Consultant ESG-GDEI Expert – (Full-time) 

Abidjan or Kigali 

About ESPartners 

Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESPartners) is a company which aims at enabling innovative,  scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Created in 2010 in Washington DC, ESPartners’  mission is to “Provide entrepreneurs in Africa with the keys to sustainable success.” 

ESPartners supports people, companies, institutions, and nations in articulating, implementing and  disseminating solutions to their economic challenges, and in facilitating private sector development and  supporting MSMEs across Africa. ESPartners has worked with multiple clients: entrepreneurs, MSMEs,  governments, and development partners, including the World Bank Group / IFC, Mastercard  Foundation, the African Development Bank. 

Our firm operates across the African continent through two regional offices: in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,  covering West and Central Africa, and in Kigali, Rwanda, for East and Southern Africa operations. 

At ESPartners, we believe in people. We live by the idea of constantly delivering services at the cutting  edge of business practices, but also, of bringing into our team, the most talented, adaptable, qualified,  driven and diverse people available. 

ESPartners’ approach is to provide « Intelligent CapitalTM », meaning the right combination of insights  and capital, to address critical societal issues, by providing advisory services and solutions to diverse  clients, via two practice areas, and to deliver on varied aspects of our mission: 

• SCALE – It facilitates the passage of entrepreneurs to scale throughout structured processes, combining support at any stage of maturity (ideation, incubation and acceleration), and access to financing solutions (debts, grants and equity). 
• INSIGHTS – Consulting services aimed at creating and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable development through the competitiveness of value chains, business strategies, leadership and change mentality. 

ESPartners has four core values expressed via P.A.C.E.: Passion, Agility, Collaboration and Equity. 

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). ln 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 SM Es 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 1 0 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. 
• ln-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship and private sector development, with a preference for  SM Es 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: 

Professional Impact and Growth 

• Central role in building Africa’s most dynamic entrepreneurial community
• Opportunity to directly impact hundreds of entrepreneurs and their businesses
• Platform to contribute to sustainable development and economic empowerment
• Access to extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors, and development practitioners

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based incentives linked to community engagement metrics
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Communication and travel allowances
• Professional development opportunities and training programs
• Annual leave days according to local legislation

Career Development 

• Growth opportunities within ESPartners’ expanding operations
• Exposure to international best practices in community development
• Access to training in entrepreneurship, community management, and stakeholder engagement
• Networking opportunities with global development and business communities

Mission Alignment 

• Direct contribution to building a prosperous Africa through entrepreneurship
• Opportunity to witness and facilitate real transformation in entrepreneurs’ lives
• Platform to create lasting impact on African business ecosystem

How to Apply 

Send your CV and cover letter to: careers@espartners.co 

Reference: ESG-GDEI Expert 

Required Documents: 

• Detailed CV highlighting community engagement and relationship management experience
• Cover letter demonstrating passion for entrepreneurship and community development
• Two professional references, preferably from community or stakeholder management roles
• Portfolio of community events or engagement initiatives (if available)

ESPartners is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We particularly  encourage applications from candidates with strong community ties and understanding of African  entrepreneurship ecosystems.