HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL AFRICA (CONSTRUCTION) - FRENCH SPEAKER

Head of Environmental & Social - French SpeakerLocation: Madrid, HQ (with 30% travel to project sites)Sector: Infrastructure & Supply ProjectsPosition SummaryA company specializing in the development and implementation of infrastructure and supply projects is seeking an experienced Head of Environmental & Social to strengthen its Environmental & Social (E&S) team. This role involves leading environmental and social assessments, due diligence processes, and providing strategic advice on Environmental, Social, and Human Rights (ESHR) matters for projects primarily in sub-Saharan French-speaking countries.Key ResponsibilitiesEnvironmental & Social Due Diligence:Manage the procurement of third-party consultants to conduct Environmental & Social Due Diligence (ESDD) as required by financial institutions, Export Credit Agencies, and regulatory bodies.Oversee and contribute to:Preliminary environmental appraisals.Feasibility studies and guidance documents.Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA).GAP analysis and Scope of Work preparation.Development of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAP).Advisory & Oversight:Advise internal teams and contracting partners on ESHR-related matters, ensuring compliance with international best practices (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESS, Equator Principles) and country-specific regulations.Guide buyers on post-completion environmental obligations and conduct project reviews.Provide actionable recommendations for environmental mitigation and enhancement measures.Stakeholder Engagement:Communicate and liaise with financial institutions, Export Credit Agencies, and Company clients.Lead negotiations with stakeholders as part of the environmental impact assessment process.Technical Leadership:Oversee the preparation of ESIAs and associated management plans, ensuring alignment with international standards.Review environmental reports, including EIA screening letters, scoping reports, Environmental Statements, and policy assessment reports.Direct project management activities related to ESIA/ESMP/ESDD projects, including task delegation, subcontractor oversight, and quality assurance.Project Delivery:Collaborate with external consultants for impact assessment and management projects.Conduct and/or oversee E&S audits for transactional due diligence.Contribute to delivering high-quality E&S outputs, including risk analyses, mitigation planning, and client recommendations.Team Development:Mentor internal project teams to enhance their expertise in ESHR practices, including ESIA/ESMP/ESDD processes.Promote talent development and effective task prioritization within the team.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or PhD is highly advantageous).Membership in a recognized professional body, such as the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), is preferred. Chartered Environmentalist status is desirable.5+ years of experience leading ESIAs, ESMPs, and ESDD projects in compliance with international best practices, particularly for projects in sub-Saharan Africa.Demonstrated understanding of international E&S Safeguards and Standards, including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and World Bank ESS.Proven track record of managing projects within fast-paced, commercial environments, including client management and relationship building.Skills:Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on finding practical solutions to impact assessment and project management challenges.Exceptional communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse stakeholders.Commercial acumen and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.Team management expertise, including task prioritization and staff development.LanguagesEssential: Fluency in French.ConditionsLocation: Based in Madrid HQ,.Work Model: Flexible hybrid work model (combining in-person and remote work).Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package.Professional Development: Opportunity to join a dynamic, expanding company and collaborate with a team of experts in environmental and finance structuring departments.This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in the infrastructure and supply sector while working on high-profile projects across sub-Saharan Africa. If you have the expertise, passion, and leadership skills to drive environmental and social excellence, we encourage you to apply.