Environmental and Social Risk Assessment Specialist

Job Description

To manage, monitor and assess the potential environmental and social risks attached to the Bank's lending process through the ESRA process

RMB is a place where exceptional people create their own opportunities by challenging the conventional and driving sustainable impact.

Are You Someone Who Can

Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams:

• Work closely with business units to understand strategic priorities and advise on climate change and other environmental & social risks and opportunities.
• Work with departments including finance, risk management, operations, marketing, and compliance to align on data needs and strategic priorities.
• Educate and share knowledge with other business units and departments and i) suggest improvements, (ii) implement, monitor and control business processes according to quality standards, Policies, and governance requirements in area of accountability.
  
  

Strategic Decision Support

• Ensure the Environmental, Social, Risk Assessment (ESRA) function delivers on service undertaking and value proposition using cutting edge methodologies, and local and international best practice.
• Integrate climate, environmental & social risk management factors into the credit risk appraisal process at a division and group level (where escalation is required).
• Fulfil an ESG Agency/advisory role on large infrastructure & extractives projects aligned to Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standard. Working with and coordinating clients and other lenders.
• Ensuring that ESRA is appropriately covered early in the deal screening process.
• Flexibility and readiness to travel for site visits, both domestically and internationally.
• Familiarity with the sustainable finance ecosystem, including products/instruments, key performance indicator selection for sustainable performance targets, and avoidance of potential greenwashing.
• Affinity for identifying heightened environmental, social, and climate risk within the business activities of various industries and recommending suitable mitigation measures.
• Assist and guide business with the implementation of controls to mitigate and manage identified environmental and social risks.
• Prepare concise, well-organized presentations and reports for C-suite executives, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Interface with independent consultants, clients, transactors, and credit committees to clearly articulate the E&S risks that may arise/be present and confirm acceptable management actions.
• Ability to negotiate robust corrective actions with corporate clients to promote improved E&S performance.
  
  

Industry & Regulatory Research

• Ensure application of latest Equator Principles and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of evolving ESG trends influencing investment decisions, including climate risk management, decarbonisation, biodiversity conservation, tailings management, environmental liabilities, land contamination, rehabilitation, and closure planning, health and safety, stakeholder engagement, and environmental and social management systems.
• Conduct in-depth research on emerging environmental legislation and polices as well as industry trends, competitor performance, customer needs, and regulatory changes to inform decision-making related to climate, environmental and social risks.
  
  

Reporting Capability

• Ensure internal processes are documented and up to date and provide input into the Environmental/Sustainability policy and the sensitive Industry policies/position statements.
• Provide assistance in the carbon footprint and emission intensity calculations for clients.
• Compile data for divisional and group reporting such as sustainability and climate reports and disclosures linked to the Equator Principles.
• Assist with increased international funding monitoring requirements of ESRA implementation.
• Ensure the development, alignment, mapping and implementation of end-to-end processes, enable and consult on improvements and opportunities to harness technology and platform enablement.
• Ensure compliance is adopted in terms of systems and procedures as laid out by the organisation and review in response to audit findings and changes.
  
  

You Will Be An Ideal Candidate If You

• Bachelor's degree in environmental law, Environmental Science/engineering, or Environmental Economics
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in environmental consulting/environmental management/environmental law/sustainability assurance
• Proven track record of working on complex project-related transactions ensuring the implementation of Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a history of presenting to approval committees
• Proven track record of process design, implementation and refinement
• #Post
  
  

#RMB

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

09/06/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.