Job Description

On behalf of UK Export Finance, we are looking for a Environmental and Social (E&S) Advisor for a 6 months Inside IR35 contract based Hybrid in London and travel outside of the UK once every 4 months, as needed.

When it comes to exporting, having a great product or service is only half the story. Putting the right finance and insurance in place can make the difference, helping you to win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid.

UK Export Finance is the UK government's export credit agency. We support exports for any size company and across all industries, from capital goods to services and intangibles like intellectual property. Our mission is to advance prosperity by ensuring no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, doing that sustainably and at no net cost to the taxpayer.

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be eligible and willing to undergo these checks

As a Environmental and Social (E&S) Advisor your main responsibilities will be:

Activities/services that may be required include, but are not restricted to:

Review of material

Gain an understanding of the Project including the goods and services to be exported from the UK based on information provided by the exporter, Project sponsors and any other sources as may be agreed with UKEF.

Review material provided by the exporter, Project sponsors and any other sources as may be agreed with UKEF such as Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) including Health and Safety Management Plans and Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Reports of any Independent Environmental and Social Consultants acting on behalf of the Project sponsor, etc.

ESHR screening, due diligence and monitoring

Screen new transactions for classification, in accordance with the CA and EP.

Where a Project is classified as category A or B:

Carry out ESHR due diligence based on the information provided and against the relevant international standards.

Support the E&S team to negotiate with Project sponsors (and the exporter, where applicable) actions or mitigations to be undertaken to ensure the Project alignment with international standards.

Produce a report in the UKEF documentary format setting out the process and outcomes of the ESHR due diligence process; and

Assist the E&S team in any proposed monitoring of the construction, operation and/or decommissioning phases of a Project, including conducting site visits. Review monitoring reports (from independent E&S consultants) or borrower/buyer self-monitoring reports, as applicable, for those transactions that have reached financial close.

Proportionate ESHR due diligence or climate change considerations for all other transactions out of the scope of CA or EP.

Support the E&S team in interactions with exporters and/or Project sponsors to obtain additional information to understand the ESHR capacity of key Project parties.

Support the E&S team in interactions with environmental and/or social issues specialists of any relevant institutions (including other export credit agencies and financial institutions such as the banks involved in the Project) regarding ESHR due diligence to facilitate and ensure a common understanding of potential ESHR impacts and risks.

Assist the E&S team in its consultations with other government departments and other interested parties in relation to potential ESHR impacts and risks.

Support the E&S team in meetings and conference calls with Project sponsors, exporters, lenders and other Project parties, as applicable.

Involvement in any other tasks relating to ESHR due diligence as required by the E&S Team.

Essential:

Proven experience using the IFC 2012 Performance Standards and World Bank Group (EHS) Guidelines.

Proven experience undertaking due diligence and monitoring in relation to ESHR impacts and/or Experience undertaking and reviewing international standards Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.

Proven experience of disciplines relevant to the performance of the Services.

Proven experience in projects where OECD Common Approaches and Equator Principles apply.

Significant experience working with International Export Credit Agencies and/or Commercial Lenders.

Knowledge of other international sustainability standards (Green/ Social/sustainability Loan/Bond Principles

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

DE&I Commitment

UKEF guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

Armed Forces Covenant

UK Export Finance guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different