Planning and Assessment (International E&S) – Principal Social Consultant

Overview

Job Purpose

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Social Impact Assessments (SIAs), Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs), stakeholder engagement programmes, and resettlement planning projects across the UAE, KSA, and wider MENA region;
• Act as the primary social specialist and client interface on multidisciplinary ESIA and ESG advisory projects;
• Align projects with international standards including IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESS, EBRD Performance Requirements, Equator Principles, and international human rights frameworks;
• Lead social baseline studies, socio-economic surveys, stakeholder mapping, and vulnerability assessments;
• Oversee livelihood restoration planning, land access studies, and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), where required;
• Manage stakeholder engagement and public consultation activities with regulators, lenders, project-affected communities, NGOs, and project partners;
• Provide strategic social risk and social performance advice during project planning, permitting, financing, and implementation phases;
• Oversee preparation, review, and submission of high-quality technical deliverables and reporting;
• Coordinate social, environmental, and specialist technical inputs across disciplines;
• Ensure quality assurance, programme management, budget control, and on-time project delivery;
• Support business development, including preparation of competitive proposals and client relationship management;
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to strengthening SLR’s social performance capability in the Middle East; and
• Travel across the Middle East and Africa, including extended fieldwork assignments where necessary.

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in social performance, social impact assessment, resettlement, or environmental and social consulting;
• Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Environmental Management, or related discipline;
• Strong working knowledge of international lender standards and ESG frameworks (IFC PS, World Bank ESS, EBRD PRs, Equator Principles);
• Demonstrated experience delivering SIAs, stakeholder engagement programmes, and resettlement planning for major infrastructure or energy projects;
• Experience working across renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, industrial, ports, logistics, water, or major development projects;
• Strong understanding of regional social and cultural considerations within the Middle East and Africa;
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules, and client relationships;
• Strong regulatory interface and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Experience contributing to proposal preparation and business growth initiatives;
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills;
• Fluent in English (Arabic advantageous);
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; and
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel internationally.

Why Join SLR?

• Lead regionally significant, high-impact projects
• Work within a global network of sustainability experts
• Thrive in a collaborative, flexible One Team culture
• Attractive relocation support for international candidates
• Play a defining role in expanding SLR’s Middle East presence

Technical / Behavioural Requirements

• Excellent report writing and technical review skills
• Strong project management capability (budgets, scheduling, delivery)
• Advanced stakeholder engagement expertise
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High attention to detail and quality assurance focus
• Proficiency in stakeholder engagement techniques and public participation frameworks
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• *SLR’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered part of the recruitment process.
• We actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
• SLR is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity and inclusion.*