Social Performance Manager

About NOA:

Established in 2022, NOA is a leading renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) and energy trader, licensed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. We empower commercial and industrial companies to reach their net-zero goals while securing long-term energy savings. Backed by R3.9 billion in equity capital from Old Mutual’s African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), we currently have 600 MW of owned generation capacity under construction, and another 300 MW of capacity under construction by IPPs where we are the off takers. 

At NOA, we believe that energy is life; it is the pulse that powers our industries, empowers our communities, and builds our societies. We are currently at a unique, once-in-a-generation moment in South African history, similar to the birth of the gold industry or the mobile revolution. It is a mission-critical time, and we have the right partners and expertise to shape the creation of an entirely new energy landscape. 

What truly sets us apart is The NOA Way—our intentionally crafted culture and roadmap for excellence. We aren't just a utility; we are a tight, high-functioning team of "all-in" problem solvers who lean into complexity to find original solutions. We speak simply, act big, and step forward to own the changes our nation needs. 

Our impact is immense: we are here to solve the immediate energy crisis, fuel the growth of the South African economy, and create a global blueprint for a decarbonised future. We are building a phenomenal team to do something magnificent together, and we make sure to savour the journey along the way. 

Role Purpose: 

Reporting to the Head Sustainability, the Social Performance Manager is responsible for identifying, managing, and mitigating project-related social risks across the full project life cycle, thereby supporting and maintaining the social license to operate within project communities. 

The role is accountable for developing and implementing community impact and investment strategies, overseeing stakeholder engagement processes, managing grievance mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with applicable local and international standards, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards - PS 1 (Social risk assessment and management), PS2 (Labour and working conditions), PS4 (Community Health, Safety and Security), PS5 (Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement).

In addition, the Social Performance Manager will be required to monitor, evaluate, and report on the Economic Development performance of contractors throughout the lifecycle of NOA’s renewable energy projects and battery energy storage initiatives.   

The Social Performance Manager will collaborate closely with independent specialists, contactors and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure the effective integration of social performance considerations into project planning, execution, and decision making. 

 

Key Accountabilities & Associated Activities

• Ensuring that stakeholder engagement processes are implemented in a planned, proactive and strategic manner, so that community risks are avoided and managed and relationships with beneficiary communities are constantly improved;
• Ensuring compliance with IFC Performance Standards;
• Monitoring, evaluating and reporting of Economic Development performance of contractor(s);  
• Designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of the project-specific community investment programmes. 
  

Role requirements

Qualifications:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences / Social Economics, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or Human Resources.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in engaging and consulting with communities and implementing community development projects.
• Experience in the renewable energy or mining sector preferrable.
• Leadership and management skills and experience.

Industry knowledge, technical competence and skills:

• The candidate must be a team player, with strong stakeholder engagement skills, a passion for, and experience in implementing impactful community investment.
• Familiarity with B-BBEE legislation, and international standards such as IFC Performance Standards, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and ILO labour standards.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to liaise with staff and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in local spoken languages (e.g. Sepedi, Afrikaans, isiXhosa) and any other SA official languages would be a definite advantage.
• Have strong attention to detail.
• Have strong time and project management skills.
• Be able to work in an open, fast-paced environment.
• Be able to effectively juggle multiple, competing priorities.
• The candidate must be willing to travel to project sites as required.

Who we are looking for

Behavioural competencies:  

• Stakeholder Engagement: Be able to build and maintain trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teamwork: Works effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including environmental, technical, legal, and commercial functions. Values diverse perspectives and integrates social considerations into broader project decisions.
• Ethical Integrity and Accountability: Acts with high ethical standards and transparency. Takes ownership of decisions and ensures that social commitments are delivered responsibly and in line with ESG and compliance requirements.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Applies critical thinking to anticipate social risks and identify practical, sustainable solutions. Balances community needs, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.
• Conflict Resolution and Grievance Management: Handles community concerns and grievances in a fair, empathetic, and solutions-oriented manner. Demonstrates the ability to de-escalate conflict and facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes.

Technical & functional competencies: 

• An understanding of REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme) requirements is beneficial.
• IFC Performance Standards (international social & environmental safeguards).
• B-BBEE codes and economic development obligations.
• ESG / sustainability reporting frameworks.

Why join NOA?

A Once-in-a-Career Mission:  

Joining NOA is an invitation to be part of a growing team at the very forefront of the South African renewable energy industry. We are a dynamic, mission-driven organisation with strong financial backing and a deep commitment to unlocking a just energy transition for our nation. This is a unique moment in history—a chance to shape a new industry from its inception.  

The NOA Way: Culture by Design  

We don't leave our culture to chance; we have intentionally crafted a roadmap called The NOA Way to ensure our business is a remarkable place that houses your highest aspirations. We are "all-in" problem solvers who think big and move with speed to make a significant impact. We value "Performance Connections," the belief that through genuine collaboration, we can achieve results far greater than the sum of our individual parts.  

Investment in Your Evolution:  

We provide a world-class environment designed to help you thrive in a demanding sector:  

• The Powerkit: Every new team member participates in a day-long offsite "experience" in Cape Town to master the skills needed to excel within the NOA system.  

• Continuous Growth: You will benefit from a constant feedback loop through our "RAP" (Review, Analyse, Plan) cadence, alongside coaching resources and "lunch and learns" to own your career path. 

• Supportive Wellbeing: We promote true work-life integration with flexible hours, hybrid work-from-home options, and wellness initiatives specifically designed to "refuel your tank".  

Competitive Reward & Equity:  

We recognise and reward exceptional performance with a framework that allows you to participate in our collective success:  

• Market-Leading Compensation: We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience level.  

• Incentives for Impact: You will be eligible for a performance-related short-term incentive (STI) bonus.  

• Ownership Culture: We offer meaningful equity investment exposure through our staff share scheme, ensuring you are truly invested in the future we are building.