Environmental Senior Expert at Enel Green Power

About the job

• To support the Business Development Unit (BD) and design units for the environmental related activities. To be the focal point for all environmental related activity.

Key Accountabilities:

Provide environmental support aspects and the Design Units in relation to:

• Aid in selection of sites for greenfield renewable power plants by performing a preliminary environment, ecological and social risk screening analysis.
• To perform environmental risk analysis through various inhouse GIS tools as well as Cumulative Web based tools.
• Review of project information and E&S reports (EIA, biodiversity assessments, other studies) undertaken for co-development projects.
• M&A processes of existing power plants or projects proposed by external developers (Due Diligences);
• To ensure the preparation of the environmental documents needed for the authorization of new power plants or T-lines (Environmental and Social Assessments, Landscape/Archaeological Assessments, Environmental Monitoring Plans), both directly and/or by external services, by:
• Preparation of Technical Specifications for the negotiation of the external services required.
• Management and supervision of external contractors for environmental activities, verifying their compliance with the Technical Specifications and Best Practices.
• To ensure adequacy of Impact Assessment and Specialised Studies (including Biodiversity Assessment, Bird and Bat Monitoring, Critical Habitat Assessment, E&S plans and mitigation measures, etc.), prepared by external consultants for better understanding of the environmental risks associated with the Project.
• To work and cooperate with the Business Development Unit (BD), Project Engineers, Project Managers and the other specialists from the Engineering disciplines unit for all the environmental aspects of the projects.
• Lead, perform and support the other units estimating the costs for the environmental activities to be executed during construction of renewable power plants (wind, solar, Hydro and storage), in relation to own field of expertise;
• Coordinate environmental, archeological and biodiversity (EAB) activities in Africa region and support the junior members of the team, supervising them.
• To take part in the meetings with the Authorities and the stakeholders, addressing the technical topics, in support, of the BD colleagues.
• Alignment with external contractors (EPC and O&M) for environmental activities (E&S plans and mitigations measures) as per requirements stipulated in the EIA and other studies and verifying their compliance with the Technical Specifications and Best Practices;
• To support the Construction Unit in relation to the compliance with environmental constraints and requirements.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience
• Experience of working on preparation and/or implementation of projects/programs
• Experience in handling and undertaking ESDD, EIA and other associated studies and knowledge of applicability of Environmental regulations in the context of renewable energy sector of RSA.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree, in Environmental Engineering/Sciences or equivalent
• Masters Degree preferable
• Registered as a Professional with the Environmental body

Technical competencies required:

• Knowledge of software tools for planning and design: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point), AutoCAD.
• Basic knowledge about renewable power plant (solar, wind, hydro, battery storage) process engineering
• Knowledge of Arc GIS (Geographical Information System) applications/software.
• Technical competency in the environmental permitting process and monitoring and evaluation during the project life cycle.
• Knowledge of requirements of development Financial institutions like ADB, IFC, World Bank, AIIB etc.
• Knowledge of:
• all application regulation on Environment, biodiversity, social, archaeology, etc.at state/territory level as well as federal level.
• norms and process for Environmental Permitting of renewable power plants and T-lines, both, in the country and in agreement to IFC standards.
• techniques for the development of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Special Environmental Assessment of protected areas, Landscape/Archaeological Assessment, Monitoring Plans (shadow flicker, noise, biologic, birds & bats), etc.;
• main environmental impact features of renewable power plants, T-lines and electrical substations.
• Fundamentals of global sustainability science and sustainable development;
• Sustainable design principles, standards and certifications;
• Life Cycle Assessment methodology and circular economy models. Understanding of Climate Change Impact/risk assessments and their inclusions;
• Development (directly and by management/supervision of “third parties”) of all the documents needed for the Environmental authorization of power plants;
• Planning and management of environmental authorization activities.
• Ability to translate technical and cross-country knowledge into practical solutions and contributions to country and sector strategies.