Head/Senior Specialist: ESG Integration at Founders Factory Africa (FFA)

Responsibilities

• Design a fit-for-purpose ESG approach for FFA with particular emphasis on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion within the organisation and among its portfolio ventures (potentially developing a standalone gender strategy, or alternatively, ensuring sufficient gender responsiveness within the overall approach) 
• Provide teams with technical leadership and guidance on how best to enhance the inclusivity of programme design and delivery, especially for young women 
• Support ESG integration within the FFA investment process and conduct regular assessments of material ESG risks, advising on mitigation measures where appropriate
• Develop ESG/DE&I/gender-specific indicators for incorporation within programme measurement frameworks and support the design of monitoring tools for data collection, considering where FFA should align with international frameworks, standards and practices 
• Review and provide technical feedback on ESG/DE&I/gender-related data analysis and results, and support subsequent stakeholder reporting
• Provide bespoke ESG and DE&I support to FFA entrepreneurs and venture teams     
• Identify key ESG/DE&I/gender learning for organisational adaptation as well as for external dissemination and ecosystem innovation
• Advise on and/or provide technical input into FFA’s research and learning agenda and ongoing research endeavors, partnerships, etc
• Identify key partners with whom FFA can collaborate to further its ESG/DE&I objectives across the African continent
• Produce and inspire thought leadership on frontier topics related to ESG, DE&I and gender lens investing

Candidate Profile

• Minimum five years of experience leading ESG integration and/or DE&I/gender mainstreaming within public or private sector entities 
• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, international development, sustainability management, gender, women’s studies, or other related field 
• Demonstrated knowledge of key international entities and frameworks in the area of responsible investment, sustainability, DE&I, gender lens investing, etc 
• Strong critical and creative thinking skills; a proactive approach to solving problems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to deliver presentations and reports to a range of stakeholders in a clear, inspiring and confident way 
• Strong relationship management skills; the ability to establish effective working relationships with people at all levels, internally and externally 
• A self-starter who thrives in an autonomous role, with excellent prioritisation, self-organisation, and execution skills
• Knowledge of venture building, accelerators, and/or impact investing and experience working with early-stage startups in Africa is a bonus
• Based in Johannesburg, Nairobi, or Lagos