ESG Manager - Environmental, Social, and Governance Strategy Lead

About the Role

The ESG Manager position based in Dambai, Oti Region, Ghana, involves spearheading the creation, implementation, and oversight of the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for an environmental project. This role demands a strategic focus on managing the social, cultural, policy, and governance aspects tied to land and natural resources within the company's operational area. The ESG Manager will act as the key contact for collaborative engagements with governmental bodies, traditional authorities such as chiefs and clan leaders, as well as local communities impacted by the company's work.

The ESG Manager ensures that all activities adhere to legal requirements, maintain community acceptance, and align with recognized global ESG criteria, such as IFC Performance Standards and the Equator Principles. A critical component includes navigating Ghana's customary land governance to safeguard land access, tenure, and community relations risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief interface with national, regional, and district government agencies to secure necessary permits and ensure regulatory and ESG compliance.
• Establish and nurture trusted partnerships with traditional leaders and land stakeholders, leading land access negotiations, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) procedures, compensation planning, and dispute resolution.
• Design and execute stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms, conduct social impact assessments, oversee resettlement strategies, and facilitate community development initiatives in full compliance with national legislation and international standards.
• Manage the company’s ESG policies, risk assessments, reporting, and compliance systems, aligning operations with Ghanaian legal frameworks, financial lender obligations, and international ESG benchmarks.
• Track community and stakeholder sentiments, identify emerging socio-political and land-related risks, develop mitigation plans, and lead incident responses to uphold the company’s social license to operate.
• Advise senior management on governmental, societal, and political issues ensuring ESG and stakeholder considerations are integrated into key business decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Legal, Operations, Security, Finance, and Government Affairs, while mentoring community relations staff to promote effective cultural engagement and stakeholder communication.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field.
• 7 to 10 years of professional experience in ESG management, stakeholder engagement, government or community relations, with a minimum of 5 years supporting land-based projects in Ghana.
• Demonstrated expertise interacting with government bodies, traditional authorities, and managing issues within Ghana’s customary land tenure and governance frameworks, including land access and dispute resolution.
• Strong understanding of international ESG frameworks like IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles, with sector experience in mining, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, or oil and gas industries.
• Excellent negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of Twi and other local languages is advantageous.
• High political awareness, cultural sensitivity, sound judgment, discretion, and capacity to build trusted relationships in complex, high-pressure multi-stakeholder settings.

Why Join Us

At WIBEXLY, we are committed to a team-first culture centered on growth, empowerment, and exceptional support. We value dedication and foster a work environment where your professional contributions are recognized, and opportunities for advancement are plentiful.

Application Details

Candidates interested in joining our forward-thinking organization are encouraged to submit their CVs as per recruitment instructions.