Waste Management Specialist

Overview

Job Purpose

• Lead the delivery of waste management projects including waste management strategies, waste audit studies, and waste permitting programme.
• Project management of a variety of projects varying complexity and scale.
• Quality assurance of project work undertaken by others.
• Lead coordination with other departments/stockholders (architecture, urban planning, infrastructure, sustainability) to ensure waste planning integration into masterplans and projects.
• Support policy implementation and developing technical guidelines.
• Manage both the technical and commercial aspects of projects.
• Act as the primary contact for the waste management business unit and drive forward business development in the sector through existing networks and new relationships, including with regards to writing proposals and participating in conferences and events.
• Contribution to the continued growth of the environmental division.
• Management of multiple client relationships.

Qualification / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Waste Management, Environmental Engineering/Science or related field (required).
• Master’s degree in Waste Management, Environmental Engineering/Science or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in waste management, recycling, or related environmental fields for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or 8 years of experience for candidates holding a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated experience in waste management consultancy, strategy development, or infrastructure planning, preferably within the Middle East region.
• Proven track record in project management of waste projects, including preparation of technical reports, strategies, and client deliverables.
• Strong understanding of waste treatment technologies, recycling systems, and waste disposal practices, including emerging resource recovery solutions.

General Expectations

• Honesty and transparency - aligns professional behaviours with AESG’s values, mission, and vision.
• High level of technical expertise with experience in environmental assessment projects.
• Proven ability to lead diverse project teams, potentially across a range of geographic locations.
• Contribute to technical leadership and excellence in the Division.
• Client-centric behaviours and collaboration - strategically evaluate new opportunities to develop client relationships.
• Familiarity with international waste management standards, circular economy principles, and sustainability frameworks, such as LEED, Mostadam, Estidama, or similar certification systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex projects with multifaceted technical scopes and stakeholder management both internally and externally (internal technical team, relevant authorities, clients, sub-consultants, etc.)
• Develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans and strategies tailored to each client's specific requirements.
• Conduct waste generation analysis and recommend infrastructure sizing for facilities such as MRFs, composting plants, transfer stations, and landfills.
• Support techno-economic assessments for waste management projects, evaluating system feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
• Review and validate project submissions, ensuring compliance with local regulations and best international practices.
• Lead workshops, design coordination meetings, and progress reviews
• Support the development of waste-related policies, standards, and guidelines for clients and authorities.
• Advise clients on waste reduction, recycling, and disposal methods that are environmentally sustainable and cost-effective
• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of waste management initiatives and provide regular progress reports to clients.
• Assist with the day-to-day management of AESG’s environment division, including overseeing project delivery, resource management and proposals.
• Participate in business development activities, including proposal writing, client presentations, and building relationships with potential clients.
• Provide guidance and leadership to more junior team members and provide formal mentorship.

Competencies

• Leadership / management skills: Involves effective delegation, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration across teams. Starting to develop coaching abilities.
• Communication / collaboration: Play a key role in mediating conflicts and ensuring effective communication among team members. Provide clear instructions to teams, deliver feedback effectively and foster a positive team environment. Demonstrate diplomacy, self-awareness and good rapport-building skills. Continuous interaction and collaboration with clients and cross-departmental teams.
• Technical knowledge / expertise: Focus on becoming subject matter experts in specific technical areas. Expand the knowledge through specialised training, certifications, and practical experience.
• Creativity / innovation: Actively promote creative thinking within the teams or department, encouraging colleagues to embrace new ideas and approaches. Demonstrate resolution of complex technical issues and actively perusing new technologies and methodologies to shake up industry norms.
• Client focus / relationship building: Maintain and strengthen high levels of client satisfaction and feedback. Preparation of proposals and seeking and winning new work. Generating multiple instances of repeat work with clients
• Strategic vision / planning: Contribute to the data analysis development of reports and presentations used in the strategic planning process for specific division.

Demonstrated Knowledge Base And Professional Skillset

• Time management / planning: Responsible for overseeing teams and larger projects. Developing advanced project management skills, such as creating comprehensive project plans, managing budgets, and allocating resources effectively.
• Industry experience / thought leadership: Demonstrated expertise in discipline, industry leadership through participation in industry professional groups and conferences and the development of research publications. Demonstrated expertise in discipline and industry leadership through participation in professional industry groups and conferences and the development of research publications.
• Project management / operational delivery: Proven expertise in discipline with a track record of numerous projects successfully delivered independently with high level of client feedback. Independently manage complex projects and resolve complex project issues. Leading the efforts to streamline cross-functional processes and drive efficiency across the organisation.
• Leadership / team management experience: Ability to independently manage project delivery and guide junior team members within the project team or mentoring junior team members / graduates. Provide guidance and leadership to more junior team members. Responsible for at least 2 more junior members of staff.
• Commercial acumen / business development: Proficiency in creating and managing project budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring cost control. Managing relationships with project vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective procurement. Client oriented and contributes to commercial success of the division.
• Problem solving / decision making: Generate viable options for addressing problems and consider the long-term implications of each option. Apply sound judgment and implement solutions in line with best practice. Act decisively by committing to the option chosen.
• Employee focus / process compliance: Skilled in managing employee relations and fostering a positive work environment. Assesses business and operational risks. Provide training on policies and compliance to other business units. Develop risk management processes. Ensure proper implementation of regulations. Skilled in managing employee relations and fostering a positive work environment. Assesses business and operational risks. Ensure proper implementation of regulations.