Environmental and Social Specialist at Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Responsibilities:

• Undertake environmental and social GIS-based screening and risk identification during early-stage project development.
• Manage deliverables required to obtain key environmental consents in line with NEMA, associated SEMAs, and other relevant legislation applicable to renewable energy projects.
• Manage additional permitting processes required for Financial Close, including civil aviation, land claims, mining rights, astronomy arrays, agriculture, roads, waste, biodiversity and conservation, municipal by-laws, electromagnetic interference, telecommunications, and heritage requirements.
• Lead or support the review of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments (BAs), and Scoping Reports in line with provincial, national, and applicable international lender standards.
• Oversee specialist studies and ensure that environmental and social opportunities and constraints are appropriately integrated into project design.
• Coordinate environmental licence renewals, amendments, and updates as required to support project implementation and buildability.
• Manage consultants and support water use licence application processes in terms of applicable water legislation.
• Compile and manage environmental and social inputs into REIPPPP and private PPA bid submissions, including legal opinions and lender due diligence documentation.
• Monitor, interpret, and communicate developments in environmental legislation and regulations relevant to Red Rocket’s portfolio.
• Compile, manage, and review environmental and social risk assessments, due diligence reports, and audit reports.
• Support lender and shareholder reporting requirements in accordance with contractual and legal obligations.
• Assist with the management of Lenders’ Technical Advisor (LTA) reviews and Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) requirements.
• Support environmental and social project management during pre-construction, construction, and operations in line with corporate policies, applicable legislation, and relevant good practice standards.
• Manage the implementation of consultant and contractor scopes of work related to permitting, compliance, and monitoring during construction and operations.
• Travel to development, construction, and operational sites for inspections, audits, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide oversight and support to Environmental and Social Compliance Officers on construction and operational projects.
• Promote project buildability through the practical implementation of environmental authorisations and other relevant permits.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of Red Rocket’s ESG and Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) framework.
• Demonstrate effective engagement and coordination with competent authorities, lenders, contractors, and other key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Be willing and available to travel across South Africa and, where required, elsewhere in Africa.

Requirements

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Development Planning, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (degree or diploma) in Environmental Law, Environmental Management, or a related discipline will be advantageous.

Minimum Previous Experience:

• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in environmental and social permitting, compliance, auditing, and risk management, preferably within the renewable energy sector.
• Strong working knowledge of NEMA, environmental authorisation processes, and related legal requirements applicable to renewable energy developments.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with competent authorities, lenders, stakeholders, consultants, and contractors across project development, construction, and operations.
• Proven experience conducting or reviewing environmental and social compliance audits, due diligences, and risk assessments on construction and operational sites.
• Experience applying IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and other lender requirements in African or international projects will be advantageous.