Lead – Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability (Internal/External)

As a key member of the Environmental Social & Governance department, you will support the Executive Head of ESG and Sustainability in advancing the company's sustainability agenda. Your role is crucial in embedding ESG principles, meeting compliance standards, and fostering a culture of responsible business practices. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership and stakeholders to enhance sustainability efforts and create long-term value, in line with industry best practices and shareholder priorities.

At Safaricom Ethiopia, we are a purpose-led technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In under four years, we have grown to serve over 10 million customers, with our network now reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population – a testament to our bold vision and trusted partnerships.

Guided by core values such as customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and get it done together, we are building a workplace that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering. We believe our greatest strength lies in our people. That’s why, for two consecutive years, we have proudly get earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment to people.

Join Safaricom Ethiopia and be part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has meaning, your voice matters, and your growth is our priority. Together, we are transforming lives for a digital future.

Role purpose: The ESG & Sustainability Lead is responsible for driving the implementation of the Company's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and sustainability agenda. Reporting to the Executive Head of ESG & Sustainability (EHOD), the role leads the operational delivery of ESG initiatives, embeds sustainability across business functions, and strengthens the Company's environmental, social, governance and human rights performance.

The role works closely with Executive Leadership, business units, shareholders, regulators, development partners, and the Board ESG & Impact Committee to integrate ESG considerations into business strategy, governance, operations and decision-making. The ESG & Sustainability Manager is accountable for leading ESG program implementation, sustainability reporting, ESG risk management, climate action, stakeholder engagement, business and human rights, and regulatory compliance to create long-term sustainable value for the Company and its stakeholders.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership: 

ESG Strategy and Implementation

• Lead implementation of the Company's ESG and Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, shareholder commitments, and international best practice.

• Translate ESG priorities into annual implementation plans, business initiatives, and measurable performance targets. 

• Embed ESG principles into business planning, operations, decision-making and enterprise risk management processes.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration to integrate ESG across all business functions. 

• Monitor implementation progress and recommend continuous improvements to enhance ESG performance. 

ESG Governance and Compliance

• Support the development and continuous improvement of the Company's ESG Governance Framework. 

• Ensure compliance with applicable ESG legislation, regulatory requirements, shareholder commitments, and internal governance standards. 

• Coordinate implementation of ESG policies, standards, and procedures across the business. 

• Support governance processes for Executive Leadership and the Board ESG & Impact Committee. 

• Monitor emerging ESG regulations, trends and reporting obligations and advise the business on their implications.

Climate and Environmental Sustainability

• Lead implementation of environmental sustainability programmes focused on climate action, carbon management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water stewardship and circular economy initiatives. 

• Coordinate greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and support implementation of climate targets and decarbonization initiatives. 

• Monitor environmental performance indicators and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. 

• Support climate risk assessments and environmental compliance programmes. 

Social Impact and Business & Human Rights

• Lead implementation of the Company's Business and Human Rights programme in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 

• Coordinate Human Rights Due Diligence processes across operations and the value chain. 

• Support implementation of responsible supply chain, labor rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, community investment and digital inclusion initiatives. 

• Strengthen grievance mechanisms and support remediation and continuous improvement. 

• Promote awareness of responsible business conduct and human rights across the organization. 

ESG Risk Management

• Identify, assess and monitor environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities. 

• Support integration of ESG risks into the Enterprise Risk Management framework. 

• Develop mitigation plans and monitor implementation of corrective actions. 

• Monitor emerging risks relating to climate change, human rights, responsible technology, regulatory developments and supply chains. 

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with shareholders, regulators, investors, development partners, industry associations, NGOs and community stakeholders. 

• Represent the Company in ESG and sustainability forums where appropriate. 

• Coordinate responses to ESG ratings, sustainability assessments and stakeholder information requests. 

• Support partnerships that strengthen the Company's sustainability impact and reputation. 

Impact Measurement and Reporting

• Lead preparation of the Company's Sustainability Report and other ESG disclosures. 

• Coordinate collection, validation and analysis of ESG data across the organization. 

• Develop ESG dashboards and performance reports for Executive Leadership, the Board and shareholders. 

• Monitor ESG KPIs and evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives. 

• Support ESG assurance activities and continuously improve ESG reporting systems and processes. 

Programme and Financial Management

• Lead implementation of ESG programmes and projects, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, budget and timelines. 

• Manage allocated sustainability budgets and ensure efficient use of resources. 

• Monitor programme performance and recommend improvements to maximise environmental, social, and business impact. 

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

Competency

• Strategic Thinking: Translate business strategy into practical ESG initiatives and align sustainability priorities with long-term business objectives.
• Innovation: Develop innovative ESG solutions that improve environmental, social and governance performance while creating business value. 
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance ESG objectives. 
• Collaboration:  Work effectively across business functions to embed ESG principles and achieve shared sustainability goals. 
• Decision Making: Analyse complex issues, assess risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions that balance business and sustainability priorities. 
• Problem Solving: Identify ESG challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making. 

Business Competencies:

• Integrate ESG considerations into business strategy, operations and decision-making.

• Demonstrate commercial awareness while delivering sustainable business outcomes.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed ESG across the organization.

• Balance business priorities with environmental, social and governance objectives.

Creativity and Innovation

• Develop innovative sustainability initiatives that enhance ESG performance.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and environmental and social impact.

• Promote continuous improvement through creative thinking and best practices.

Business Know how

• Apply a strong understanding of business operations, governance and risk management. 

• Understand the telecommunications industry and its ESG opportunities and challenges. 

• Align ESG initiatives with organizational objectives and shareholder expectations.

Working with Change

• Adapt to evolving regulatory requirements, ESG standards and stakeholder expectations.

• Lead and support organizational change to embed sustainability across the business.

• Drive continuous improvement in ESG processes and performance.

Project and Programe Management

• Plan, coordinate and deliver ESG programes and projects. 
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets and risks effectively. 

• Monitor project performance and ensure delivery of measurable outcomes.

Functional Competencies:

• ESG Strategy and Implementation.

• Sustainability Reporting and ESG Disclosure.

• Knowledge of international ESG frameworks and standards (e.g., GRI, IFRS Sustainability Standards, IFC Performance Standards, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ISO 14001

Key performance indicator:

• Successful implementation of the ESG Strategy and annual ESG workplan. 
• Timely delivery of ESG programs and projects within budget. 
• Publication of accurate and timely ESG Reports and disclosures. 
• Achievement of climate, environmental and social performance targets. 
• Implementation of Business and Human Rights Due Diligence. 
• Compliance with applicable ESG regulations and reporting requirements. 
• Effective identification and mitigation of ESG risks. 
• Improvement in ESG data quality and reporting maturity. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership outcomes. 

• Successful integration of ESG into business operations and decision-making

Must have technical / professional qualifications: 

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 – 7 years of progressively responsible experience in ESG, Sustainability, Climate Change, Corporate Responsibility, Human Rights, Governance or Enterprise Risk Management. 

• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide ESG programs in a large or multinational organization. 

• Experience of engaging with Executive Leadership, Boards, regulators and external stakeholders. 

• Telecommunications or infrastructure sector experience is desirable.

Desire

• Master’s degree in environmental management, Business Administration, Climate Change, law, or a related discipline. 

• Experience with ESG assurance, ESG ratings and sustainability data management systems. 

  Financial Responsibility:

• Manage assigned ESG program budgets and ensure effective allocation of resources. 

• Monitor expenditure and support financial planning for sustainability initiatives.

  How to Apply. If you feel that you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience, kindly proceed to create/ update your candidate profile on the recruitment portal and then Click on the apply button. Remember to attach your resume