ESG & GDEI Expert – Full-Time position

Who We Are

Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) is dedicated to fostering prosperity by empowering innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises. Our mission, “to foster entrepreneurial solutions for prosperity,” reflects our belief that sustainable transformation stems from an entrepreneurial mindset that leverages scalable and innovative solutions to generate lasting impact.

Founded in January 2011 in Washington, DC, ESP has grown to operate across the African continent, with regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kigali, Rwanda. With experience spanning over 15 African nations, ESP continues to expand its presence to drive entrepreneurship across the region.

At ESP, we deliver Intelligent Capital™—a strategic blend of insight and financial resources—to solve pressing societal challenges. We provide comprehensive advisory services to entrepreneurs, SMEs, businesses, governments, and development partners. This support is enhanced by innovative business models, leadership training, and entrepreneurial programs.

Core Practice Areas:

1. Scale: Initiatives and platforms designed to inspire, incubate, and accelerate enterprises at all stages of their lifecycle. These initiatives support leaders with transformative potential in developing regions and include innovative financing models.
2. Insights: Consulting services that develop and implement creative, sustainable strategies to improve value chain competitiveness, drive business development, and enhance leadership capabilities. Our projects, such as Finance S’Engage™ and Data for Growth, blend global expertise with local insight.

Our Values: Passion, agility, collaboration, and equity define the ESP team. We seek motivated, high-caliber professionals dedicated to achieving ambitious goals that foster prosperity in Africa.

Position Overview

ESP seeks an ambitious, motivated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) & Gender, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (GDEI) Expert to collaborate on various programs involving foundations, institutions, and associations, such as the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (MFAGF). In this role, you will provide essential support to the private sector across Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing ESG and GDEI.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing sustainability strategies and gender-focused policies for the private sector, particularly SMEs in Africa. Strong interpersonal and business acumen, coupled with self-drive and a strong work ethic, are essential for this role.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ESP’s ESG and GDEI frameworks within various programs.
• Create and adapt ESG and GDEI tools and training materials.
• Train and assist analysts in executing support strategies for investment funds and portfolio companies, including ESG and GDEI practice evaluations, action plan development, and monitoring implementation progress.
• Provide support to stakeholders through ESP’s Business Development Supplier network.
• Assess the impact of initiatives and ensure comprehensive reporting to key partners.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a multidisciplinary field with specialization in ESG/Sustainable Development (e.g., business or engineering school).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainability policy design and implementation within a company or consulting/auditing firm.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluating sustainability performance and impact.
• In-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and private sector development, with a preference for SMEs context.
• Professional or extracurricular experience on the African continent, with an understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Versatility with strong analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency in English and French.

We offer

• Integration into a highly professional, dynamic, and motivated team.
• A unique opportunity to contribute to building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.
• A daily entrepreneurial experience with substantial impact.
• Personal and professional growth, with a focus on nurturing future entrepreneurial leaders.
• An expanding initiative that fosters strategic development.
• High-level networking opportunities.
• A competitive and rewarding compensation package.

Commitment to Diversity

ESP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for employment without bias regarding gender, religion, race, nationality, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, or political views. Diversity is at the heart of our organization, and we encourage you to join our diverse and inclusive community. 

Are you passionate about driving economic growth in Africa through entrepreneurship? Click here to apply now and join our team committed to fostering prosperity across the continent.