Manager - Environment, Social & Sustainability

About the job Manager - Environment, Social & Sustainability

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of Environmental, Social & Sustainability (ESS) strategies, plans, and procedures for railway projects.
• Ensure compliance with local environmental regulations, authority requirements, and applicable international standards (e.g. IFC, World Bank ESF, ISO 14001, ESG frameworks).
• Oversee preparation, review, and implementation of EIA/ESMP, CEMP, SEMP, and Sustainability Plans.
• Act as the primary ESS interface with the Client, regulatory authorities, lenders, and external stakeholders.
• Manage environmental and social approvals, permits, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee sustainability integration in railway design, including energy efficiency, resource optimization, climate resilience, and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Monitor contractor and consultant compliance with ESS requirements during construction and site activities.
• Lead audits, inspections, and performance assessments related to environment, social, health, and sustainability aspects.
• Manage stakeholder engagement related to environmental and social matters, including community impacts, grievances, and mitigation measures.
• Ensure effective implementation of social management plans, including labor standards, community relations, land access, and resettlement coordination (if applicable).
• Develop and issue ESS progress reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for the Client and relevant authorities.
• Identify environmental and social risks and ensure mitigation measures are implemented and monitored.
• Support procurement and contracts teams by incorporating ESS requirements into tender documents and contracts.
• Provide guidance and training to PMC and contractor teams on ESS policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support incident management, investigations, and corrective actions related to environmental or social non-conformances.
• Promote continuous improvement and capture lessons learned across the railway program.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Social Sciences, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience, including significant experience on railway or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in a managerial ESS role within a PMC, Engineer, or Client organization.
• Strong knowledge of environmental and social regulations, sustainability frameworks, and ESG principles.
• Experience working with regulatory authorities, lenders, and international standards bodies.
• Professional certifications (e.g. ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, ESG, Sustainability, Environmental Management) are highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and reporting skills.
• Strong written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.