Purpose of the job

The Internship programme offers exposure to the integration of ESG principles within property investments, asset management and reporting frameworks, while developing understanding of sustainability within a REIT.

The purpose of the role is to provide administrative and research support through data collection, reporting and sustainability project coordination deliverables aligned with the ESG strategy. There will also be a great focus of responsibilities towards the business’ Green Building objectives, underpinned by strong integration and collaboration with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

The positions will be available in Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

Key Performance Areas

• Data collection and management
• Assisting in gathering and consolidating ESG-related information from both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring the integrity of the information on ESG reporting platform/s through data validation processes.

 Research and benchmarking

• Conducting desktop research on ESG trends, regulatory updates and peer benchmarking
• Researching and gathering information to inform the documentation for Green Building recertification process.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement across all portfolios and recommend adjustments that need to be made to achieve and/or improve building performance areas which will allow for, amongst others, Green Building certification credits improvement.

 Reporting support

• Providing support for ESG-related reporting requirements.
• Assisting in the collation of relevant information to inform ESG disclosure frameworks.

 Project support

• Assisting in the coordination of ESG initiatives, which may include, viz, energy and water efficiency projects, waste reduction initiatives, green building certification, and social investment activities.
• Providing administrative support for ESG-related projects.
• Managing project timelines and deliverables.

 General administrative tasks

• Organizing and maintaining ESG documentation across the relevant platforms.
• Assisting in the scheduling of meetings, preparing of minutes and monitoring action trackers.
• Assisting with capturing of payments and working with the accounts department to ensure that payments are processed as per standard operating procedures.

 Stakeholder engagement

• Contributing to ESG awareness communication plans and messaging across various stakeholder groups
• Liaising with internal teams as either creating awareness and/or following up on project updates.

 Experience and Qualifications

• Relevant building environment and/or environmental tertiary qualification is essential.
• Professional accreditation would be desirable.
• ESG experience would be desirable

 Skills

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Good data management skills
• Data analysis skills
• Research skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Report writing skills

 Knowledge

• Basic understanding of ESG concepts and their relevance to the real estate sector.
• Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks and Standards (e.g. CSRD, ISSB, GRESB, GRI, ).
• Interest in climate change, social impact, and governance in a Real Estate Investment Trust

 Learning opportunities

• Successful completion of all company-identified academic and/or short courses
• Practical exposure to ESG data management and reporting in a REIT
• Insight into how ESG factors are integrated into property investment and asset management.
• Experience working on sustainability initiatives in the built environment.
• Networking opportunities with ESG, property, and finance professionals