At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful ESIA/ESDD projects that shape responsible capital deployment.
- Company: Join a leading international environmental advisory firm with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a £1,000 training budget.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities and ecosystems through your expertise.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in lender-facing ESIA/ESDD within Project Finance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and international 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, or 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. 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 Warrington 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 Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who are already working with lenders or investors. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for senior roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in real-world scenarios, as this will show your expertise in lender-facing ESIA/ESDD.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight instances where you've mentored teams or managed complex projects. This will demonstrate your ability to oversee multiple mandates and ensure quality delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Principal – Project Finance ESIA & ESDD (International) in Warrington
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 showcasing your direct experience with lenders, investors, and developers. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to manage environmental and social risks in complex international projects.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Project Finance team.
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 mandates.
✨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 demonstrate your credibility and calm judgement.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed project scopes, budgets, and timelines in previous roles. Highlight your understanding of financial implications and how you’ve contributed to the growth of project finance offerings, as this will resonate with the interviewers looking for someone who can drive performance.
✨Research the Firm's Values and Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research the firm’s recent projects and their approach to environmental and sustainability advisory. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in how they operate and your alignment with their values.