E&S Specialist (Guinea)

ESS is an international environmental, social, health, and sustainability consultancy providing advisory services across Africa. We support clients across sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development, helping them manage environmental and social risks and deliver projects aligned with national requirements and international standards.

We are looking for an Environmental & Social (E&S) Specialist to join our team in Guinea and contribute to the delivery of environmental and social assignments across the country and the wider region.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and contribute to the delivery of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), ESMPs, environmental and social due diligence, audits, and compliance assessments.
• Conduct environmental and social baseline studies, field investigations, site assessments, and monitoring activities.
• Identify environmental and social risks and contribute to the development of appropriate mitigation and management measures.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including community consultations, meetings with government authorities, and other stakeholder interactions.
• Prepare and contribute to high-quality technical reports, assessments, presentations, and client deliverables.
• Monitor compliance with environmental and social commitments, permits, management plans, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support the development and monitoring of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAPs) and project-specific management plans.
• Participate in site inspections and follow up on environmental and social performance during project implementation.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, local authorities, communities, and other project stakeholders as required.
• Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental, social, engineering, health and safety, and technical specialists.
• Contribute to technical proposals, bids, and business development activities when required.
• Support and mentor junior team members and interns where appropriate.
• Keep up to date with Guinean environmental and social legislation, international standards, and industry best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Geography, Social Sciences, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• 3–8 years of relevant professional experience in environmental and social consulting or related project environments.
• Experience in mining, infrastructure, energy, industrial, or development projects is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working on ESIA, ESMP, environmental and social due diligence, auditing, or monitoring assignments.
• Experience with fieldwork and stakeholder engagement is required.

Technical Knowledge

• Good understanding of environmental and social risk management.
• Familiarity with Guinean environmental legislation and permitting requirements.
• Working knowledge of international E&S standards, particularly:
  • IFC Performance Standards
  • World Bank Environmental and Social Framework
  • AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards
  • IFC Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines
  • Equator Principles
• Strong report-writing, analytical, and research skills.
• Good proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of GIS tools such as QGIS or ArcGIS is an advantage.

Languages

• French – fluent/professional proficiency required.
• English – professional working proficiency is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local Guinean languages is an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Able to manage assigned responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Comfortable working in the field and travelling to project sites.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to continuously develop technical expertise.

What ESS Offers

• Exposure to major projects across mining, infrastructure, energy, and other key sectors.
• Opportunity to work with international E&S standards and multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional development and technical learning opportunities.
• A collaborative and international working environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to projects supporting responsible and sustainable development in Guinea and across Africa.