The role is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial individual that is looking to further develop a growing sustainability reporting and assurance business within an established and thriving ESG consultancy.In this role, you will be mainly working with multinational listed corporates in emerging markets and Financial Institutions, many of them at the forefront of embedding sustainability and ESG in their day-to-day approach to business. In addition to leading traditional sustainability reporting assurance engagements, we anticipate the candidate also supporting in the delivery of Second Party Opinions (SPOs) and assurance statements on sustainable financing instruments such as sustainability bonds/loans and sustainability-linked bonds/loans performance.Qualifications & ExperienceEducated to at least a post graduate level in a business, scientific or engineering field combined with a high level of practical ability and experience;Minimum 10+ years' practical experience delivering assurance and sustainability related projects;Consulting experience is essential; andProficiency in English (written and verbal). Ability to speak French, or any South African language is advantageous.Desirable: Experience in broader sustainability / ESG work including strategy an advantage.Experience in Sustainable Finance, specifically working with DFIs, private equity and banks.Climate / green bond verification and Second Party Opinions.TCFD reporting an advantage.Keen to explore opportunities outside assurance such as report development and due diligence. Key ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities Be responsible for supporting in the continued development of a sustainability reporting and assurance practice in Africa, connected to the global business.Be responsible for managing sustainability reporting and assurance projects both in South Africa and international locations.Be able to recruit, manage, coach and mentor junior staff.Drive new business development within new and existing clients.Proactively build a revenue pipeline and meet revenue targets. Build and maintain relationships with Clients and other industry players.Pursue opportunities for thought leadership and broader stakeholder engagement.Skills/ Attributes On-site and practical experience in delivering sustainability assurance engagements using ISAE3000 / AA1000 or other assurance standards in a variety of sectors.Detailed and practical experience in relevant Sustainability standards.Experience engaging with and presenting outputs to senior executives, including the Boards of large companies.A clear understanding of market trends and emerging best practice in ESG/Sustainability/Impact.Practical experience in sustainability report development/benchmarking.Ability to build and sustain professional relationships both within the company and externally.Prior experience in client facing / consulting roles.Have a reputation for delivering outstanding quality.Ability to work closely with client teams and deliver compelling presentations and reports.Able to work independently, flexibly and organise own workload to deliver projects on time and to client's expectations.Excellent people skills, being able to engage and foster relationships across geographies and cultures.Able to travel as required to client's facilities, mainly in South Africa but also abroad as needed.
