Environment and Social Specialist

Environment and Social Specialist (12 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Location: Stonehouse (hybrid working - 2 days in office)

Salary: £40,000-£55,000

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday

The Company:

Founded in 2005, our client specialises in renewable energy solutions that help clients join the global energy and ecological transition movement. They have grown to become an international energy producer and service provider.

The Role:

The Environmental and Social Specialist will work closely with project managers, across business lines, to ensure that company and international (IFC, EBRD) E&S standards are embedded within the project lifecycle from inception to operation. This person will also be responsible for ensuring that project managers have the correct tools to ensure environmental and social risks are identified and mitigated.

Responsibilities:

• The person will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the E&S management system for projects in line with company and international performance standards requirements.
• The management of environmental and social aspects of activities in the UK.
• The supervision of E&S consultants carrying out ESIA, RAP and LRP activities.
• Development of the E&S management system for projects within the country in line with international and internal standards performance requirements.
• The coordination of the implementation of the E&S management plans during the development, construction and operation phases of projects in coordination with the relevant internal departments and subcontractors.
• Leading stakeholder engagement activities including developing and implementing stakeholder engagement plans, handling community feedback, issues and concerns, and ensuring appropriate escalation and resolution.
• Working with project managers to identify local supply chains, community leaders and stakeholders.
• Working with project manages to help identify opportunities and reputational risks, as well as creating and delivering a strategy for handling risks to positively influence stakeholders to achieve sustainable business outcomes.
• Supporting engagement with key external stakeholders.
• Supporting co-ordination of consultation events and activities, ensuring compliance with relevant planning legislation.
• Building up a network of key internal contacts as well as working closely with colleagues across teams in corporate affairs, communications and E&S.
• Engaging and communicating with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, identifying, and understanding issues as well as proactively communicating updates related to project development.

Skills and Requirements:

• Positive, “can do” attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to utilizing participatory approaches.
• Demonstrable ability at report writing and summarizing complex situations.
• A good understanding and/or knowledge of community cultures, customs and practices.
• A good sense of organization and time management.
• Ability to have difficult conversations.
• Qualified to post graduate degree level / relevant professional qualification.
• A background in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• A strong track record and experience in utility scale UK ground mounted solar, wind or energy storage development is essential.
• Proven track record of managing and delivering energy projects through the consenting regime.
• Proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint