Sustainability & ESG Specialist at West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC)

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