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At Water Footprint Implementation (WFI), we assist organisations in assessing, understanding, and implementing response measures to reduce and offset their water footprints. We are looking for an Associate Analyst to join our Cape Town office and support the delivery of high-quality water footprint assessments, ESG reporting, and sustainability analyses for corporate and institutional clients across South Africa and internationally, starting from 1st March 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced sustainability professional passionate about water footprint methodology, corporate sustainability reporting, and translating complex environmental data into credible, decision-relevant insights. Working within a diverse team of local and international colleagues, you will deliver technical assessments, support ESG reporting initiatives, and contribute to building the credibility and impact of water footprint analysis in the region.

Your Role

You will support the delivery of water footprint assessments and corporate sustainability reporting, working closely with senior analysts, the technical lead, and corporate clients. Your role bridges research, consultancy, and corporate application, translating complex water footprint data into high-quality technical and executive-level reports. You will contribute to developing assessment methodologies, quality-assuring consultant-led work, and supporting clients in communicating water footprint results clearly and responsibly for sustainability disclosures.

The scope of your position is flexible, and we offer the opportunity to be involved in various projects within the company, from technical analysis and client engagement to research and business development.

Your Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct and deliver water footprint assessments for corporate clients, including operational and value-chain footprints;
• Produce high-quality technical and executive-level reports based on tool outputs, translating findings into insights suitable for ESG, CSRD (including ESRS E3 – Water and Marine Resources), and sustainability disclosures;
• Provide technical oversight and support to consultants using the water footprint methodology to deliver components of sustainability reports;
• Develop and maintain user guidance materials, quality assurance checklists, and standardised reporting templates;
• Review and quality-assure assessments to ensure methodological consistency, accuracy, and appropriate interpretation of results;
• Monitor developments in water footprint science, life cycle assessment, and related standards, and assess implications for client work;
• Support training and capacity building for corporate users and consultants on water footprint methodology and tool use;
• Establish and manage quality assurance and quality control procedures for data inputs, assessments, and reports;
• Optional: Assist the team with business development and other tasks.

Your Profile

We are looking for a sustainability professional, a proactive colleague, and a technical authority with the following profile:

Essential Requirements:

• Master’s (preferred) in water resources, environmental engineering, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field;
• Minimum of 5+ years’ professional experience in water footprinting, LCA, water stewardship, or related applied sustainability work;
• Strong expertise in Water Footprint Assessment, including blue, green, and grey water components;
• Solid understanding of Water Footprint methodology and principles;
• Working knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts;
• Familiarity with corporate sustainability reporting frameworks, including ESG and CSRD requirements;
• Ability to manage, analyse, and interpret complex datasets;
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex technical results into clear, decision-relevant insights;
• Excellent technical and professional report-writing skills;
• Strong facilitation and communication skills;
• A genuine passion for water management and environmental sustainability;
• Strong interest in data analysis and demonstrable experience working with large and complex datasets;
• South African citizenship or eligibility to work in South Africa (i.e., in possession of a valid work permit).

Advantageous Qualifications:

• A PhD in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a related field;
• Familiarity with the SDGs, especially SDG 6, 11, 12, 13 and 17.
• Experience supporting ESG or CSRD-aligned reporting;
• Familiarity with the Water Footprint Assessment Tool or similar platform-based assessment systems;
• Knowledge of water stewardship guidelines and frameworks;
• Experience with GIS, environmental data analysis, or modelling software (SWMM, QGIS)

We Offer

• A full-time, one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension based on performance;
• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility, subject to organisational requirements;
• Opportunity to work on meaningful water footprint and sustainability projects with direct impact on corporate environmental decision-making;
• Professional development and mentoring within a growing scale-up organisation;
• A diverse team of local and international colleagues supporting your growth;
• Annual compensation ranging from R490,000 to R520,000 (cost to company, inclusive of benefits);
• Based in our Cape Town office, supporting water footprint initiatives across South Africa and internationally.
• Please note that we do not cover relocation costs.

Apply for the Job

Please apply before the 30th of January 2026 by email to info@waterfootprintimplementation.com with all documents attached in one integrated file:

A motivation letter (1 page);

Your CV (max 2 pages);

Three referee names, which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their email address, and telephone number.

For additional information regarding this position, please contact us by email