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Head of Sustainability & ESG

Enko Capital United Kingdom Added on Aug 23, 2026
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As the head of sustainability, you will direct the environmental and social management systems for a major African-focused private credit fund. You will take full ownership of the investment lifecycle, from conducting initial risk screenings to monitoring portfolio company compliance with international standards. This involves translating complex regulatory and impact data into clear, actionable insights for the investment committee.

This role is a unique opportunity to drive measurable development impact across the African continent. By integrating climate finance goals and gender-lens investing into private debt, you ensure that capital flows toward projects that foster job creation and social equity. You will be the vital link between institutional investors seeking responsible returns and emerging market enterprises striving for sustainable growth.

This suits someone who possesses a deep commercial mindset and extensive experience in emerging markets finance. You should be a high-level communicator comfortable navigating both high-finance boardrooms and on-the-ground technical audits in diverse cultural contexts.

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) across the full investment lifecycle. This includes conducting initial ESG screenings and assigning risk ratings based on IFC and DFI methodologies, as well as managing detailed due diligence for prospective borrowers. You will also be responsible for developing concrete action plans, such as Environmental & Social Action Plans (ESAPs) and Climate Action Plans, ensuring these commitments are legally embedded in credit documentation. Monitoring portfolio performance and producing comprehensive impact reports for investors are core ongoing duties.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers deep exposure to the technical nuances of impact finance in frontier markets, particularly regarding the 2X gender-lens investing criteria and Sustainable Development Goals. You will gain expertise in aligning private credit portfolios with sophisticated international frameworks like TCFD, TNFD, and the newest IFRS sustainability standards. Furthermore, you will refine your leadership skills by managing specialist external consultants and training internal investment teams. The position provides a front-row seat to the evolution of climate finance and business integrity standards within the specific regulatory environments of multiple African jurisdictions.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal profile features 10 to 15 years of experience in ESG or responsible investment, with a mandatory minimum of five years specifically within private equity, private credit, or DFI finance in emerging markets. Technical mastery of the IFC Performance Standards and the IFC Exclusion List is non-negotiable. Soft skills are equally critical; the firm seeks an analytical leader with cultural fluency and the ability to translate technical E&S risks into credit-relevant insights. While English is the primary language, proficiency in French is a major advantage given the firm's operations in Francophone Africa.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a successful track record of engaging with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and pension funds. Showcasing your ability to move beyond high-level policy into the 'nuts and bolts' of credit documentation and covenant design will prove your commercial relevance. Highlight your direct experience with African markets and your understanding of local labor and health and safety regulations. Since this is a senior role, focusing on your governance experience—specifically reporting to LPACs or similar bodies—will be highly beneficial for the selection process.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on social and developmental impact, specifically targeting job creation and gender equality through 2X criteria. It bridges the gap between capital deployment and tangible UN Sustainable Development Goal outcomes, ensuring that credit helps build resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization. Environmental focus centers on climate risk mitigation and transition finance. You will ensure that portfolio companies are not only compliant with E&S standards but are also equipped with robust Climate Action Plans to manage physical and transition risks inherent in the African continent’s geography.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A significant challenge will be the data scarcity often found in emerging market portfolio companies, requiring creative yet rigorous methods for impact verification. You will need to balance strict DFI compliance requirements with the fast-paced, commercial demands of a private credit environment. Additionally, the geographical spread of the portfolio across multiple countries means navigating varied regulatory landscapes and logistical complexities. Ensuring consistent ESG performance across diverse sectors and jurisdictions will require high levels of organizational skill and persistence.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing a screening report for a new credit facility, followed by a meeting with the Investment Committee to discuss business integrity risks of a prospective borrower. You might then coordinate with external consultants currently conducting on-site audits in Côte d’Ivoire or South Africa. Afternoons are often dedicated to stakeholder management, such as drafting quarterly impact dashboards for Limited Partners or advising an investee company on its social grievance mechanism. The role involves a mix of high-level strategy, detailed documentation review, and frequent communication with regional offices.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This is a senior leadership position with significant visibility, offering the chance to shape the sustainability architecture of a growing asset management group. Successful performance in this role could lead to broader executive responsibilities within the Enko Capital Group as the firm expands its fund offerings. You will also build a powerful network among global DFI leaders and institutional investors, positioning yourself as a top-tier expert in the niche intersection of private credit and emerging market ESG strategy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Investment Committee, compliance and legal teams, and the broader investment team across London and Africa. You will act as a bridge between the front-office deal makers and the firm's rigorous risk management functions. External interactions are frequent and high-level, involving Limited Partners (LPs), Development Finance Institutions, and portfolio company management teams. You will also represent the firm in interactions with ESG sub-committees and regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing alignment with global best practices.

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