ESIA LEAD

Job Description

APM Terminals

PURPOSE

This senior-level role reports primarily to the Laldia Project HSE Manager for operational delivery, with dual/dotted lined reporting to the Senior QHSE Center of Excellence Manager – Environment & HSE for technical oversight and subject matter assurance. The Senior ESHIA Lead will lead the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and associated management plans for the Laldia Container Terminal in compliance with IFC Performance Standards, Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules (ECR 2023), and World Bank Group EHS Guidelines. The role ensures integration of ESIA findings into project design and execution, oversees specialized studies (e.g., Critical Habitat Assessment, Sediment Plume Modelling, QRA/HAZOP, GHG estimation, Climate Risk Assessment), and ensures consultants deliver on stakeholder engagement and permitting processes. The position also drives development of the project Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), and ensures timely delivery of local Bangladesh permits and licenses. In addition, the role also requires providing subject matter expertise for the ESIA. The primary focus of the role is oversight of ESIA delivery, procurement and contract management of consultants, recruitment and management of local staff for program execution, and ensuring all ESIA milestones are achieved within contractual timelines.

Type of Contract:
This is a fixed-term position aligned with the duration of the construction period. The initial contract will be for 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs.

Location:
For candidates already residing in the Netherlands, the preferred work location is within the country. For candidates based outside the Netherlands, the role will be offered as a fully remote contract position. Please note that relocation to the Netherlands is not required for this role, as it can be performed remotely.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ESIA Leadership & Strategy
• Lead the development of a ESIA Strategy and execution of the ESIA in alignment with IFC Performance Standards and project objectives.
• Through the external consultants (appointed by APM Terminals) lead preparation and implementation of ESIA and ESMP for all project phases (pre-construction, construction, operation).
• Ensure ESIA addresses physical, biological, and socio-economic impacts, cumulative impacts, and climate risks.
• Oversee specialized studies: Critical Habitat Assessment, Sediment Plume Dispersion Modelling, QRA/HAZOP, GHG Scope 1 & 2 estimation, Climate Change Risk Assessment.
• Ensure ESIA findings are integrated into engineering design and construction methods following the mitigation hierarchy.
• Through the external consultants develop and implement ESMS for construction and operation phases, aligned with IFC PS and ISO standards.
• Oversee delivery by ESIA Consultant to ensure that management programs for biodiversity, dredging, waste, wastewater, air emissions, noise, traffic, labour, OHS, and community health and safety are established.
• Lead the strategy, planning and execution for obtaining local permitting approvals in Bangladesh, within tight timeframes.

Contract Management
• Manage external consultant performance to ensure timely delivery of milestones and outputs.

Milestone Oversight & Delivery Management
• Ensure ESIA Consultant delivers key milestones on time.
• Monitor progress and escalate risks to ensure compliance with timelines.

Local Team Recruitment & Management
• Recruit, onboard, and manage local staff for ESIA execution.
• Design and implement a structured transition plan to a locally based project ESIA Coordinator in Bangladesh
• Provide mentorship and capacity-building to local staff responsible for ESIA Management Plan implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Grievance Management
• Ensure the development and implementation of a SAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan tailored to legacy displacement issues.
• Ensure inclusive consultations and transparent disclosure of SAP objectives, eligibility criteria, and entitlements.
• Establish and oversee a dedicated grievance mechanism for SAP-related issues.

Monitoring & Reporting
• Supervise the ESIA Consultant and develop clear KPIs to track ESIA delivery and effectiveness.
• Review and approve consultant-prepared reports for submission to the IEA, the Independent Engineer and the CPA, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with internal Project Execution functional teams, HR, Legal, Procurement, and Finance teams to ensure ESIA compliance and transparency.
• Collaborate with internal Project Execution functional teams to integrate ESIA requirements into project planning and execution.
• Coordinate with the Social Performance Manager to ensure ESIA findings, social impact mitigation measures and community-related commitments are fully integrated into the project Social Performance Plan.

Quality Assurance and Defensible Reporting
• Demonstrated ability to produce internal high-quality, accurate reports.
• Provide technical and quality assurance to ensure consultant’s reports are of international standard and quality, and that the consultants use robust, transparent, and defensible methodologies based on verifiable data and sound analytical frameworks that can withstand external peer review, public disclosure, and legal scrutiny.
• Apply internationally recognized standards and best practices when evaluating ESIA to ensure credibility and compliance.

Provide Subject Matter Expertise and Assurance for Social Studies
• Deliver expert review for all ESIA related reports.
• Ensure all studies meet international standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards)

Proactively Manage ESIA process Risks
• Define critical path activities for ESIA schedule.
• Identify ESIA process risks early and develop contingency plans.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate ESIA risks across all project phases, ensuring proactive management of potential impacts.
• Apply IFC Performance Standards and other international frameworks by reviewing ESIA reports and ensuring alignment with global best practices.
• Ensure ESIA mitigation measures are embedded in contractor requirements and operational processes.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to ensure ESIA process risk controls are documented and tracked.
• Provide regular E&S risk and progress updates to project leadership and corporate functions, highlighting critical risks, trade-offs and mitigation strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 20 years of experience.
• Proven expertise in managing large, multi-disciplinary, complex ESIA projects in strict accordance to IFC Performance Standards.
• Successful track record in both international ESDD and ESIA management.
• Track record in acting as international ESIA advisor and proven experience in report review and assurance for IFC, World Bank, DFIs or similar institutions.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to travel to Bangladesh as required.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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