Principal Consultant - Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD)

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. 

WSP has a new opportunity for a Principal Consultant – Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) to join our Environmental Planning and Advisory team, the role is based in Gauteng, Cape Town or Durban. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality environmental and social due diligence services to our clients, ensuring compliance with international standards and contributing to sustainable development.

This role offers you an opportunity to join a global organisation with a reputation for excellence and working on exciting projects across the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver international projects with a primary focus on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to meet international finance institution requirements (e.g. IFC, World Bank) and Equator Principle Standards and delivering local and international (Africa) Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) projects based on IFC and Equator Principles Standards to also meet local and international Lender standards.
• Key client/account relationship management, participation in marketing and business development activities, and development of ESIA and ESDD proposals.
• Contribute to and drive the business strategy for the ESIA and ESDD service sector.
• Where required, provide a support role to the delivery of ESIAs in line with South African and international lender standards, and permit compliance audits in terms South African legal requirements.

Health and Safety:

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behavior consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times

• An Honours or higher degree in a relevant environmental and/or social discipline

Key Competencies and Generic Skills:

• 6 years or more experience as an environmental specialist leading and delivering local and international (Africa) ESIA, ESDD and construction/operation E&S monitoring assignments.
• Professionally Qualified in SACNASP and/or EAPASA.
• Extensive experience with delivering local and international (Africa) ESDD projects.  
• In depth knowledge of, and the ability to pragmatically apply the international ESG performance standards (IFC, AfDB, EIB Standards, ILO Core Conventions, and the World Bank General and sector specific EHS Guidelines etc.)
• Demonstrable project experience in several of the following sectors: conventional and renewable power generation and transmission, road and rail infrastructure, water treatment, supply and distribution, ports and marine infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing facilities.
• General knowledge of a wide range of environmental and social sub-disciplines (i.e. air quality, ecological impact, occupational health and safety, social & resettlement planning, labour practices etc.)
• Strong experience in Sub Saharan Africa (outside of South Africa) and ability to travel.
• Strong technical report writing skills, producing professional reports in fluent English.
• Strong project management skills.
• Comfortable to engage in client-facing business development.

Additional Requirements:

Strong preference will be given to:

• Candidates with experience with international ESDDs and, ESIAs
• Candidates with financial sector client exposure.
• Candidates with experience in mining, renewable energy and/or infrastructure projects.

The following will also be advantageous:

• Candidates who are able to read, write and converse in French or Portuguese.
• Candidates who have a relevant financial qualification
• Experience with EHS compliance auditing
• Knowledge of Impact Investing, Sustainability reporting and Governance.
• Experience with preparing and implementing Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS)

What's in it for you?

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. 

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. 

With us, you can. Apply today.