Environmental & Social Specialist M/F

Environmental & Social Specialist M/F

YOUR MISSIONS

We are expanding our activities throughout Africa and are seeking an enthusiastic Environmental and Social Specialist who would report to the local EPC Site Manager and the Regional Environmental and Social Advisor.

The objective of this position is to support our local team to ensure that our projects continue to meet the required environmental and social standards. The primary focus will be on the construction of solar and storage projects in Kolda, Senegal.

The specific tasks will include the provision of support and expertise to local teams on the following:

• Understand the specificities of our projects and the communities (mainly workers) in which our projects are located, the prevailing regulatory and policy context and the business benefits that accrue from sustained environmental and social performance.
• Support the construction teams in identifying and mitigating potential environmental and social issues that may occur, through regular inspections. Accompany the EPC teams to ensure we meet the relevant E&S requirements of the client and lenders.
• Work with various local teams, to implement the company’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).
• Support the preparation and implementation of various documents necessary onsite.
• Coordinate with construction, HSE teams and contractors to ensure Projects E&S requirements are planned and implemented during the construction.

On HR topic related:

• Ensure that all contractors involved in the project comply with labour requirements of the Senegal Labour Code, EBRD’s Performance Requirement 2 as well as IFC’s Performance Standard 2.  
• Conduct periodic audits to subcontractors, report findings and ensure correction measures are applied by the contractor. 
• Perform Audit of all the documentation related to labour and ensure they comply with the Senegal Labour Code. 
• Perform salary audit on the contractors, document any non-compliance and define corrective actions and monitor the implementation of corrective actions. 
• Inspect and ensure that work conditions in the project comply with the national and international standards.  
• Monitor and investigate contractors to ensure all project workers are insured in accordance with the Senegal Labour Code. 
• Act as the Manager of the Worker’s Grievance Mechanism of the Kolda project.  
• Receive, investigate, and resolve all grievances from the project workers, with the support of the Voltalia’s Corporate Human Resources. 
• Support the monitoring of contractors to ensure worker accommodation and transportation meet national and international standards.  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES

• Tertiary degree in relevant subject e.g. environmental management, ecology, science.
• Up to 5 years of proven work experience as an E&S. Officer/Specialist/Consultant and having experience in HR related subject
• Experience with construction sites.
• Experience in developing or implementing ESMS at the project level.
• Experience in community engagement in a multicultural context.
• Experience working on DFI-funded projects beneficial.
• Knowledge of broader trends in environmental and social management and engagement.
• Knowledge of the renewable energy sector would be a plus.
• Knwoledge of Senegal Labour Code.
• Good knowledge of the IFC’s Performance Standard 2 and EBRD’s Performance Requirement 2.
• Fluent in English and French.

KEY SKILLS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to and understanding of the aims, values, principles, policies and procedures of Voltalia.
• Commitment to utilizing participatory approaches.
• Demonstrable ability at report writing.
• A good understanding and/or knowledge of community cultures, customs and practices. 
• Group facilitation and coaching skills.
• A good sense of organization and time management.
• Strong sense of personal and professional integrity.
• Sense of confidentiality.
• Inspired by Voltalia’s mission to improve the global environment and foster local development.

If this opportunity excites you, apply now!