Environmental & Social Governance Specialist at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Key Performance Areas:

• Support the Bank in developing and implementing policy, strategy, products, and services which align with good International Industry Practice, the delivery of sustainable infrastructure solutions and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Support the application of DBSA environmental and social safeguard standards (ESSS) in all DBSA operations.
• Assess and appraise the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact of potential investments by identifying ESG development outcomes, key risks and proposing mitigation measures. Reporting on the outcomes of these assessments to bank investment decision making structures (Development Results Working Group, Investment Committee & Board Credit, and Investment Committee).
• Support the embedding of gender considerations in the Banks operations through the implementation of the Gender Marker System in appraisal of the Banks investment and development projects.
• Provide on-going ESG monitoring and reporting on the ESG outcomes of existing investments. Where deviations to loan conditions occur, recommend corrective measures.
• Evaluate the environmental, social and governance impact of investment projects funded by the DBSA. Socioinstitutional expertise is required.
• Support reporting to international partners including the IDFC on the ESG outcomes of the DBSA portfolio.
• Build and maintain stakeholder networks and finance partnerships to promote ESG in the Banks operations.
• Provide advice to clients to support sustainable infrastructure delivery and in building and maintaining Institutional Good Governance.
• Represent DBSA at technical meetings, industry events and relevant fora.
• Assist where required on any strategic ESG related projects within the DBSA
• Mentor graduates when required.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced degree in, Social and Environmental Sciences, or any other relevant degree.
• A minimum of 8 in preparing and appraising projects for investment, quantifying development outcomes, identifying and mitigating environmental, social/governance risks.
• At least 6 years relevant experience in the development and / or infrastructure sectors (sustainable infrastructure, social infrastructure, biodiversity, water, energy, transport or similar).
• At least 4 years’ experience on assessing Socio institutional risks at a transaction/investment level.
• Demonstrate experience/ understanding in the application of good international industry practice principles in ESG such as but not limited to the UN Principles for Responsible investment, UN Global Compact, the IFC Performance
• Standards, the Equator Principles, relevant national legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act 07 of 998.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the rule of law, justice, applicable environmental and social legislative requirements, and its application to investment processes in Africa.
• Demonstrate knowledge of corporate governance and its principles (particularly within a public sector, municipal and utilities context) ESG, and responsible investing.
• Working knowledge of BBBEE and gender considerations.
• Innovative approaches/experience on how to improve ESG sustainability within development finance institutions and the financial services sector.
• Good knowledge of financial markets and ESG considerations in the development finance, financial services, and investment sector.
• Proven ability to undertake research, analyze and synthesize diverse ESG related data (especially climate related) and information to deliver independent, high-quality professional reports.
• Proven ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, and present ideas to clients and industry partners.
• Must be able to travel for business purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understanding of ESG reporting requirements and frameworks such as TCFD, Green House Gas Protocol etc
• Basic knowledge of carbon foot printing and carbon footprinting tools and the ability to apply the tools
• An understanding of Climate risk integration into credit risk systems will be highly advantageous
• Understanding of gender mainstreaming and grievance redress mechanisms.

Desired Requirements

• An Honours or Masters qualification in the Social / Environmental Sciences, relevant Engineering, Climate Risk management / mitigation/ adaptation, or Sustainable Development field

Professional registration with a relevant professional body such as:

• Institute of Directors
• Chartered Institute of Secretaries
• Chartered Institute of Development Finance (CIDEF)
• IAIA (SA) – International Association for Impact Assessments (South Africa)
• Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
• SACNASP
• Or other relevant professional body