Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager

About the role

Innovo is looking for an experienced Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager to lead E&S management on a major water supply infrastructure project in Cote d'Ivoire. The role is based in Abidjan, with travel to the project site in the Daloa region as needed, and reports to the Deputy Project Director. It is a project appointment lasting 36-45 months, with oversight from the Innovo E&S department in the UAE.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage a team of field-based HSEC officers and lead the E&S strategy, ensuring compliance with national law and international standards (IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, WBG EHS Guidelines).
• During planning: coordinate E&S consultants on safeguards documentation (ESIA, RAP), obtain regulatory and lender approvals, manage lender due diligence and negotiate lender conditions.
• During construction: advise management on E&S risks, monitor contractors' compliance, review monthly monitoring reports, carry out site visits and audits, and build capacity through training.
• Manage community engagement, public consultation and grievance mechanisms, and liaise with government authorities, the client and lenders.
• Maintain the Environmental and Social Management System, conduct internal audits, and manage E&S risks and reporting.

Required profile

• Degree in environmental science, engineering, social science or a related field; registered environmental professional or certification such as NEBOSH or IOSH is advantageous.
• At least 8 years of post-qualification E&S experience, preferably in major infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa under IFC-style standards.
• Experience in Francophone West Africa, and preferably in Cote d'Ivoire; direct construction-phase experience and experience managing community interactions.
• Ability to prepare E&S monitoring reports for international financial institutions and experience with resettlement/compensation processes (advantageous).

Required skills

• Proficiency in French and English, with strong oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of national and local HSE/E&S regulations and international standards (IFC, Equator Principles, WBG EHS Guidelines).
• Project management, document control and reporting, and stakeholder management with lenders and third-party advisors.