Social Strategy Lead - Envusa

Envusa Energy is hiring a Social Strategy Lead to develop and implement social strategies for renewable energy projects in Southern Africa. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, ensuring projects positively impact communities, and overseeing social performance reporting. The candidate will guide site practitioners, align with socio-economic development targets, and ensure compliance with B-BBEE commitments. The position is based in Cape Town, South Africa, indicating it is not a remote job.
About the company:

Envusa Energy is a 50-50 joint venture between EDF Renewables South Africa and Anglo American, focused on delivering renewable energy solutions across Southern Africa. The company aims to support Anglo American’s decarbonization efforts by providing 3 to 5 GW of renewable assets by 2030, with its first project, Koruson 2, expected by 2026.

EDF Renewables, established in South Africa in 2011, develops and operates renewable energy projects, while Anglo American is a global mining leader focused on sustainable production for a decarbonized economy.

The role:

Envusa Energy is seeking a Social Strategy Lead to define and implement our social strategy, ensuring our renewable energy projects create meaningful change in impacted communities. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies and project teams to ensure that the ENVUSA renewable energy projects are socially responsible and contribute positively to the communities they serve. This includes defining associated project and corporate social strategies (including B-BBEE targets) and overseeing their implementation and reporting during the project phases (development, procurement and construction) as well as in steady state operations.

What You’ll Do:

Develop & Execute Social Strategy:
• Lead the development and execution of the Envusa Social Strategy and oversee the individual execution plans across all projects and report on progress to the Management Team and Board.

Build Envusa Social Strategy and Function:
• Develop and implement Envusa's Social Strategy, including Social Performance, Stakeholder Relations, B-BBEE objectives, and socio-economic development targets, while designing policies and procedures applicable across all projects.
• Provide guidance and support to site social practitioners in planning and executing social initiatives, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, incorporation of Empowerment Partners, and alignment with industry trends and regulatory requirements.

Ensure implementation of Envusa’s Strategy:
• Provide strategic guidance for Envusa’s projects during development, construction, and operations, ensuring alignment with Social Performance, Socio-Economic Development targets, Stakeholder Relations, and BEE scorecard performance across the portfolio.
• Oversee the implementation of Envusa's Social Strategy, ensuring compliance with IFC Performance Standards, lender and sponsor requirements, and effective management of resources and external agents to monitor and report on Social Performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Social Performance Reporting:
• Conduct social impact assessments and monitor the social performance at the project level, ensuring alignment with socio-economic development (SED) goals.
• Ensure Envusa's compliance with B-BBEE commitments and develop action plans to maintain or improve performance. Guide project teams to meet social and transformation targets.
• Consolidate and report on socio-economic contributions made by Envusa and its projects. Monitor B-BBEE performance and propose action plans to improve outcomes.

Collaboration & Support:

Collaborate with site teams to plan, implement, and execute social initiatives efficiently. Provide guidance and strategic input to ensure that social imperatives are communicated and effectively supported.

Social Risk Management:

Identify potential social risks and lead the development and implementation of risk management processes in line with shareholder guidelines. Address stakeholder concerns and adjust strategies as needed.

What You’ll Need:
• Degree in Economics, Business Administration, or Social Economics (Postgraduate qualification/MBA preferred)
• 10+ years’ experience in Social Performance, ideally in renewable energy
• Strong knowledge of B-BBEE codes, social risk management, and stakeholder engagement
• Strong background in Social Performance and Social Economic Development, with strong contextual understanding of Social Issues facing Southern African countries.
• External stakeholder management experience
• Experience working with capital-intensive industries like energy or mining
• Understanding of IFC Performance Standards, REIPPPP, and Mining Charter (bonus)
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills
• Hands-on attitude to support the growth of a new company
• Coordination skills, to build consensus between the parties

Why Join us?
• To grow in a dynamic and fast pacing company in the renewable energies sector
• To make a difference and drive impactful projects for sustainability
• To make a meaningful difference in local communities