Project Development (ESG) Manager

Job summary:

The ESG Manager will lead the country-level implementation of Vena Group’s ESG policy and management systems, ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements and alignment with Group ESG expectations and international best practices. The role serves as a strategic advisor to leadership and a key function under the Business Development-Project Development team, collaborating with the Engineering, Construction, Land Acquisition, HR, O&M, and Legal teams to embed ESG across all renewable energy projects in the Philippines and corporate operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Implement and oversee the application of the Group’s ESG framework and roadmap across projects within the Philippines country portfolio.
• Integrate ESG considerations into project development, construction, and operations in line with Group ESG policies and standards.
• Promote ESG awareness and accountability across project teams and contractors, ensuring compliance with country requirements while supporting alignment with the Group’s ESG policies and standards.

Environmental & Social Performance

• Ensure compliance with Vena Group’s ESG policies and alignment with global ESG frameworks including IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles.
• Coordinate and support the delivery of ESIAs, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and social safeguards processes in collaboration with project teams and external consultants.
• Monitor ESG-related risks and work with project teams to address issues that may affect permitting, financing, and project viability.

Project Lifecycle Support (Solar, Wind & BESS)

• Provide ESG leadership from early-stage development through construction and operations.
• Integrate ESG risk assessment and mitigation into project planning and execution.
• Review consultant outputs and ensure alignment with international standards.

Governance, Reporting & Investor Relations

• Establish project-level ESG policies and standards, KPIs, and reporting systems.
• Lead ESG disclosures and reporting to investors, lenders, regulators, and rating agencies.
• Contribute to transparent ESG reporting and continuous improvement of sustainability practices across projects.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor emerging ESG trends and regulatory developments.
• Benchmark Project ESG performance against applicable global standards and peer companies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen ESG practices and support continuous improvement across the country portfolio.

Prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Social Science, Engineering, or related field
• (Advanced) Formal training on ESG standards (IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, ISO 14001 / ISO45001)
• Training in stakeholder engagement or social safeguards frameworks
• Minimum 5 years of experience in ESG, Environmental & Social (E&S) management, or sustainability roles
• Hands-on experience applying IFC Performance Standards and/or Equator Principles
• Experience across renewable energy project lifecycles (solar, wind, BESS)
• Strong knowledge of international ESG frameworks (IFC PS, EP, OECD Guidelines, UNGP)
• Proficiency in ESG risk assessment, ESIA coordination, and social safeguards management
• Experience with ESG reporting (GRI, lender reporting formats) and KPI development
• Understanding of health, safety, environment (HSE) and community impact processes
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive compliance
• Analytical thinking and strong problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently