Job Title

ESG Head – AfriWood Holdings FZCO (Benin)

About Us

AfriWood Holdings FZCO, subsidiary of ARISE IIP is an international forestry and wood-products investment group with operations across West and Central Africa, focused on the sustainable development of plantation and timber assets.

Headquartered in the UAE, AfriWood provides strategic oversight, capital, and governance for its African subsidiaries, combining local operational expertise with international management, ESG standards, and global market access.

The Group is active across the forestry value chain, including Sustainable plantation development (including teak), Wood processing & value addition, Export-oriented timber products and Long-term asset management with strong ESG integration in align with its commitment towards Responsible forestry, Community development, Compliance with national & international regulations and Long-term value creation

Location

Benin (with regular site presence and engagement with local communities and authorities)

Reporting Line

Reports to: Project CEO

Works closely with: Operations, Forestry Management, Finance, Legal, and External Advisors

Role Purpose

The ESG General Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for the development of Teak plantation project under SODEF in Benin. The role ensures regulatory compliance, international sustainability standards adherence, Forest Certification, risk mitigation, stakeholder trust, and long-term value creation for investors, communities, and the environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Environmental Management

• Develop and implement the Environmental Management System (EMS) aligned with IFC Performance Standards, FSC principles, and national forestry regulations.
• Oversee Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and ensure implementation of Environmental & Social Management Plans (ESMP).
• Monitor biodiversity (Flora & Fauna, critical habitats, High Conservation Values- HCV Zone), soil health, water usage, and chemical inputs related to teak cultivation.
• Implement climate-smart forestry practices, developing management plant for harvesting of timbers and approvals from ministry, carbon sequestration monitoring, and deforestation-free supply chain controls.
• Ensure compliance with Benin environmental laws and reporting requirements.

2. Social & Community Relations

• Design and manage the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) where applicable.
• Oversee community development programs, Participative mapping, grievance mechanisms, and local employment initiatives.
• Manage land acquisition processes ensuring transparent negotiations, fair compensation, and avoidance of land conflict.
• Ensure compliance with labor standards, occupational health & safety, and workers’ rights in line with ILO conventions.

3. Governance & Compliance

• Establish ESG governance structures, policies, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with anti-corruption, ethics, and whistleblower frameworks.
• Support board-level ESG reporting and risk oversight.
• Coordinate ESG audits, certifications (e.g., FSC), and lender/investor due diligence.

4. Reporting & Investor Relations

• Lead ESG reporting, Develop KPIs and dashboards to track ESG performance and risks.
• Act as the primary ESG interface with investors, lenders, NGOs, and regulators.
• Prepare ESG sections for annual reports, impact reports, and financing documentation.

5. Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify ESG-related risks (environmental, social, reputational, regulatory) and develop mitigation plans.
• Conduct regular site audits and corrective action plans.
• Embed ESG awareness and training across operational teams.
• Stay current on evolving sustainability regulations affecting forestry and agriculture in Africa and the EU.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in environmental science, Forestry, Sustainability, ESG, or related field.

Experience

• 12-15 years of ESG, sustainability, or E&S management experience, preferably in forestry, agriculture, plantations, or natural resource projects.
• Proven experience in West Africa or similar emerging markets.
• Strong knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines, FSC, and EU sustainability frameworks.
• Experience managing ESIAs, land tenure issues, and community relations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with sustainability outcomes.
• Excellent reporting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; French highly preferred.
• High ethical standards and cultural sensitivity.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• ESG compliance and audit outcomes
• Successful ESIA and certification completion
• Community grievance resolution rates
• Health, safety, and labor compliance metrics
• Investor and lender ESG satisfaction