Biodiversity Lead Expert - Onshore Renewables

Location - Marid, Spain

Ref - ML BDS

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The Role

Ventus is partnering with a leading international renewable energy developer to recruit a Biodiversity Lead Expert based in Madrid. This senior role sits within the dedicated E&S team and leads biodiversity and ecosystem assessments across a portfolio of utility-scale wind and solar projects in the MENA region, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Key Responsibilities

Studies & Due Diligence

•        Lead biodiversity sections of E&S due diligence, coordinating internal and third-party assessments

•        Lead avifauna, bat, and biodiversity baseline studies; manage vantage point, acoustic, and seasonal survey programmes

•        Support collision risk assessments, Critical Habitat Assessments, and protected area screening (IFC PS6, EBRD ES6, EIB Standards)

•        Review ornithology and biodiversity inputs to ESIAs and related technical studies

Risk Management & Project Delivery

•        Integrate biodiversity, bird, and bat considerations into project siting, design, and layout

•        Apply the mitigation hierarchy and develop species protection measures including micro-siting, seasonal restrictions, and curtailment strategies

•        Oversee contractor environmental performance during construction and operations; provide technical guidance to O&M teams

Management Systems, Monitoring & Reporting

•        Develop and implement Biodiversity Management Plans, Biodiversity Action Plans, and Avifauna and Bat Management Plans

•        Support corporate and project-level ESMS development, lender due diligence, and investor audits

•        Track biodiversity KPIs; contribute to ESG reports, nature-related disclosures, and emerging frameworks such as TNFD

•        Engage regulators, conservation authorities, NGOs, and local stakeholders; support nature-positive and net gain initiatives

Requirements

•        Degree in Ecology, Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or related discipline

•        Minimum 12 years’ experience in a comparable role, with a developer, E&S consultancy, or development finance institution

•        Proven experience across utility-scale wind and/or solar PV projects

•        Practical bird and bat survey experience, including CRA and mitigation/management planning

•        Strong working knowledge of IFC PS6, EBRD ES6, EIB E&S Standards, and EU Taxonomy

•        Regional experience in MENA, North Africa, Turkey, Eastern Europe, or Central Asia is highly desirable

•        Additional languages (Arabic, French, or Russian) are an advantage

How to Apply

Please click on “Apply now” to submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience. All applications are treated in strict confidence; suitable candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity further.