Sustainability Manager

About Old Mutual Alternative Investments

Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI) is a prominent private investment manager in Africa, specializing in alternative investments. With operations dating back to 2000 in South Africa, OMAI stands as a pioneering force in the investment arena under the umbrella of Old Mutual Group, which boasts over 175 years of experience in Africa. OMAI manages a diverse portfolio with an impressive ZAR 147.6 billion (approximately USD 7.8 billion) in assets, spanning Infrastructure, Private Equity, Impact Investing, Hybrid Capital, and Diversified Credit. The company is committed to delivering competitive returns to investors while fostering positive, sustainable impacts on communities and the environment. Old Mutual, established in 1845, is a leading African financial services group offering a broad spectrum of financial solutions across 14 countries, encompassing Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management, and Banking and Lending, driven by their purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day.

About this Role

Old Mutual Alternative Investments is on the lookout for a talented and experienced sustainability specialist to join its team. In the role of Sustainability Manager, you will provide crucial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and impact support to investment teams in AIIM, particularly in the due diligence process. You will play a continuous role in managing, monitoring, and optimizing the fund manager’s assets, which typically include vital infrastructure such as toll roads, airports, ports, renewable energy, digital, and telecoms towers across Africa. Your responsibilities will encompass understanding and shaping the ESG and impact strategy, supporting investment teams with ESG due diligence, and providing specialized expertise across sectors to effectively manage ESG risks and drive impact. You will also oversee the sustainability aspects of projects, assist in sustainability compliance, manage sustainability data, and represent OMAI in public forums, ensuring adherence to relevant ESG standards and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Understand and determine the ESG and impact strategy of the fund manager.
• Support ESG due diligence to comply with OMAI ESG requirements.
• Provide expertise across multiple sectors and asset classes.
• Review and assist with the sustainability aspects of projects.
• Monitor sustainability obligations, including site visits and team engagements.
• Prepare investor and sustainability reports and respond to ESG queries.
• Manage sustainability data and derive insights for clients.
• Train investment teams in sustainability-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with ESG requirements.
• Represent OMAI in forums on Sustainability topics.
• Provide thought leadership and deliverables.

Requirements

• Relevant qualifications in environmental and/or social sciences.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in French.
• Appropriate professional registration or certification.
• Understanding and working knowledge of sustainability standards and guidelines.
• Experience in ESG screening, impact assessments, and due diligence.
• Expertise in biodiversity, biophysical, and socio-economic knowledge.
• Experience in sustainability aspects of capital-intensive projects.
• Experience with environmental and social management systems in operational businesses.

Benefits

• Professional growth opportunities.
• Exposure to a diverse range of investment sectors.
• Opportunity to influence significant infrastructure projects across Africa.
• Engaging with a leading financial services organization with a strong commitment to sustainability.