South Africa: ESG Officer posted by Employ Africa Group

About the Client

The client is building a renewable energy wood pellet manufacturing facility in Bhunya, Eswatini, in partnership with Lesedi Nuclear Services (EPC contractor) and Usutu Forest Products (feedstock supplier). The facility will supply industrial-grade wood pellets to an international off-taker under a long-term supply agreement, contributing to Eswatinis industrial base and the global transition to sustainable energy.

The project is at an early stage of construction and moving toward commissioning and commercial operations within the next two years. This role offers broad exposure to a biomass supply chain and manufacturing within a renewable energy environment. This is a rare opportunity to join a technically complex, investor-backed infrastructure project from the ground up.

Role Purpose

The ESG Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and Business Integrity Management System (BIMS) for the wood pellet manufacturing plant in Eswatini. The role ensures compliance with local laws and international sustainability standards such as the IFC Performance Standards, while supporting the clients commitment to responsible forestry, renewable energy production, ethical operations, and transparent reporting for global biomass energy markets.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining certifications, managing environmental and social (E&S) risks, engaging stakeholders, and demonstrating ESG performance to international customers, investors, regulators, and certification bodies.

Key Responsibilities Environmental Stewardship

• Ensure compliance with Eswatini environmental legislation, permits, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conditions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the clients ESMS (policies, processes, procedures, and management plans), including air emissions, water use, waste management, noise, and biodiversity protection.
• Monitor sustainable sourcing of plantation forestry residues and ensure traceability across the supply chain.
• Support compliance with international sustainability frameworks and biomass certification schemes (e.g. FSC and SBP).
• Track plant-level environmental performance indicators (GHG emissions, energy efficiency, water footprint, etc.).
• Support climate-related risk assessments and decarbonisation initiatives aligned with global renewable energy expectations.

Social Responsibility

• Promote safe, fair, and ethical working conditions in line with Eswatini labour laws and international best practice.
• Oversee occupational health and safety coordination in collaboration with the Operations team.
• Support community engagement, grievance mechanisms, and social impact initiatives linked to forestry operations and plant activities.
• Ensure respect for land rights, community livelihoods, and cultural considerations in forestry supply areas.
• Monitor contractor and supplier compliance with social standards, including labour, health, safety, and human rights expectations.

Governance & Compliance

• Support the implementation of strong governance practices, ethical conduct, and internal controls.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the clients BIMS (policies, procedures, and codes of conduct).
• Coordinate audits and third-party verifications related to sustainability, certification, and ESG performance.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and compliance reporting.
• Track evolving ESG regulations and customer requirements in international biomass and power generation markets.

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare ESG, sustainability, and compliance reports for internal management and external stakeholders and investors.
• Support disclosures aligned with recognised standards (e.g. GRI, customer-specific ESG questionnaires, investor requirements such as PRIF-2).
• Act as a key point of contact for regulators, certification bodies, auditors, customers, and community representatives.
• Provide ESG input for tenders, contracts, and customer due diligence processes.

Furthermore

• The incumbent will be based primarily at the wood pellet manufacturing plant in Eswatini, with periodic travel to forestry sites and community locations within Eswatini.
• The role involves interaction with local communities, contractors, international investors, customers, and auditors as required.
• Exposure to industrial manufacturing environments.

Qualifications & Experience Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree (or similar) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Sustainability, Engineering, Social Sciences, Safety, or a related field.
• 5+ years experience in ESG, environmental management, sustainability, or compliance within manufacturing, energy, or forestry sectors.
• Strong knowledge of environmental permitting, sustainability standards, and ESG frameworks.
• Experience working with audits, certifications, and regulatory inspections.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical capabilities.
• Police clearance to qualify for a work permit if a non-Eswatini citizen (the client will assist with the application process).

Advantageous Experience

• Experience in biomass, renewable energy, forestry, or wood products industries.
• Familiarity with international sustainability certifications relevant to biomass and forestry (e.g. FSC and SBP).
• Experience working in Southern Africa or similar regulatory and social contexts.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional certification in ESG, sustainability, or environmental management.

Personal Attributes & Key Competencies

• Integrity and ethical judgement
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Risk identification and mitigation capability
• High attention to detail and regulatory discipline
• Ability to work independently in a cross-functional environment
• Commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement
• Reasonable proficiency in standard office IT systems (email, shared drives, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation tools)

What We Offer

• A stimulating environment in biomass sourcing and processing, linked to DFI-backed project governance and compliance.
• Full-time employment with competitive remuneration commensurate with experience.
• An opportunity for career development within the clients organisation.