Principal Environmental Consultant Marine & Coastal

SLR Consulting

We are seeking a Principal Environmental Consultant Marine & Coastal ESIA to provide technical and strategic leadership on complex marine Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) from our Dubai office.

This is a senior leadership role suited to an established marine ESIA specialist with extensive experience delivering large-scale coastal and offshore projects in alignment with UAE and regional regulatory frameworks and international lender standards (IFC Performance Standards, EBRD Performance Requirements, Equator Principles, World Bank ESS).

Registration with DECCA (Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority) is advantageous. However, we welcome experienced international marine specialists willing to relocate to Dubai, with attractive relocation support provided.

You will act as a technical authority within SLR s Middle East business, driving excellence in marine impact assessment, regulatory strategy, client engagement, and sector growth.

The role requires a proactive, solutions-driven individual with demonstrated experience in managing people and large-scale environmental and social projects, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership on marine and coastal ESIA projects across the UAE, KSA and wider MENA region

• Lead complex assessments for ports, offshore infrastructure, dredging and reclamation, marine outfalls, subsea cables/pipelines, offshore renewables, and coastal developments

• Direct marine baseline programmes (benthic ecology, coral reefs, seagrass, fisheries, marine mammals, water quality, hydrodynamics, sediment transport)

• Lead marine impact modelling and cumulative impact assessments in highly sensitive coastal environments

• Act as primary technical advisor to clients, regulators, and lenders

• Interface directly with UAE regulators (including Dubai-based authorities), regional environmental agencies, and international financing institutions

• Align projects with international standards (IFC PS, World Bank ESS, EBRD PRs, Equator Principles)

• Provide strategic environmental risk advice at feasibility and concept design stage

• Oversee preparation, technical review, and submission of high-quality ESIA and permitting documentation

• Lead multidisciplinary marine teams, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery

• Drive business development within the marine and coastal sector, including proposal leadership and client development

• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level consultants, strengthening SLR s marine capability in the region