Analista Socioambiental

The Analyst Socioambiental will be the primary interface between EPR's highway operations and local communities, ensuring that social and environmental safeguards are respected. A core mission is to implement and monitor the IFC Performance Standards (PDS), particularly PDS 05 on resettlement and livelihood restoration, and PDS 07 on indigenous peoples and traditional communities. This involves conducting stakeholder engagement, mediating conflicts, and supporting the development of social programs. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing resettlement processes, mapping opportunities for social investment, preparing and monitoring public calls for projects, and executing environmental education and community relations activities. The Analyst will also support environmental licensing processes, ensuring compliance with social and environmental conditions, and assist in audits and inspections. Longer-term, the role aims to integrate sustainable development into EPR's operations, fostering positive relationships with communities and ensuring that infrastructure projects contribute to local development while minimizing harm. The Analyst will help collect data for sustainability indicators and ESG initiatives, supporting the company's overall sustainability strategy.

You will gain deep expertise in the IFC Performance Standards (PDS), particularly PDS 05 and 07, which are rarely mastered outside large infrastructure projects. This knowledge is highly sought after in the ESG and sustainability field, especially for roles involving social risk management and community relations. The role also offers hands-on experience with Brazilian environmental licensing processes, interacting with agencies like IBAMA and IAT, and managing compliance with complex condicionantes. This practical exposure is invaluable for anyone aiming to become a subject matter expert in environmental and social governance. Additionally, you'll develop skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, conflict mediation, and social investment design. Working at EPR, a major player in highway concessions, will provide insights into how sustainability is integrated into large-scale infrastructure operations, potentially opening doors to senior roles in the sector.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Biology, Environmental Management, or a related field, and has at least two years of experience in socio-environmental roles, preferably in infrastructure or large-scale projects. A postgraduate degree in Sustainability, ESG, Environmental Management, or Public Policies is desirable. They should have solid knowledge of Brazilian environmental legislation, particularly IBAMA and IAT regulations, and hands-on experience with environmental licensing and compliance with social and environmental conditions. Familiarity with IFC Performance Standards (PDS) or similar frameworks is key. Experience in stakeholder engagement, conflict mediation, and work with vulnerable communities is important. Soft skills include empathy, cultural sensitivity, negotiation, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, from government officials to traditional communities. A valid driver's license (CNH B) and intermediate Office skills are required. Experience with ISO 14001 and risk management would be advantageous.

To stand out, tailor your application to EPR's specific context as a highway concessionaire in Paraná, highlighting your experience with licenciamento ambiental (IBAMA, IAT) and condicionantes sociais. Concrete examples of your work with PDS (especially 05 and 07) or similar frameworks will be highly valued, so be prepared to discuss specific projects where you managed resettlement or livelihood restoration. In your cover letter, demonstrate familiarity with the challenges of linear infrastructure projects, such as land acquisition, community grievances, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Show that you can navigate the complex regulatory environment in Brazil and that you understand the social risks tied to highway construction and operation. During interviews, emphasize your ability to build trust with vulnerable communities, mediate conflicts, and work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, and environmental teams. Knowledge of ISO 14001 and ESG reporting frameworks could further differentiate you, as EPR appears to be integrating sustainability into its concession model.

The role is heavily focused on the social dimension of sustainability, particularly community relations, human rights, and social risk management. It ensures that EPR's highway concessions comply with social performance standards, such as those from the IFC, and that affected communities are treated fairly, especially in cases of resettlement or impact on traditional livelihoods. Environmental aspects are also present, as the Analyst supports environmental licensing and monitoring of issues like waste, water resources, and biodiversity. However, the emphasis is on the intersection of social and environmental safeguards, aligning with ESG criteria that are increasingly important to investors and regulators. By fostering local development through social investment and environmental education, the role contributes to EPR's purpose of sustainable development. It also supports governance aspects by ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining the company's social license to operate, which is essential for long-term infrastructure concessions.

A key challenge is balancing the operational pressures of highway construction and maintenance with the time and sensitivity required for meaningful community engagement and conflict resolution. Social issues can be unpredictable, and the Analyst may face resistance or distrust from communities affected by projects, requiring resilience and strong mediation skills. The regulatory environment in Brazil is complex, with overlapping federal and state requirements, and the Analyst must ensure compliance while navigating bureaucratic processes. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and community leaders, can be demanding and requires excellent communication and negotiation abilities. Another challenge is the need to integrate social programs with environmental and engineering activities, often requiring influencing internal teams that may not prioritize social aspects. Measuring and demonstrating the impact of social investments can also be difficult, especially in the short term.

A typical day might start with a team meeting to align on priorities, such as upcoming community meetings or deadlines for licensing reports. The Analyst could then spend time reviewing documents, preparing technical reports, or analyzing data related to social indicators. They might also visit a project site to meet with community members, conduct field assessments, or attend a public hearing. In the afternoon, they could participate in a call with government agencies or internal departments to discuss compliance issues or coordinate social programs. They might also work on drafting edicts for social investment projects or reviewing contractor reports. Conflict mediation or addressing community grievances could arise unexpectedly, requiring quick and sensitive handling. The role involves a mix of office-based work and fieldwork, with variability depending on project phases. During construction, community engagement and resettlement activities are intense; during operation, the focus may shift to monitoring and long-term programs. The Analyst must be adaptable and organized to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders.

This role offers a strong platform for growth in the growing field of social performance and sustainability within large infrastructure projects. As EPR expands its portfolio of highway concessions, the Analyst could take on more complex projects, potentially moving into a coordinator or manager position overseeing multiple concessions or a regional team. The exposure to international standards like IFC Performance Standards (PDS) and interaction with regulators and communities builds a highly transferable skill set. You might also branch into related areas such as ESG strategy, stakeholder engagement, or sustainability reporting, especially if EPR continues to mature its sustainability agenda. Additionally, successful delivery of social programs and compliance could lead to opportunities in other Equipav or Perfin portfolio companies, given the group's focus on infrastructure investments. The role could also serve as a stepping stone to a corporate sustainability role at the holding level.

Internally, the Analyst will work closely with the sustainability/environmental team, project managers, engineering, legal, and communications departments. They will also interact with senior management to report on social performance and compliance. Collaboration with the operations team is essential to ensure that social considerations are integrated into daily activities. Externally, the main stakeholders include local communities, community leaders, indigenous groups, traditional populations, and affected families. Building trust and maintaining open communication with these groups is critical. The Analyst will also engage with government agencies such as IBAMA, IAT, and municipal authorities, as well as potentially with NGOs and civil society organizations. Additionally, they will coordinate with contractors, consultants, and auditors involved in licensing, social programs, and compliance monitoring. Investors and lenders may also be indirect stakeholders, as they require adherence to sustainability standards. Effective stakeholder management is central to the role.