Job Purpose
Reporting to Manager, Portfolio Risk, the ESG Associate will have the key responsibility of ensuring the implementation of FSD Africa’s E&S Performance Management (ESPM) System across investment and grant funded activities. The ESG Associate will act as a shared resource between FSDAi and FSD Africa while working closely with the Corporate Risk function and Development Impact pillar to ensure we mitigate adverse ESG risk and drive positive ESG impact in our sustainable finance work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS
1. ESG Screening & Due-Diligence
Conducting an ESG assessment of investment and project proposals prior to funding i.e. managing the assessment as it evolves from origination to the screening stage into the detailed due-diligence stage with the aim of informing EXCO and IC decision making. This will involve:
ESG screening against FSD Africa’s exclusion list and applicable industry standards including FCDO.
Early identification of key ESG risks and opportunities (including safeguarding) to inform go/no-go investment decision.
Baseline ESG Risk Categorisation in line with FSD Africa’s ESPM Manual and ERM Framework
Conduct site visits for focused ESG DD, where applicable, while working with external consultants
Co-design ESG action plans, provisions and reporting obligations with partners for inclusion in project and investment papers as well as legal documentation
2. ESG Monitoring & Impact
Active monitoring with the investment and project teams to ensure implementation of the ESG Action Plans and reporting by external partners which will include:
Regular check-ins with investees and project partners on areas of non-compliance with agreed actions, applicable legislation and industry standards/best practice
Internal handling and escalation of material ESG disclosures which can include engaging with independent consultants to conduct deep dive risk based ESG assessments.
Leading on the collation of ESG reporting from the investees and project partners based on agreed KPIs
Collaborating with Development Impact pillar on FSD Africa’s annual ESG and Impact reporting and fulfilling FSDAi’s external ESG reporting obligations to UNPRI
3. Stakeholder Management and Capacity Building
Providing appropriate guidance and support from a leadership perspective on FSD Africa’s overall ESPM system implementation and practice to staff, investees and project partners
Managing relationship with external ESG consultants engaged on a case-by-case basis in conducting focused/enhanced due-diligence.
Close collaboration and frequent interaction with the internal ESG community of practice drawn from the different pillars.
Maintain regular internal training and capacity building sessions on the ESG Policy and ESPM Manual and co-ordinating partner-focused trainings.
4. Industry Engagement
Contribute to FSDAi’s engagement and obligations on thematic ESG areas such as climate, nature, biodiversity and human rights with key industry bodies or associations such as PRI, TNFD, ANCA.
Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Qualifications and Education
Master’s Degree with 3 years or Bachelor’s Degree and 4 year of practical work experience in Finance, Investments or Sustainable Finance
Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated interest in ESG, Sustainability or Responsible Investing through professional qualification that is tailored to the financial sector.
Progressive thinker with a passion for economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa through private sector investment
Good communication and relationship building skills; in particular, training and engagement initiatives to a diverse audience.
Excellent skills in written and spoken English, including report writing, presentation drafting and delivery.
Desirable
Familiarity with one of the key E&S or sustainability frameworks such as SDGs, IFC Performance Standards, TCFD.
Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
Keen interest in growing a career in development finance.
Previous experience of working in/with aid-funded projects
Languages: French, local African languages
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity:
FSD Africa is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of equity and inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We will ensure that all applicants are provided a fair chance to compete for available job opportunities
To apply for the role, your resume and cover letter, must be received by 5.00pm on 07 July 2023
