Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Associate at Distributed Renewable Energy Enhancement Facility (DREEF)

Job Summary

• DREEF is seeking to appoint an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Associate who will support the ESG Manager to develop, implement, and manage the comprehensive ESG strategy. This role is crucial in ensuring that all projects and initiatives supported by the DREEF adhere to the highest standards of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance practices, including compliance with international ESG frameworks, reporting standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The ESG/DI Associate will work closely with various stakeholders, including investors, regulatory bodies, community leaders, and project developers, to integrate ESG criteria into the project lifecycle from inception to completion. This integration will enhance the overall impact and sustainability of the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects by identifying and mitigating environmental risks, promoting social equity, and ensuring robust governance mechanisms are in place.
• Working closely with the DRE Project Developer, the ESG Officer will be a dynamic and strategic thinker with a strong background in ESG, capable of driving innovation and delivering tangible results. This includes developing metrics and KPIs to measure ESG performance, conducting regular audits and assessments, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and transparency within the organization.
• This position is critical to the overall performance and success of DREEF, as it will not only help in meeting regulatory requirements but also in attracting and retaining socially conscious investors and partners. The ESG Officer will report directly to the ESG Manager, ensuring that ESG considerations are embedded at the highest level of decision-making within the organization

Job Details

• Support the coordination all ESG-related activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Contribute to the formulation, implementation, and maintenance of ESG strategies, policies, and procedures that align with DREEF’s objectives and stakeholder expectations, ensuring the organization meets the highest standards of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance.
• Assist to develop and execute strategies to seamlessly integrate ESG considerations into Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects, enhancing the overall impact and sustainability.
• Plan, execute, and monitor ESG initiatives within DRE projects, ensuring they meet project goals and contribute to the overall success of the DREEF.
• Prepare ESG-related documentation required for project approvals, Lender ESG Due Diligence Criteria (toolkit) and compliance with investor requirements, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
• Prepare detailed ESG reports and presentations for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, clearly communicating the impact and progress of ESG initiatives.
• Engage with project stakeholders to build partnerships on ESG-related topics and expand the DREEF’s network.
• Play a pivotal role in engaging with local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and identify opportunities for ESG initiatives, fostering positive relationships and community support.
• Support knowledge management activities on ESG topics, document lessons learned from project development activities, recommend revisions to the ESG workstream, and provide ESG-related training and awareness to internal and external teams and partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable and preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in ESG management, sustainability, or renewable energy project development, with a proven track record of successful project implementation and management.
• Strong understanding of ESG principles and frameworks, including experience in integrating ESG criteria into project development and investment decisions. Familiarity with international standards such as GRI, SDGs, and other relevant ESG reporting guidelines.
• Proven experience in managing and implementing ESG initiatives within distributed renewable energy projects, including the ability to conduct feasibility studies and provide technical support for ESG initiatives.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies for integrating ESG into renewable energy projects, with strong analytical skills to assess project viability, impact, and sustainability.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with local communities, businesses, NGOs, government agencies, donor agencies, and private sector entities to build partnerships, foster collaboration, and ensure the success of ESG projects.
• Capacity to develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for ESG initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs related to ESG; promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building within the organization.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire, guide, and mentor teams towards achieving the goals of the ESG workstream. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive collaborative efforts.