Environment & Social Specialist

Levanta Renewables is seeking an Environmental and Social Specialist in Atimonan, Quezon, Philippines. The role involves managing environmental permitting, compliance, and community engagement for renewable energy projects. The specialist will liaise with regulatory bodies, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure positive project outcomes. Responsibilities include overseeing environmental impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and social due diligence throughout the project lifecycle.
Levanta Renewables is a renewable energy developer and independent power producer in Southeast Asia. We develop, build and deliver renewable energy solutions that work for each country in support of its transition to renewable energy, and do so in a sustainable manner while helping local communities. With a shared goal towards helping Southeast Asia realise its energy transition and net zero targets, Levanta is backed by Actis, a leading sustainable infrastructure private equity firm. We are developing 1.5 GW of renewable energy projects in Southeast Asia through M&A and greenfield development of C&I and utility scale projects.

We are seeking an Environmental and Social (ES) Specialist to support the successful development and execution of wind and solar energy projects in the Philippines.

Role & Responsibilities

The ES Specialist will serve as the primary liaison between the project proponent, regulatory agencies, local government units (LGUs), indigenous and local communities, and civil society organizations. The role demands a proactive, field-oriented professional with deep knowledge of Philippine environmental permitting, social safeguards, and the specific stakeholder landscape of wind/solar energy development. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in managing the ES performance of the projects by ensuring positive relationships with environment, contractors, local communities, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

Environmental Due Diligence & Compliance

Oversee all environmental permitting and ensure the project operates within the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other regulatory authorizations. This includes:
• Prepare and manage the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and ECC application with DENR-EMB.
• Monitor environmental conditions on-site (noise, dust, water quality, biodiversity) and prepare compliance reports for submission to DENR-EMB.
• Track and renew all environmental permits — maintaining a live permit register with expiry dates and responsible contacts.
• Manage waste, stormwater, and erosion controls in line with RA 9003 and RA 9275.
• Coordinate wildlife and habitat surveys and implement bird/bat monitoring protocols around turbine zones.

Social Due Diligence & Community Engagement

Lead social impact assessment and stakeholder engagement as core due diligence activities, and maintain ongoing community relations throughout the project:
• Conduct or commission Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) to identify affected households, livelihoods, and vulnerable groups.
• Develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) covering all relevant agencies, local officials, and community groups.
• Facilitate community consultations, public information sessions, and focus group discussions — ensuring engagement is meaningful, documented, and inclusive.
• Manage the project’s grievance mechanism — receiving, tracking, and resolving complaints from community members in a transparent and timely manner.
• Coordinate land access, right-of-way negotiations, and resettlement or livelihood restoration processes where applicable.
• Implement the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) as required by DOE for renewable energy developers.

Regulatory Permitting & Coordination

Serve as the project’s primary point of contact with regulatory agencies and manage the end-to-end permitting process:
• Coordinate with DENR-EMB and LGUs to secure and maintain all required permits and clearances.
• Prepare complete permit application packages, follow up on processing timelines, and respond to agency queries.
• Secure barangay resolutions of support and municipal/provincial endorsements from all host and affected LGUs.
• Ensure FPIC compliance with NCIP if ancestral domain areas are within or adjacent to the project footprint.
• Coordinate with NGCP on grid interconnection requirements and related documentation.

Project Operations — ES Oversight

During construction and operations, the ES Specialist maintains active oversight to ensure environmental and social commitments are continuously upheld:
• Monitor contractor compliance with environmental mitigation measures and community protection requirements.
• Conduct regular site inspections and participate in HSE meetings to integrate ES controls into daily operations.
• Deliver environmental and social induction training to contractors and project staff at mobilization.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly ES progress reports for project management, lenders, and regulators.
• Manage environmental and social incidents — documenting, investigating, and implementing corrective actions.

Lender & International Standards Compliance

Where the project has international financing, ensure compliance with applicable ESG frameworks:
• Apply IFC Performance Standards (PS 1–8) and Equator Principles requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and support lender due diligence reviews and social audits.
• Maintain records and evidence files to demonstrate ongoing compliance with lender covenants and conditions.

Ideal candidate should possess:

Experience
• 4 – 6 years in environmental and/or social safeguards roles on infrastructure or energy projects in the Philippines.
• Hands‑on experience with DENR-EMB EIS/ECC processes and regulatory submissions.
• Background in wind, solar, or large‑scale construction projects in Quezon Province is a strong advantage.
• Experience engaging with IP communities and NCIP processes is desirable.
• Familiarity with IFC Performance Standards or Equator Principles is an advantage for lender‑financed projects.

Skills & Knowledge
• Strong working knowledge of Philippine environmental law — PD 1586, RA 9513, RA 8371, RA 8749, RA 9275, and related regulations.
• Skilled stakeholder communicator — comfortable working with government officials, barangay leaders, farmers, community groups, and international lenders.
• Able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously — permitting, community engagement, monitoring, and reporting.
• Written and verbal fluency in both Filipino and English.
• GIS or environmental mapping skills are a plus.

Personal Qualities
• Grounded, field‑oriented professional comfortable in rural and coastal community settings.
• Proactive problem‑solvers who can anticipate and manage social and environmental risks before they escalate.
• Curious, high energy
• High integrity and transparent approach to community and regulatory engagement.
• Ability to travel to remote project sites.
• Fluency in English, Filipino & Tayabas Tagalog. Proficiency in other regional dialects is an advantage.