Sustainability Specialist (Loan Book)
Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
Midrand, South Africa · Southern Africa
Role type
Climate & Impact Investing
Experience
Senior
Deadline
2 Sep 2026
Summary
Sustainable-finance role integrating ESG and development-impact considerations across DBSA's loan book, including investment appraisal, structuring, monitoring and sustainable-finance instruments.
About the role
The Sustainability Specialist (Loan Book) leads the integration and implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across the Development Bank of Southern Africa's investment activities, applying robust safeguard policies aligned with international best practice. The role sits within the investment/sustainability function and involves appraising, structuring, and monitoring transactions for alignment with the Bank's Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards (ESSS) and international ESG reporting frameworks. DBSA is a development finance institution focused on infrastructure investment across Southern Africa and the broader continent.
Key responsibilities
Develop and implement sustainability policies aligned with international best practice and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Conduct environmental and social due diligence for investments and present ESG findings to decision-making committees
Integrate gender, climate resilience, and social inclusion considerations into project appraisals
Monitor portfolio ESG compliance and recommend corrective actions to ensure ongoing alignment
Contribute to the development of the Bank's Impact Framework and track environmental, social, and governance outcomes
Produce ESG and impact reports for internal and external stakeholders
Design and deliver ESG training programmes and facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives
Build partnerships with investors, lenders, and development partners, and represent the Bank in technical forums and sustainability networks
Support clients with ESG advisory services and structure sustainable finance solutions
Monitor portfolio-level ESG risks and performance metrics against international reporting frameworks
Key requirements
Postgraduate degree (Master's level) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Development Studies, Economics, Finance, or Engineering
Minimum 8 years of experience preparing and appraising investment projects, identifying environmental, social, and governance risks
Minimum 4 years of experience assessing climate-related risks at transaction level
Extensive experience in the infrastructure sector
Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, the Equator Principles, and national environmental legislation
Understanding of corporate governance, ESG principles, and responsible investing frameworks
Knowledge of ESG reporting frameworks including TCFD and GHG Protocol/carbon footprinting
Nice to have
Professional registration with a relevant professional body
Professional certifications in sustainability or ESG
Permanent position. Reference number: DBS260423-2. Application deadline: 2 September 2026. Location: Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa. Apply via the DBSA erecruit careers portal.