Environmental and Social Specialist

The Environmental and Social Specialist will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of the PEG ESMS across the PGE platform and report into the Head of Energy Ops. 

The Environmental and Social Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices. This role requires a deep understanding of environmental and social issues, as well as excellent communication and analytical skills. 

The individual will also be responsible for maintaining key relationships with Lenders, EPCs and Authorities through construction and operation phases of Projects.

Job Responsibilities                    

• Implement the Project Specific Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and project specific Environmental & Social Action Plan (ESAP), across projects in construction and those 100% owned by PGE in operation.
• Facilitate the relevant E&S requirements of lenders and carry out necessary training for onsite teams to help develop the necessary environmental and social management skills aligned with IFC PS and EPs.
• Appointment and manage the Stakeholder Engagement Manager and Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) and oversee the implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Co-ordination with construction and HSE teams and contractors to ensure Projects E&S requirements are planned and implemented during the construction and operational period.
• Selection and appointment of the ECO and H&S Agent, which include the drafting of the request for proposal, scope of work etc.
• Conduct internal compliance audits, and subsequent Action Plans. 
• Manage external Audits and subsequent Action Plans.
• Facilitate Environmental and Social permitting related matters from Preferred Bidder status to COD
• Ensure compliance with the EAs, EMPrs, ESMS, and permit conditions.
• Prepare monthly Environmental and Social Reports aligned with lender requirements for the duration of the projects.
  

Regulatory Role

• Monitor the effectiveness of implementation the appropriate ESMS (Policies, Process, Procedures and Guides) and provide for their updating in line with changes in laws, regulations, and corporate directives;
• Review corporate activities and ensure compliance with E&S Policies, Management Plans and Procedures;
• Support the Management in driving the education, communication, training, and implementation of the ESMS across the company in all operational areas, including its associated business activities, sub-contractors, and supply chains, where relevant.

Risk Management Role

• Work across Projects to identify E&S related risks;
• Develop the appropriate strategies to address the E&S risks and their potential impacts;
• Carry out E&S risk assessments through the support from HSE team
• Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records and investigates complaints and suspected violations.
• Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and reviews compliance monitoring reports.

People Management

• Disciplinary and functional management of the E&S team members. This includes all typical line manager functions such as:
• leave,
• performance and growth objectives and guidance,
• team cohesion and communication,
• crisis and conflict management, and
• Identification of training opportunities.
• Standardisation and improvement of project tasks and processes as follows:
• streamlining of progress and project reporting,
• development and standardization of project E&S processes
• Ensuring project E&S data across the portfolio is captured, stored and maintained as per the organization’s standards.
• Leadership, key decision making and guidance on tasks, timeframes, deliverables, quality, timing, budgeting, and reporting.
• Team resourcing and staffing, including candidate identification, interviews, job descriptions
• Facilitate team adoption of new environmental standards, development and regulatory requirements
• Identify team members for succession pipeline and career progression.
• Oversee effective utilization of systems and tools to ensure that knowledge is managed efficiently for continuous improvement.

Desired Skills & Qualifications                                                                                                             

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible project management or development experience in energy or a related industry.
• Best to have related work experience at multi-national company or experience in Environment, Health and Safety management.
• Working knowledge in ESMS implementation and Responsible Investing, Environmental Discharges, EHS Auditing Techniques etc.
• Knowledge with world-class impact investing standards, i.e., IFC Performance Standards, BIA, GIIRS
• Excellent verbal, written, technical and computer communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software with strong Excel skills.
• Competency in Analytical Problem Solving, Strong Communication, Customer/Partner Relationships, and Technology Expertise

Competences                                                                                         

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organising
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Qualify Orientation