Please use the following information to convince the university to accept me for the program me for the program. Where I am going and how the program will help my career. And Also appreciate the scholaship.
I am a registered Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientist (SACNASP) with 15yrs experience and a dedicated ESG and Impact specialist. I am an experienced strategic environmental and sustainability specialist with a background in environmental science, sustainability, ESG, climate change, carbon assessment, development planning and environmental management systems.
I have been involved in various development projects including powerlines, substations renewable energy technologies (Wind, Solar and Hydro) with direct focus and interest in Environmental, Social, Governance issues and compliance. I have worked as an environmental consultant undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), Environmental Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments, Legal and Compliance reviews, SHERQ+ Sustainability Risk Assessments, Construction and Operation Environmental Management Plans, (CEMPS & OEMPS), Due Diligence, Auditing, development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems and root cause analysis, training, monitoring and reporting. I work in collaboration with organizations to develop and implement strategies to improve ESG performance, improve investor confidence, acquire funding, and maximize positive outcomes and impact of development projects in beneficiary communities.
My Environmental Management expertise covers a range of roles, including conducting environmental impact assessments, developing environmental management plans: power lines studies, road projects, renewable energy technologies (Lesedi and Letsatsi solar farms and Sere Wind farm), as well as Environmental Control Officer work for various roads, power lines and construction projects.
Through managing and conducting these roles, I have been extensively exposed to different components of natural ecosystems, how they are affected by human activities and the environmental management principles and technologies available technologies to minimize and mitigate these effects.
I am also passionate about supporting clients with identification of investor requirements, preparation on how to achieve them and the embedding ESG and sustainability impact into their activities, project and investment decision making processes.
I have experience in working on World Bank Group funded projects, bank funded projects (including assisting project align with investor requirements) and associated environmental and social standards and other sustainability and environmental frameworks – including the Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards, IFC EHS Guidelines, OECD Common Approach, Corporate, Integrated and Sustainability Reporting (GRI) as well as King IV Code of Governance etc. I have in-depth knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and completed many online courses facilitated by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. I have undertaken projects in Africa.
I am passionate about supporting clients with identification of investor requirements, preparation on how to achieve them and the embedding ESG and sustainability impact into their activities, project and investment decision making processes.
I hold BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science, is a Certified SHEQ Auditor for ISO 14001 ISO 9001 and 44001 Management Systems and has interest in initiatives and actions aimed at the preservation of a Natural Resources, Social well Being and the policies and that shape framework of achieving Sustainability. I have been extensively exposed to ISO 37001:2021 which is a Governance standard.
I have managed teams to integrate environmental and social performance strategies into business processes, including the creation and management of new tools, policies, protocols, standards, governance, competency frameworks and communication plans to manage sustainability risks and up-skill employees across the business. Enterprise development and relationship development with internal and external stakeholders also form part of the job responsibilities.
I have also led innovative consultation and engagement programmes inspiring suppliers and staff and other stakeholders and have influenced management to adopt more sustainable practices through the identification of risks, threats and opportunities.
I have developed Environmental Risk Frameworks to give effect to environmental policy, ensuring a transparent and consistent application of an environmental appraisal to all potential investments, programmes and projects. Risk identification relating to, amongst others: climate change and carbon management, global environmental change, natural and built environmental impact, legal compliance, institutional capacity, governance, and public and stakeholder concerns. I have also undertaken several due diligence assessments.
I have strong negotiating skills and have worked in many different types of organisations, environments and sectors, having been responsible for defining environmental business strategies, driving performance through improving awareness and participation of employees and management, risk identification, research, training, mentoring and actively implementing the collaboratively set goals and targets. I am an avid reader and have a passion for research and like to keep abreast of developing trends, ideas and thinking.