Climate Change & Sustainability Associate Director (JHB Illovo) at BDO South Africa

Description
Purpose of this role:

• Sustainability is a diverse and dynamic field. As such, no two projects are the same. In addition, BDO is growing its sustainability service offering and the skills within the team. We are looking for an innovative, self-starter to lead our team of Sustainability experts and someone that will share his/her passion for sustainability through research, expertise, and experience with internal and external clients alike.
•  We are also seeking a unique individual, who is motivated by and passionate about identifying, pursuing, negotiating, and implementing Sustainability Projects across various industries.
•  The ideal candidate is an experienced and versatile individual that can take on challenges and contribute to the growth of the unit across marketing, business development, client relations and technical spheres
•  Join a company with a rich history and quality reputation, a company that will offer you seniority and growth and the environment to nurture your passion.

The purpose of this job is to:

• To support the development and growth of the BDO Sustainability unit and the integration of these services within both the Advisory service lines in South Africa and across our global network.
• To lead a team of highly skilled sustainability advisors to deliver high quality technical sustainability advisory, climate change and sustainability assurance projects.
• To effectively support the delivery of technical advisory work, marketing material, thought leadership, research and analysis, etc and to provide effective advice, support, monitoring and oversight to embed appropriate alignment to global best practices.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Market Development:

• Spearhead the market development of Sustainability and associated projects (in other lines of service), identifying opportunities and showcasing value-added benefits. Establish support systems for aftermarket sales, emphasizing Sustainability benefits for new and existing clients (in other Lines of Service), and efficiently manage the contract process.

Sales Process Oversight:

• Manage the sales process, aligning client needs with company capabilities and product benefits.

Team Management:

• Lead a team of technical specialists and to deliver optimal solutions for clients.

Training and Development:

• Provide effective training, development, and mentoring aligned with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Negotiation Skills:

• Utilize adept negotiation skills for accurate pricing and strategic determination of business models.

Client Deliverables and Quality Control:

• Oversee all client deliverables, manage resources and ensure adherence to quality measures and company policies throughout the project life cycle.

Customer Relations:

• Leverage existing relationships, manage customer expectations, and stay informed about market trends and competitors and use these to optimize the section.

Industry Engagement:

• Actively participate in industry events and improve the profile of the business.

Performance Management:

• Conduct Performance Appraisals, manage work allocation, and align resources with business objectives.

Budget and Forecasting:

• Assist in setting sales budgets, maintaining forecasts, and ensure adherence

Ethical Practices:

• Uphold business ethics codes and ensure communication and implementation within the team.

Requirements

Qualifications/Recognition of Prior Learning equivalent

• Masters level or working towards Masters level (technical ESG/Sustainability/Climate focused) in any of the below fields:
• BEng Chemical engineering
• BEng Environmental engineering
• BA, BSc Environmental Management
• BSc Environmental Sciences
• BA, BSocSci Social Science
• BSc Atmospheric sciences
• Economic studies
• Developmental Studies

Work Experience:

• Minimum 10 years in sustainability/ environmental/ social/ climate consulting (specific focus on technical consulting and advisory work)
• Sustainability consulting experience (reporting, assurance, analysis)
• Climate Change Consulting (climate risk assessment, reporting, greenhouse gas accounting)
• Environmental ( Environmental auditing, water management and accounting, biodiversity management and accounting)

Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of current sustainability reporting practices: IFRS, ISSB, JSE Guidelines, International reporting
• In-depth understanding of climate change and related target-setting methodologies
• Thorough understanding of SA GHG regulatory environment: GHG Reporting, Carbon Tax, Climate Change Bill
• Specialist expertise in one/more of the following fields:
• Carbon management
• Climate change adaptation
• Water accounting
• Biodiversity consulting
• Development economics

Competencies: Technical & Behavioural

Technical Competencies:

• Climate change risk assessment
• Sustainability data analysis including energy modelling and climate modelling
• Sustainability and climate change reporting (GRI, SASBI, CDP, TCFD)
• Greenhouse gas accounting
• Carbon target setting and mitigation strategies
• Strong understanding of climate change and related target-setting methodologies
• Thorough understanding of SA GHG regulatory environment: GHG Reporting, Carbon Tax, Climate Change Bill
• Sustainability Assurance

Behavioural Competencies:

• Commercial orientation
• Excellent communication / interpersonal skills
• Exceptional research and report writing skills(non-negotiable)
• Work ethic and the ability to work for extended hours (when required)
• Knowledge and innovation
• Influencing skills / leadership potential
• Management experience (managing a team, budget, etc)
• Entrepreneurial flair, energy and drive
• Problem solving and decision-making skills
• A strong command of English (both oral and written)
• Team player
• Excellent planning and organising abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and achieve internal reporting deadlines
• Have a strong commitment to excellence and personal and professional growth
• Have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an aptitude for analytics
• Contribute to competitive bid proposals and formal presentations

BDO Core Competencies:

• Relationships and Collaboration
• Exceptional Client Service
• Business Growth
• Engaging people
• Leadership
• Quality, risk management and operational performance