Manager, ESG at FSD Africa in Nairobi, Kenya

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    Manager, ESG

    FSD AfricaNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    2 days ago

    Apply by

    1 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Charity, NGO & Non-Profit
    Management & Business Development

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    Job Description

    Reporting to the Specialist, Strategic Risk, the Manager, ESG provides strategic and technical leadership for the continuous development, implementation and quality assurance of FSD Africa's Environmental and Social Performance Management (ESPM) System across investment activities. The role is accountable for shaping FSDAi's approach to ESG risk management and impact, ensuring ESG considerations strengthen investment decision-making, portfolio performance and long-term development outcomes, while remaining aligned with evolving market practice, investor expectations and organisational priorities.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Provide strategic leadership for the continuous development of FSDAi's ESG framework and governance arrangements, ensuring responsible investment practices remain aligned with evolving market standards, stakeholder expectations and the organisation's strategic objectives.
    • Lead the periodic review and enhancement of FSD Africa's Environmental and Social Performance Management (ESPM) Manual, ESG Policy and exclusion list, ensuring continued alignment with applicable standards, donor requirements and evolving industry best practice.
    • Lead the continuous improvement of FSDAi's ESPM system against strategic initiatives, including climate finance, nature finance and Gender Lens Investing (GLI).
    • Benchmark FSDAi's ESG approach against comparable Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and emerging market practice, recommending enhancements that strengthen the organisation's responsible investment approach.
    • Monitor emerging ESG macro trends, particularly in climate, nature, biodiversity and gender, assessing their implications for FSDAi's investment approach and ESG system.
    • Recommend enhancements to the ESPM System that strengthen governance, organisational effectiveness and responsible investment.
    • Provide strategic and technical leadership for the integration of ESG throughout the investment lifecycle, ensuring investment decisions effectively manage ESG risks, strengthen responsible investment practices and maximise sustainable development impact.
    • Lead ESG due diligence for complex, high-risk and strategically significant investment transactions, providing quality assurance over ESG due diligence undertaken by the ESG team and external consultants.
    • Review ESG risk categorisation, exclusion list screening, safeguarding assessments and gender lens assessments, ensuring ESG risks and opportunities are appropriately reflected in investment recommendations.
    • Lead the development of ESG action plans, investment conditions and reporting requirements, ensuring ESG commitments are effectively implemented.

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Science, Finance, Economics, Law, or related discipline).
    • Minimum of 8 years of experience in ESG management, responsible investment, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
    • Strong knowledge of international ESG standards, frameworks, and best practices (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, UNPRI, TCFD).
    • Proven experience in conducting ESG due diligence for complex transactions, including in emerging markets.
    • Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to engage with senior stakeholders, including investors, funders, and industry partners.
    • Experience in gender lens investing and climate finance is an added advantage.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Management & Business Development

    Minimum Experience

    8 years

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Environmental Science

    Field of Study

    Environmental Science

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Visit the application link provided on this page to submit your application.

    Show Your ESG Leadership in Action

    This role is a senior leadership position that demands a blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical expertise. Hiring managers will be looking for evidence that you can shape ESG frameworks and influence investment decisions at the highest level.

    1. Quantify your impact: When describing your past ESG leadership, use numbers to show scale and results. For example, mention the size of investment portfolios you've overseen, the number of transactions you've guided, or the percentage improvement in ESG compliance you achieved.

    2. Master the standards: Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with IFC Performance Standards, UNPRI, TCFD, and other key frameworks. Show how you've applied them in real-world contexts, not just in theory.

    3. Showcase your due diligence process: Walk through a specific example of a complex ESG due diligence you led. Explain how you identified risks, engaged with stakeholders, and influenced the final investment decision.

    4. Highlight your stakeholder skills: This role involves engaging with boards, funders, and co-investors. Provide examples of how you've built consensus and influenced senior decision-makers in previous roles.

    5. Demonstrate your knowledge of African markets: Since the role is based in Nairobi and focuses on Africa, show your understanding of the unique ESG challenges and opportunities in the region. Mention any relevant projects or experience.

    6. Connect ESG to business outcomes: Emphasize how your ESG work has contributed to financial performance, risk mitigation, or long-term value creation. This shows you understand the business case for sustainability.

    7. Prepare for behavioral questions: Expect questions about how you've handled conflicts between ESG goals and commercial pressures. Have a story ready that shows your ability to balance competing priorities.

    8. Show your commitment to learning: The ESG landscape is constantly evolving. Mention any recent courses, certifications, or conferences you've attended to stay current, and express your eagerness to keep learning.

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    Tags

    ESG
    Environmental and Social Performance Management
    responsible investment
    gender lens investing
    climate finance