Environmental and Social (E&S) and Impact Consultant

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title : Environmental and Social (E&S) and Impact Consultant
Position Type (full/part time) : full time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term) :  Long term / full-time position until January , 7, with a possible extension of working months over three years, , the end of 9. 
Position Location ( city, country, remote) : Nairobi, Kenya or/and Helsinki, Finland
   
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
A senior environmental and social (E&S) Impact Consultant is looked for to support Finnfund and Finnfund’s investee companies in Environmental, Social and Impact work for investments in digital infrastructure and applications. As a member of Finnfund’s investment teams, the expert will participate in preparation and monitoring Finnfund’s investment in accordance with the highest international standards. This entails pre-investment due diligence (DD) work in accordance with international and Finnfund requirements, and subsequent monitoring and support to the companies.
  
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The consultant will support Finnfund in achieving the objectives of the TA facility and thereby also the Africa Connected guarantee programme. This entails conducting investment specific E&S and human rights compliance and gap analyses and monitoring implementation of agreed environmental and social action plans; conducting investment specific impact assessments and gender gap analyses; conducting climate risk assessments; identifying training needs in the portfolio companies; developing and piloting new E&S practices; and developing and testing impact enhancement activities for women and or local communities. The consultant will, in close collaboration with Finnfund’s permanent E&S and Impact experts/team, bear overall responsibility of the E&S risk management and impact processes,
including climate change and gender, for each project under Africa Connected programme.
  
The work will require frequent travelling to visit Finnfund’s (potential) investee companies across Sub-Saharan Africa.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• MA or Doctorate Degree in education or other relevant subjects

Key Experience:

1. Experience in E&S and Impact Assessments : Familiarity with international standards, particularly the IFC Performance Standards.

Other experience:

1. Digital Sector Experience : Knowledge of digital infrastructure and/or applications
2. Gender-Lens Investing: Understanding of gender considerations in investments.
3. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Awareness of investments related to climate change.
4. Community Consultation and Human Rights: Knowledge of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
5. Consultant Testing and Interview: Verification of familiarity with IFC PSs.

Other Skills :

• Cross-cultural and team working skills.
• Proven report writing and presentation skills (Note: Chosen consultant will be tested and interviewed to verify his/her familiarity with IFC PSs)
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa related assignments is an advantage.

Language Proficiency : Fluent English is required. Fluency of one or two additional commonly spoken languages in Africa would be an asset.
Employment Conditions: Working time bound contract.
  
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by h April or soon as possible.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
  
   
ABOUT US
Founded in 5, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 0 projects and assignments in more than countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 7.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.