Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Acwa is seeking an Environmental and Social (E&S) Manager to join its team in Al Madinah, specifically covering projects in Yanbu and Medina. This full-time role is critical for ensuring that Acwa's operations and assets within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comply with applicable Saudi environmental, labor, occupational health and safety, and social requirements, as well as international lender standards. The position focuses on minimizing environmental impacts, managing social risks, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting sustainable project delivery in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Role Context

This is a project-critical role, as Acwa projects are subject to the requirements of Saudi authorities, including the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), and other relevant regulators. Additionally, compliance with international financing institutions such as IFC, EBRD, ECAs, and Equator Principles financial institutions is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Saudi environmental regulations and applicable international lender standards, including IFC Performance Standards, EBRD requirements, and Equator Principles expectations.
• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the project Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).
• Manage environmental permits, approvals, renewals, and regulatory submissions with relevant Saudi authorities, including NCEC and other competent agencies as applicable.
• Monitor environmental impacts across various areas such as air, water, waste, noise, and biodiversity.
• Oversee contractor E&S performance for both Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) phases.
• Conduct site inspections, audits, and walkovers to ensure adherence to standards.
• Stop non-compliant or unsafe activities and ensure the implementation of corrective actions.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities with local communities, authorities, contractors, and project stakeholders in accordance with the project Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Operate and manage the grievance mechanism for both communities and workers.
• Prepare clear and timely E&S reports for lenders, Saudi regulators, project leadership, and external audits.
• Advise project leadership on E&S risks and recommend improvements.
• Deliver E&S training and awareness programs to staff and contractors.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Strong knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, EBRD requirements, Equator Principles, and international lender E&S reporting expectations.
• In-depth understanding of Saudi environmental, labor, occupational health and safety, permitting, and social compliance requirements.
• Proven experience in implementing and managing Environmental & Social Management Systems (ESMS).
• Demonstrated experience working with international lenders and audits.
• Ability to manage contractors (EPC/O&M) and ensure site compliance.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms.
• Strong reporting, documentation, and risk-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, communities, and senior management.

Work Type and Location

This is a full-time position based in Al Madinah, with responsibilities extending to projects in Yanbu and Medina. The role requires active engagement with various stakeholders and on-site presence as needed.

Application Information

Salary for this position will be disclosed during the interview process.