The ESG Manager implements and oversees environmental and social management systems for a major project, ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Role Purpose & Summary:
The Environmental & Social (E&S) Manager will lead the implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of environmental and social management systems (ESMS) for a major infrastructure development in Uzbekistan. This position combines on-the-ground project management with corporate-level coordination, ensuring that E&S practices meet both national regulatory requirements and international standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, EBRD PRs, ADB Safeguard Policies, and World Bank ESSs).
The role involves coordinating with the multidisciplinary E&S team, engaging with government authorities, Project team, Contractors, ESIA consultants, lenders, and local communities, and ensuring integration of sustainability principles throughout project planning, construction, and operations.
Qualifications:
Minimum 8–12 years of relevant experience in environmental and social management, preferably within large infrastructure or PPP projects.
Proven experience in leading ESIA preparation, ESMS implementation, and compliance with international financing institutions’ standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, EBRD PRs, ADB Safeguard Policy) and has led the ESIA stream on at least 3 major projects till financial closure.
Demonstrated track record in managing multidisciplinary E&S teams including ESIA consultants, Project Technical team and Management during design, construction, and operation phases.
Experience coordinating with government authorities especially with different Ministries, regulatory agencies, and international lenders.
Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance management, and community relations.
Skills and Competencies
In-depth knowledge of E&S risk management frameworks, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and national regulations (Uzbekistan).
In depth knowledge of the ESIA documentation process including Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Resettlement Action Plan and other social and non-social ESIA related activities along with the indicative timeline for each of them.
Excellent analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills for interfacing with ministries, lenders, and local communities.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple workstreams across various project stages.
Fluency in Russian and English is required;
Good Presentation skills and working with Lenders directly in ESIA workstream is an advantage
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic and Corporate Coordination
· Serve as the primary liaison between the Project team, ESIA consultants and Public Partner (Ministry) .
· Contribute to the development and refinement of the corporate Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS).
· Provide E&S input for corporate decision-making, reporting, and investor/lender due diligence.
In-Country Project Oversight
· Lead the implementation of the E&S management framework at the project level, ensuring compliance with lender and national requirements.
· Supervise E&S teams (including environmental, social, health & safety specialists) during design, construction, and operation phases.
· Oversee Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), baseline studies, and permitting processes and provide the feedback to the Project management team on regular basis.
· Manage stakeholder engagement plans (SEP), grievance redress mechanisms, and community relations programs.
· Ensure implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), including monitoring and reporting.
· Coordinate with contractors to ensure compliance with E&S contractual obligations.
· Conduct regular site inspections and audits, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Compliance and Reporting
· Ensure compliance with Uzbek environmental and labor legislation, and DFI (e.g., IFC, EBRD, ADB) safeguard requirements.
· Prepare internal and external E&S reports, including those for financiers and regulatory agencies.
· Manage non-compliance issues and incident investigations and propose mitigation or remediation measures.
Stakeholder and Institutional Engagement
· Maintain proactive communication with government bodies (environmental authorities, local communities, labor departments, local administrations).
· Support stakeholder consultations, disclosure of ESIA documents, and public engagement activities.
· Facilitate collaboration with NGOs, consultants, and local communities.
· Represent the project in E&S review meetings with lenders, joint venture partners, and institutional investors.
