experience Required:

• 10+ years of experience in ESG or sustainability within an investment context, ideally in DFIs, private equity, or fund management. Prior experience with leading institutions such as BII, FMO, AfDB, or established impact investment funds will be considered a strong advantage. 
  
• Demonstrated experience conducting ESG due diligence and portfolio monitoring across multiple African markets. 
  
• Prior exposure to renewable energy, nature-based investments, green housing or fintech transactions preferred. 
  

Technical Requirements:

• Degree in environmental science, finance, development studies, or related field. 
• A mix of technical ESG understanding and investment process knowledge. 
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative data. 
• Familiarity with ESG frameworks and standards applied by leading DFIs and impact investors (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, BII Responsible Investing Framework, and gender-lens investing)

Other Skills:

• Professional maturity and ability to manage deliverables independently. 
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to produce clear, structured reports. 
• Comfortable operating in dynamic, multi-country contexts.

Working Arrangement
Location: Nairobi preferred, but also open to consultants based in Africa, ideally within ±2 hours of EAT
Travel: Minimal travel anticipated, limited to high ESG-risk transactions requiring enhanced due diligence. 

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Mid–End November 2025
Contracting Period: 6 months full-time (with potential extension up to 12 months) 

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