Job Summary
The organization is seeking an experienced Environmental, Social, and Biodiversity (ESB) Manager to lead the development, implementation, and oversight of ESB strategies and frameworks in Basra, Iraq. The role is critical in ensuring compliance with international ESG standards, host country regulations, and lender requirements (e.g. IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles), while supporting biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development within project areas.
Key Responsibilities
1. Environmental and Biodiversity Management:
- Develop and implement Environmental and Biodiversity Management Plans (EBMPs) aligned with international and national regulations
- Oversee Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), baseline surveys, and biodiversity action plans
- Ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standard 6 (Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources)
- Monitor and report on environmental KPIs, including habitat disturbance, emissions, water usage, and biodiversity offsetting
- Engage with ecological consultants, NGOs, and government bodies on biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration
- Lead and coordinate biodiversity project work activities across multiple sites
- Develop and execute Social Management Plans (SMPs), Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), and Community Development Programs
- Lead Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes where applicable
- Establish and manage grievance mechanisms and ensure the timely resolution of community concerns
- Liaise with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to promote social inclusion and equitable benefit sharing
- Ensure respect for human rights and labour rights across the value chain
- Ensure compliance with national environmental and labour laws and applicable international standards
- Lead ESG due diligence and audits and prepare documentation for lenders and regulatory bodies
- Identify and mitigate ESB risks throughout project lifecycles (development, construction, operation, decommissioning)
- Prepare ESB-related sections of the sustainability and annual reports
- Train internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders on ESB policies and procedures
- Lead and coordinate ESB teams across multiple sites
- Foster a culture of sustainability and ESG excellence within the organization
Requirements
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in environmental science, Ecology, Social Sciences, Sustainable Development, or a related field
- Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience in ESB or ESG management, preferably within large infrastructure or renewable energy projects
- Deep knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and local environmental/social regulations in the Middle East
- Experience with biodiversity risk assessment and mitigation in arid or semi-arid ecosystems
- Familiarity with the Arabic language and local cultural contexts
- Experience with multi-stakeholder engagement, including indigenous or tribal communities
- Knowledge of green hydrogen or offshore wind projects is an asset
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation abilities
- Technical proficiency in ESIA, GIS mapping, biodiversity metrics, and social risk assessment
- Strong report writing and presentation skills in English and Arabic
- Ability to work in remote and challenging environments
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.