Jr E&S Specialist (Luanda)

About ESS

ESS is an international environmental, social, health, and sustainability consultancy delivering advisory services across the mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial sectors throughout Africa. We partner with private sector clients, financial institutions, and development agencies to deliver practical, sustainable solutions that meet national regulatory requirements and international best practices.

We are seeking anEnvironmental & Social (E&S) Specialist to join our team in Luanda, Angola. This role is suited to a motivated professional with a solid foundation in environmental and social consulting who is looking to further develop their expertise while working on a diverse portfolio of projects across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), environmental and social due diligence, audits, and compliance assessments.
• Conduct environmental and social baseline studies, site assessments, and field investigations.
• Undertake environmental and social monitoring activities and support compliance with project commitments and permit conditions.
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder engagement activities, including community consultations, meetings with government authorities, and discussions with project stakeholders.
• Identify environmental and social risks and contribute to the development of practical mitigation and management measures.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs), Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), and other project-specific management plans.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and client deliverables.
• Analyse environmental and social data and contribute to impact assessments and risk evaluations.
• Ensure project activities are aligned with Angolan environmental legislation and relevant international standards.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory authorities, and multidisciplinary project teams throughout project implementation.
• Support proposal preparation, technical inputs for bids, and business development activities as required.
• Mentor graduate consultants and interns where appropriate and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
• Stay informed of changes in environmental legislation, sustainability trends, and international best practices to support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Geography, Sustainability, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social consulting, mining, energy, infrastructure, industrial, or development projects.

Experience

• Experience contributing to Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), environmental audits, and due diligence studies.
• Experience conducting fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and environmental and social compliance assessments.
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and consultation activities.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple project tasks simultaneously.
• Previous consulting experience is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Good understanding of environmental and social risk management principles.
• Familiarity with Angolan environmental legislation and permitting processes is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of international standards, including:
  • IFC Performance Standards
  • World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)
  • Equator Principles
  • IFC General and Industry-Specific EHS Guidelines
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS) is an advantage.

Languages

• Fluent Portuguese (required).
• Professional working proficiency in English (required).
• Knowledge of local Angolan languages is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Willingness to travel within Angola and occasionally across Africa for project assignments.
• Adaptable, proactive, and committed to continuous professional development.

What ESS Offers

• Opportunity to work on impactful environmental and social projects across Africa.
• Exposure to international environmental and social standards and leading industry practices.
• Professional development through mentoring, technical training, and hands-on project experience.
• A collaborative, multicultural, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth within a leading environmental and social consultancy.