Principal ESIA Consultant

About the role

SLR is seeking a Principal ESIA Consultant to lead and manage Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) projects across the Middle East, Africa and other international markets. The role will be based in Dubai and involves delivering high‑quality advisory services that meet international lender standards and national regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary ESIA projects from inception through to completion.
• Act as Project Director or Technical Lead, providing strategic oversight, quality assurance and coaching to project teams.
• Ensure projects comply with IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, World Bank ESS, EBRD requirements and other DFI frameworks.
• Coordinate specialist teams covering biodiversity, air quality, noise, climate change, water, marine, cultural heritage and engineering.
• Conduct environmental and social due diligence, screening studies, audits, feasibility studies and strategic environmental assessments.
• Manage permitting and regulatory approval processes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Interface directly with clients, lenders, regulators, government agencies and project stakeholders.
• Oversee preparation, review and quality assurance of ESIA reports, management plans and other technical deliverables.

Required profile

• Extensive experience managing ESIA projects for international lenders and national regulators.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver projects to DFI standards.
• Strong technical background in environmental and social assessment across sectors such as renewable energy, desalination, power generation, water, industrial developments, ports and transport.
• Experience working in the GCC is preferred but not essential.

Required skills

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Social Impact Assessment