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- Tasks: Lead environmental assessments for major international projects and manage client relationships.
- Company: Join a leading environmental advisory firm making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a £1,000 training budget.
- Why this job: Shape responsible capital deployment and improve community outcomes on complex projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in lender-facing ESIA/ESDD and strong knowledge of international standards.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with mentoring and diverse project exposure.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are supporting an established international environmental and sustainability advisory firm to appoint senior hires (Director and Principal level) into its Project Finance practice. These roles focus on lender-, investor- and developer-led mandates, leading ESIA / ESDD and related due diligence that directly supports financing and investment decisions on complex international projects. This is not a general ESG strategy or reporting role, and not a UK planning/ecology-led EIA position. The core requirement is lender-facing, transaction-linked ESIA/ESDD delivery.
Why this matters
You will help shape how capital is deployed responsibly by identifying and managing environmental and social risks, improving outcomes for communities and ecosystems, and ensuring projects meet lender requirements and international standards in real-world conditions.
Core Responsibilities (Principal and Director)
- Lead delivery of ESIA / ESDD within live Project Finance / transaction contexts
- Operate as senior interface with commercial banks, DFIs, investors, funds and developers
- Apply lender frameworks and standards in practice (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles)
- Manage scope, budgets, timelines and quality across complex international mandates
- Mentor teams and support consistent delivery standards
- Contribute to scoping, proposals and technical leadership for new mandates
Additional Accountabilities (Director level)
- Ownership of key client relationships and senior stakeholder management
- Oversight across multiple mandates and teams; accountability for delivery performance
- Contribution to growth of the Project Finance offering (pipeline, partnerships, team build)
Essential Experience (non-negotiable)
- You have led lender-facing ESIA / ESDD in Project Finance or investor/lender-led environments (not only supported)
- Direct experience advising or working with lenders, investors and/or developers on transaction-linked mandates
- Meaningful international delivery experience (outside UK domestic planning context)
- Strong applied knowledge of IFC PS / Equator Principles (and ability to evidence where/how used)
- Senior client-facing credibility and calm judgement under transaction pressure
- Commercial awareness: scoping, budgets, margins, delivery planning
- Unlikely to be a fit if your background is mainly UK planning EIA without project finance exposure
- Ecology-led roles where lender accountability is limited
- ESG reporting/policy/framework roles without transaction-linked ESIA/ESDD delivery
Benefits (highlights)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + 3 days Christmas shutdown
- Discretionary bonus and spot bonuses
- Flexible working, including working from abroad and flexible Fridays
- Medical cash plan, £1,000 annual training budget, professional membership support
- Volunteering day, enhanced leave, sabbatical after 4+ years, time-out allowance
How to apply
If this role aligns with your experience and interests, please submit your CV or LinkedIn profile to Kris Kobi, Director at Climate17, at kris@climate17.com. All enquiries and applications will be handled confidentially. The client name and further details will be shared at conversation stage.
Director / Principal - Project Finance ESIA & ESDD (International) in England employer: Climate17
Contact Detail:
Climate17 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Principal - Project Finance ESIA & ESDD (International) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way, especially in niche fields like Project Finance.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of lender frameworks and standards. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects. This will show you're not just familiar with the theory but have real-world experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings. We often have roles that might not be advertised elsewhere, so keep an eye out and apply directly through us for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Principal - Project Finance ESIA & ESDD (International) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in lender-facing ESIA/ESDD roles. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Project Finance practice.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your application, focus on your meaningful international delivery experience and any direct work with lenders or investors. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to manage environmental and social risks effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate17
✨Know Your ESIA/ESDD Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied lender frameworks like the IFC Performance Standards or Equator Principles, as this will show your direct experience in transaction-linked environments.
✨Showcase Your Client Management Skills
Since this role involves senior client-facing responsibilities, prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage key client relationships. Think about times when you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder dynamics or delivered under pressure, as these stories will resonate well with interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss how you manage scope, budgets, and timelines in your projects. Interviewers will want to see that you understand the financial implications of your work, so bring examples that illustrate your commercial acumen and how it has positively impacted project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
As a potential Director or Principal, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and mentor others. Think about your leadership style and be ready to share how you've contributed to team growth and consistent delivery standards in previous roles. This will help convey your readiness for a senior position.
