Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer at the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 300 million in over 510 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 33 million lives, created over 35,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 838 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer

Location: Abuja
Reports to: Country Program Lead

About Nigeria Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF)

• Nigeria’s Net Zero ambition is based on a transition to full electrification of the economy by 2060 – 250 GW of installed capacity (90% renewable), 80% of the fleet from EV, and clean cooking for 80% of the population. Reaching such targets requires innovative financing and first-loss investments (such as catalytic grants) in technological improvements, productive energy, fuel switching in priority sectors, business model iteration, and scaling for universal access, skills, and job creation in ET priority sectors.
• In the context of the Financial Cooperation with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, KfW, on behalf of BMZ, intends to set up a new Challenge Fund mechanism to contribute to implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The mechanism will form part of the broader development cooperation activities between Nigeria and Germany in the energy space.
• The “Energy Transition Challenge Fund” (ETCF) will co-finance projects from the public and private sectors to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency-enhancing investments, and the expansion of vocational training opportunities in renewable energies and energy efficiency.
• A demand-driven, competitive application mechanism will be used to systematically select the projects with the highest impact potential on the requested grant funds. The selection of projects will be made through an internationally experienced Project Executing Agency (PEA) based on clear evaluation criteria that will be jointly agreed upon with the partner site before launch.
• The ETCF will be launched with an initial funding of EUR 20 Mio (grant funding). Depending on its success and available funding, the mechanism could be further expanded in the coming years.

About the Role

• The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer will ensure that the ETCF Programme adheres to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance standards.
• The incumbent will develop, implement, and monitor ESG strategies aligning with donor requirements and local regulations, ensuring the programme’s positive impact on communities and the environment.
• Additionally, the Officer will act as the custodian of the Grievance Response Mechanism (GRM), which includes administration of the complaints process, monitoring the handling of complaints, and suggesting changes to policies or practices based on lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ESG policies and strategies tailored to the specific needs of the energy transition project.
• Monitor changing laws, regulations, and corporate directives relating to E&S and update relevant documentation.
• Develop an E&S training framework for project staff and all the beneficiaries of the ETCF programme.
• Ensure the project meets international ESG standards, donor guidelines, and Nigerian regulatory requirements.
• Participate in selection of ETCF beneficiaries which will involve working with a team to mark concept notes; screen and categorize transactions based on their environmental and social risk, conduct environmental and social due diligence; and monitor the investee’s environmental and social performance following applicable E&S risk management framework (ESRMF).
• Support project beneficiaries’ preparation, review, and implementation of relevant safeguards instruments.
• Review all available information and documentation related to project environmental and social impacts and hazards; conduct an E&S appraisal of all prospective projects; and supervise the ongoing E&S performance of portfolio companies consistent with the material and the company’s policies and procedures.
• During the on-site due diligence phase, conduct site inspections, review facility-based records, and interview key staff and relevant stakeholders (regulatory officials, community leaders, suppliers, and customers) to identify E&S issues.
• Regularly monitor the recommendations for E&S for each investee to confirm implementation in collaboration with the portfolio team.
• Identification of beneficiaries that could be considered for E&S Technical Assistance.
• Prepare E&S reports on the portfolio for senior management or any other stakeholder as required.
• As the focal person for grievance management, the incumbent shall be involved in registering received grievances, tracking them, and participating in internal and external grievance committees.
• The Officer will also establish appropriate communication channels with the grievant(s) and ensure appropriate resolution/closure of all grievances reported.
• Build local capacity to manage and sustain ESG initiatives beyond the project’s lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of ESG principles, with at least five years of experience in an ESG-related role, preferably in the energy sector, working on donor-funded projects.
• Knowledge of Nigerian environmental and social regulations and international ESG standards, as well as excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Be a strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement ESG frameworks.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on sustainability.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in diverse environments.
• Willing to travel to project sites across Nigeria as needed.
• The ability to work in challenging environments, focusing on achieving project goals sustainably.

Application Closing Date
10th September, 2024.