Environmental Consultant at Independent Project Monitoring Company Limited (IPMC)

Organizational Summary

• IPMC is one of Nigeria’s leading provider of environmental, project management and ESG consulting and advisory services. We work with organizations in all sectors of the Nigerian economy – oil & gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, financial institutions etc. We deliver solutions and services designed to meet our clients’ sustainability needs.

Position Overview

• We are seeking an experienced Environmental Consultant with a strong background in banking or finance to join our organization.
• The Environmental Consultant will play a critical role in integrating environmental considerations into our clients’ operations and decision-making processes.
• They will be responsible for assessing and managing environmental risks, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of both environmental management principles and the financial aspects of the banking industry.

Responsibilities

• Environmental Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive environmental risk assessments for organizations’ operations, products, and services within the banking or finance sector.Identify and evaluate potential environmental risks, including climate change-related risks, pollution, resource usage, and regulatory compliance.
• Environmental Strategy and Policy Development: Develop and implement environmental strategies, policies, and action plans in line with organizations’ sustainability objectives and regulatory requirements. Integrate environmental considerations into business operations, lending practices, investment decisions, and risk management frameworks.
• Environmental Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and reporting requirements relevant to the banking or finance sector. Prepare and submit accurate and timely environmental reports, disclosures, and sustainability performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal stakeholders, including senior management, risk officers, and compliance teams, to promote environmental awareness, gain support for environmental initiatives, and integrate environmental considerations into decision-making processes. Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, industry associations, and environmental organizations, to stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging environmental issues.
• Sustainability Integration in Banking Operations: Work closely with banking teams to integrate sustainability considerations into lending practices, investment decisions, and financial products. Provide guidance on sustainable finance initiatives, including green bonds, sustainable loans, and impact investments, to support environmentally responsible financing options.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): Identify, predict, evaluate and mitigate the potential environmental and social impacts of projects, work operations or activities, including stakeholder consultation and disclosure of information, with knowledge of required laws, standards and benchmarks for projects and activities that have significant environmental and social risks or opportunities.
• Environmental and Social Performance Assessment (ESPA): Measure and report the environmental and social outcomes and impacts of projects or organizations’ value chain by setting performance indicators, collecting data, analyzing results, and communicating findings; and monitor compliance, evaluate effectiveness, identify gaps, and improve management practices of projects or organizations.
• Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP): Prepare management plans to prevent, reduce, mitigate or offset the environmental and social impacts of projects during its construction, operation or decommissioning phases, specifying the roles and responsibilities, resources, timelines, and monitoring arrangements for implementing the plan.
• Environmental Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Establish environmental performance indicators, targets, and metrics to monitor progress and drive continuous improvement. Develop and implement initiatives to reduce environmental impacts, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainable practices within the banking or finance sector.
• Preparation of high-quality reports and presentations of findings to multi-disciplinary colleagues, clients, subcontractors (such as analytical laboratories), and regulators
• Must be familiar with the use of Environmental regulations in the comparison/interpretation of data for standard environmental report writing.
• Conduct research and consistently improve the approach to reporting and documentation.
• Experience in conducting workshops and seminars is an advantage.
• An understanding of the consulting business model and the drivers of successful project delivery.
• Ability to identify interdisciplinary opportunities and avenues for company growth.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or a related field.
• Proven experience (8 years and above) in environmental management, sustainability, or related roles within the banking or finance industry.
• Strong understanding of environmental principles, regulations, and industry best practices, with a focus on their application in the banking or finance sector.
• Familiarity with financial products, lending practices, investment decision- making processes, and risk management within the banking industry.
• Certified Auditor in ISO 14001, ISO 26000, ISO 31000 and other professional certifications related to the environmental management, sustainability, or finance (e.g., Certified Environmental Practitioner, Sustainable Finance Professional).
• Knowledge of environmental reporting frameworks, such as Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess and mitigate environmental risks and develop strategies to drive environmental sustainability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.