ESG Lead

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of Blue's Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS), ESG policies, and ESG-related frameworks, ensuring usability and effectiveness at field level.
• Provide technical leadership on human rights risk identification, mitigation, and monitoring, with particular attention to IPLC rights, land and resource access, livelihoods, and social inclusion.
• Coordinate ESG, social, and human rights reporting for donors, investors, and regulators, including preparing reports and representing Blue in high-level engagements.
• Design and deliver training, mentoring, and accompaniment for staff and community institutions to strengthen ESG, human rights, and safeguarding capacity.

This role creates positive change by protecting West Africa's blue carbon ecosystems while advancing sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, ensuring alignment with international standards and community-centered conservation outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a university degree or technical college qualification in a relevant field such as environmental management, environmental science, social sciences, public health, occupational health & safety, development studies, sustainability, or related disciplines.
• Five (5) to Eight (8) years of hands-on ESG experience working within a reputable private sector organisation, NGO, UN organisation, or project/program team implementing environmental, social, or development interventions.
• Demonstrated experience applying international environmental and social risk management best practices, with strong advantage for experience implementing IFC Performance Standards or equivalent donor frameworks in real project contexts.
• Proven experience managing and leading teams, ideally across multicultural or field-based environments, with strong communication skills in fluent English.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to lead ESG implementation and improvement for one of Africa's pioneering blue carbon and nature-based solutions programs.
• A mission-driven, collaborative, and culturally diverse work environment.
• Career growth and global exposure through partnerships with impact investors, DFIs, research institutions, and conservation organizations.

West Africa Blue is a leading conservation, restoration, and community-impact organisation committed to protecting West Africa's blue carbon ecosystems while advancing sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).