Job Objective:
The Sustainability & ESG Specialist will play a central role in integrating sustainability and environmental and social (E&S) risk management into the Group’s financial, operational and strategic decision-making processes. The role will support the implementation of sustainability and ESG frameworks, ensure compliance with international standards and financing requirements, and strengthen the link between sustainability performance and financial outcomes.
The Specialist will work cross-functionally with Finance, Risk, Legal and Operations teams to ensure sustainability considerations are embedded across the full investment, contracting and reporting lifecycle, particularly in line with development finance institution (DFI) requirements, sustainability-linked financing and IFRS-aligned sustainability disclosures.
Reporting Line: Senior Manager, Sustainability & ESG
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Sustainability and E&S Risk Management, Compliance and ESMS Implementation
Identify, assess and monitor sustainability risks and opportunities across operations, projects and commercial activities
Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), aligned with IFC Performance Standards
Work with Finance and Legal teams to ensure sustainability risks and obligations are appropriately reflected in transactions and agreements
Coordinate the development, tracking and closure of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) and related corrective actions
Maintain a centralised register of sustainability and E&S risks, obligations and mitigation measures.
Support integration of sustainability and E&S risk considerations into enterprise risk management and operational processes
Sustainability Reporting, Disclosures and Financial Integration
Prepare ESG and sustainability disclosures aligned with IFC Performance Standards, IFRS S1 and S2, and other applicable standards and frameworks, such as GRI, TCFD and IIRC
Coordinate ESG data collection, validation and analysis, with a strong understanding of the GHG Protocol for emissions accounting and reporting
Support the integration of ESG risks, metrics and performance into financial reporting, planning and decision-making processes
Prepare documentation for internal audits, external assurance and DFI/investor reporting requirements
Ensure consistency and alignment between ESG disclosures and financial information
Stakeholder Management and Project Delivery
Coordinate the cross-functional delivery of sustainability and ESG initiatives across Sustainability, Finance, Risk, Legal and Operations teams
Support engagement with investors, lenders, DFIs, auditors and external advisers on sustainability and ESG matters
Manage sustainability and ESG initiatives, such as independent E&S reviews, assurance processes and ESG implementation roadmaps
Track progress against sustainability and ESG priorities and provide regular updates to management
Capacity Building and Culture
Support the development and strengthening of sustainability and ESG policies, procedures and governance frameworks
Contribute to internal training and awareness programmes on sustainability and ESG reporting
Promote a culture of sustainability, compliance and accountability across the organisation
Qualifications & Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
A professional qualification in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) credential, or the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is desirable
Professional qualifications such as CPA or ACCA, or progress towards certification, would be an added advantage
5+ years’ relevant professional experience in ESG, sustainability, environmental and social risk management, finance or related disciplines, preferably within the telecommunications, digital infrastructure or technology sector
Demonstrated experience in applying IFC Performance Standards and managing environmental and social risks, including the development and implementation of Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS)
Hands-on experience with ESG reporting frameworks and standards, including IFRS S1 and S2, GRI Standards, TCFD, ESRS or similar frameworks, as well as ESG data management, monitoring and reporting
Exposure to financial reporting and IFRS standards is strongly preferred
Experience working in DFI-backed environments, financial institutions, telecommunications or consulting is desirable; prior experience with a Big 4 firm would be an advantage
Strong stakeholder engagement, training and capacity-building skills, with the ability to support ESG implementation across multiple countries and operational sites
Technical and Personal Skills:
Strong understanding of ESG risk management and its linkage to financial performance
Analytical and structured thinker with strong attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority
Solutions-oriented, adaptable and eager to learn
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Proficient in Microsoft 365 and compliance/E&S management tools
Organised and process-driven with attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
Capable of building effective working relationships across multi-disciplinary teams
Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to simplify technical and legal content for varied audiences
Attributes
Client focused, relationship builder
Integrity, honest with high ethical standards
Boundless, passionate and flexible
Personal excellence, accuracy and attention to detail
Collaborative, achieve results through teamwork and partnership
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
5 years
