Environmental, Social, and Governance Manager at CrossBoundary

Job Description
CrossBoundary Access is seeking a full-time ESG Manager to lead and implement its ESG strategy for financing the development, construction, operation, and management of solar mini-grids in Africa. The ESG Manager will act as a hands-on problem-solver within project teams comprising investments, finance, engineering, operations, and legal professionals, collaboratively delivering energy access solutions.
Who You Are

• Self-starter who is passionate about creating lasting change in underserved markets
• Passionate about blended finance, private-sector development, and development finance
• Adept at managing multiple work streams and prioritizing effectively
• Committed to creating sustainable climate finance solutions that contribute to climate change mitigation, and adaptation, and address biodiversity loss 
• Interested in ways to help companies and investors improve their climate strategies
• Takes on new types of work, even without prior experience/direct supervision
• High tolerance for ambiguity and an ability to operate effectively in a changing context
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients and colleagues in stressful environments
• Confident presenting to high-level executives
• Passionate about supporting other team members to realize their goals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline i.e., environmental management, sustainability. Master’s degree in a similar field will be looked upon favourably.
• 5+ years of evaluating and enforcing international ESG standards at a consultancy, investment firm, or infrastructure developer.
• Experience in monitoring ESG compliance and enforcing ESG standards in multiple countries and on infrastructure projects.
• Relevant national or international ESG certifications or coursework.
• Experience in emerging markets, but in Africa specifically will be looked upon favourably.
• Experience in energy or solar power is not a requirement, will be looked upon favourably.
• A track record of excellence across educational and professional career.
• Efficient and fluent operator within Microsoft Office tools, including Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Implement CrossBoundary Access’ ESG strategy, policies, and guidelines.
• Implement CrossBoundary Access’ ESMS in line with international ESG standards to provide an E&S risk management lens to the investment process throughout the whole investment lifecycle.
• Work with the investment team to conduct ESG risks and opportunities screening as well as due diligence of potential external partners and develop Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAP).
• Identify gaps in Know Your Business Partner (KYBP) and governance procedures and develop corporate governance action plan (CGAP) for prospective investments.
• Develop ESG requirements for inclusion in contracts with external partners, and lead in the onboarding of them regarding these requirements to ensure their full understanding.
• Oversee the implementation of the ESG requirements by external partners through review of documentation (ESIAs, permits, ESMSs, ESG policies, ESG risk registers, stakeholder engagement plans (SEPs), emergency preparedness and response plans (EPRPs), grievance mechanisms), conducting site visits, and reviewing reports from the external parties, etc.
• Set and own process for achieving portfolio ESG and impact KPIs and targets.
• Track project applications for construction, environmental, and safety permits as required.
• Ensure compliance with international and Group corporate governance policies for both  CrossBoundary Access and its external partners. Take action to address any breaches.
• Develop comprehensive ESG reports as needed for both internal and external stakeholders including investors and disseminate in accordance with reporting deadlines. This includes quarterly and annual investor ESG reports.
• Oversee CrossBoundary Access' external grievance mechanism.
• Keep abreast of sector-wide practices around e-waste management and forced labour/human rights issues in the supply chain and advise  CrossBoundary Access on the best approach to managing these.
• Train the CrossBoundary Access team on ESG risk management principles applicable to investing, the requirements of the Applicable ESG Standards, and their relevance to the energy access sector covering construction and operations.
• Support formulation of CrossBoundary Access carbon strategy.
• Represent CrossBoundary Access in formal and informal speaking engagements.