Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Manager at CrossBoundary

Who We Are

The CrossBoundary team is a unique group of people who are genuinely excited by the opportunity to make a difference in some of the most challenging and exciting markets in the world. Team members come from diverse backgrounds but share several qualities: curiosity, humility, integrity, a drive for excellence, and a bias for action.

Who You Are

• Finds Strength in Diversity. Skilled at creating professional relationships across countries, personalities, and the political spectrum to achieve a positive impact.
• Thinks Deliberately. A practical thinker who can deliver simple, robust solutions. Both your oral and written communications are clear, concise, and accurate.
• Biased to Action. High tolerance for ambiguity and ability to operate effectively amid change. Eager to take on new types of work, even without prior experience or direct supervision.
• Humble. Thrives in a non-hierarchical, collaborative environment and welcomes input on their approach from any teammate.
• Relentlessly Curious. A diligent, patient problem-solver; you have the composure and skill to approach an issue from many angles until you unlock a solution. You persevere and find a way.
• Acts Like an Owner. Takes personal accountability for delivering success. Identifies and acts on opportunities to influence outcomes rather than waiting for others.
• Prioritizes Results: Systematic and highly organized project manager; you can track multiple activities across diverse workstreams while delivering results on time.
• Champions Integrity: You hold yourself to rigorous international standards for ESH excellence, going beyond the minimum standard to improve outcomes for people and projects.

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.
• 4+ 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

• Create CBEA’s ESG strategy, policies, and guidelines, including on human rights
• Design, develop and implement CBEA’s ESMS in line with international ESG standards as requirements by our investors to provide an E&S risk management lens to their investment process throughout the whole investment lifecycle.
• Train the whole CBEA investment 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.
• Coach teammates in ESMS process steps, explaining the rationale behind your recommended procedures and taking action to address feedback on improving how the ESMS works.
• Work with the investment team to conduct ESG due diligence of potential external partners.
• 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 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.
• Assess external partners’ ESG compliance as they develop, construct, and operate mini-grids.
• Set and own process for achieving portfolio ESG KPIs and targets.
• Track project applications for construction, environmental, and safety permits as required.
• Identify gaps in Know Your Business Partner (KYBP) and governance procedures and implement changes to forms or procedures.
• Ensure compliance with international and Group corporate governance policies for both CBEA and its external partners. Take action to address any breaches.
• Write 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.
• Take action in cases where ESG issues are escalating to avoid risks to people, environment or property.
• Oversee CBEA’s 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 CBEA on the best approach to managing these.
• Represent CBEA in formal and informal speaking engagements.