Environmental Specialist - Transnet

Position Purpose:

To assist the Manager: Environmental Planning & Management in developing, monitoring and facilitating the implementation of integrated environmental management policies, processes, procedures, systems and responsibilities in Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) in line with Transnet’s policies, to ensure legal compliance and best practice in the implementation of capital solutions in the business.

Position outputs:

• Oversee and manage the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other environmental approval processes for all assigned projects in co-operation with Project Managers:

• Identify the need for any environmental approvals through appropriate baseline/screening exercises;
• Draft specific terms of reference and quality criteria for the appointment of environmental consultants to perform any required environmental work;

• Accurately estimate budgetary requirements for services to be procured;
• Review proposals and appoint service providers in line with TNPA procurement protocols;
• Tender evaluation, development of environmental criteria and adjudication thereof;
• Engage service providers on the day-to-day management of environmental approval processes for all assigned projects;
• Ensure that environmental legal requirements are met and that service providers are provided with all the necessary information to conduct the necessary assessment of the proposed development;

• Work together with the project team and appointed service providers to develop feasible alternatives as well as mitigation for significant environmental impacts identified through environmental assessment processes;

• Hold regular progress review meetings with relevant service providers;
• Provide detailed comment on all relevant documentation, studies etc. before and during the environmental assessment processes;

• Ensure proper contract management of appointed service providers and that the required deliverables are obtained on time, within budget and in accordance with relevant quality requirements;

• Implement environmental requirements of the Transnet Project Lifecycle Process (PLP);
• Facilitate communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders during environmental processes;
• Provide input on all assigned projects for communication to Project Team and other relevant stakeholders;
• Monitor compliance with Environmental Authorisation (EA) requirements, license/permits for all projects during and post projects implementation;

• Coordinate or facilitate external environmental audits or authority inspection on projects under execution;
• Review all reports from the Environmental Officer, including sign off on monthly inspections and Method Statements;
• Conduct any environmental incident investigation;
• Develop training programmes and other environmental awareness initiatives within the area of responsibility;
• Ensure all relevant documentation compiled during environmental assessment processes are adequately maintained in accordance with Document Control procedures and handed over to the end user when required.

• Provide necessary environmental inputs to all reports as directed by the Manager: Environmental Planning & Management.
• Comment on all new environmental legislation as requested;
• Provide necessary input to support systems and required reporting and ensure implementation of all systems on all projects;

• Compile environmental legal opinions for projects when required;
• Provide support to the Construction Manager and the TNPA Environmental Officer (EO) during the construction phase;
• Provide support to the Project Manager with the management of environmental issues;
• Inclusion of Environmental Specifications in Engineering and Construction Contracts to enter the market;
• Provide necessary Assurance to the TNPA Leadership Team on Environmental Performance by conducting audits through random sampling and in accordance with Transnet’s protocols.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management or another closely related discipline is required
• 5 years of experience in the field of environmental management
• Experience in the Environmental Impact Assessment and Public Participation process, as required by NEMA and another applicable regulatory framework would be a distinct advantage

Working Conditions/Inherent Requirements of the Job:

• Professional registration or eligibility to be professionally registered with SACNASP.
• Driver's license code 8.
• Work is performed in both external and internal environments
• Regular travel
• Irregular hours

Competencies:

Skills Required:

• Business Acumen.
• Cognitive Capacity.
• High Ethical Standards.
• Results-driven and dynamic.
• Presentable, professional and confident.
• Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Team player.
• Presentation & Communication skills.
• Report writing.
• Computer literacy.
• Consulting and advisory skills.
• Analytical skills

Knowledge required:

• A good understanding of South African Environmental Legislation, in particular, the National Environmental Management Act and associated Sectorial/Specific Environmental Management Acts

• Industry best-practice standards regarding environmental science and - management.

Attributes required:

Transnet Leadership Competencies Required: Anchoring the Transnet Way

• Is a conceptual and analytical thinker
• Is results focused
• Is courageous
• Is resilient
• Is emotionally intelligent
• Is an excellent communicator