Principal Consultant - International ESIA and Project Finance

Environmental Resources Management Limited is seeking a Principal Consultant for International ESIA and Project Finance in London. This senior role involves overseeing environmental and social impact assessments, advising clients on international standards, and driving business growth. The candidate will manage multidisciplinary teams, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to strategic growth in the Middle East. A strong background in ESIA methodologies and business development is required.
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) & Project Finance Principal Consultant Environmental Resources Management (ERM) ERM is recruiting an Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) & Project Finance Principal Consultant to join our Project Finance team in UK. This senior position plays a central role in delivering high‑quality ESIA work, advising clients on international standards, and driving business growth. Role Overview The ESIA CD will oversee and deliver complex environmental and social impact assessments across multiple sectors, including major infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. The role requires deep knowledge of environmental and social impact assessment, the IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and the practical application of lenders’ environmental and social requirements. As a leader in the team, you will also be responsible for developing client relationships, generating new business, and contributing to the strategic growth of ERM’s impact assessment practice in the Middle East. Responsibilities Lead the preparation, management, and delivery of Environmental & Social Impact Assessments in line with Saudi regulations and international lender standards. Provide expert guidance on IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and other international E&S frameworks. Oversee environmental and social impact assessments, stakeholder engagement planning, and environmental and socio‑economic baseline studies. Advise clients on lender expectations, project risk management, and pathways to achieving bankable E&S performance. Manage multidisciplinary project teams and ensure technical excellence across all deliverables. Engage with regulators, lenders, developers, and government stakeholders to support project approvals and financing. Drive business development by identifying opportunities, preparing proposals, and expanding ERM’s client network. Build long‑term client relationships and act as a trusted advisor on environmental and social performance. Mentor junior consultants and contribute to capability development within the regional team. What You Bring Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences, Sustainability, or a related field. Strong technical understanding of environmental and social impact assessment methodologies and socio‑economic analysis. Demonstrated experience applying IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and other lender requirements on major projects. Proven consultancy background with experience delivering ESIA projects for private‑sector and/or government clients. Track record of business development, including winning work, building client relationships, and contributing to revenue growth. Experience working in the Middle East or on projects in emerging markets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high‑quality reports and present to senior stakeholders. Ideal Profile Experience across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining, industrial development, or real estate. Ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with competing priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, solutions‑oriented approach. What This Role Offers A leadership position within a global sustainability consultancy with a strong regional footprint. The opportunity to influence major development projects across the Europe, Middle East and Africa. A platform to grow ERM’s ESIA practice and shape the future of environmental and social performance in the region. A dynamic, supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and regional impact. #LI-SG2 #LI-Hybrid ⠀ ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.. At ERM, sustainability is our business. We are the world’s largest advisory firm focused solely on sustainability, offering unparalleled expertise across business and finance. ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, through our unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities. Our diverse global team of experts works with the world’s leading organizations to help them set clear sustainability targets, measure progress and operationalize strategy through deep implementation and business transformation. With more than 50 years of experience, our ability to integrate sustainability solutions and our depth and breadth of technical knowledge are why organizations choose to partner with us as their trusted advisor. Every one of us firmly believes in the potential to create value for our clients through an integrated approach to sustainability (because we have personally seen it and professionally achieved it). Our team members are passionate about client service. We work closely with our clients to help them operationalize their sustainability goals and meet their environmental, health and safety objectives while advancing ERM’s purpose through delivering tangible progress in what the United Nations coined The Decade of Action. Organizing our people across globally integrated communities of technical and strategic talent positions ERM to be a “boots to boardroom” leader in bringing that value creation to our clients, partners, and the world. We recruit exceptional professionals with a personal and professional passion for sustainability and nurture them to even greater success as specialists. We prepare our consultants to bring integrated, innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients and provide opportunities for ongoing development across a variety of subject areas related to technical, business, and personal growth. At ERM, effort pays off and becomes career defining work that leaves a positive imprint on our planet. ERM Homepage Explore All Open Roles Explore Early Careers Roles Explore Experienced Professional Roles Explore Partnership Roles