International Social Development Specialist

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? 

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. 

A little more about your role… 

WSP's International ESG Advisory team is seeking an experienced International Social Development Specialist to support and grow our rapidly expanding international lender advisory and ESG due diligence business. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership on social risk management across infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, industrial, agribusiness, transport and urban development projects globally.

The role is particularly focused on land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, economic displacement, livelihood restoration, stakeholder engagement and social impact assessment in accordance with international lender requirements.

This position will play a key role in supporting projects financed by international financial institutions (IFIs), development finance institutions (DFIs), export credit agencies (ECAs), commercial banks and project developers.

You will play a leading role in:

Technical Delivery

• Leading major international Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Human Rights and Social Risk Assessments.
• Directing the identification, assessment and management of social risks and impacts throughout project development, construction and operation.
• Providing expert advice on complex social issues including: 
  • Land acquisition and involuntary resettlement;
  • Livelihood restoration;
  • Stakeholder engagement;
  • Labour and working conditions;
  • Human rights and supply chain risks;
  • Community health, safety and security;
  • Gender equality, social inclusion and vulnerable groups.
• Developing and reviewing: 
  • Social Management Plans;
  • Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs);
  • Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs);
  • Labour Management Plans;
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plans;
  • Human Rights Assessments and Relevant Management Plans;
  • Gender Action Plans and Equal Opportunities Action Plans.
• Defining corrective action plans, monitoring measures and verification approaches to support compliance with lender requirements and international good practice.

ESG and Lender Advisory

• Acting as a trusted advisor to clients seeking alignment with IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, ADB SPS and other international ESG frameworks.
• Supporting lenders and developers through project financing processes, including pre-financial close due diligence, construction monitoring and operational ESG reviews.
• Providing strategic advice on social performance, responsible sourcing, labour rights and human rights due diligence.

Project and Client Leadership

• Managing multidisciplinary project teams and the successful delivery of complex international assignments across multiple geographies.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, financial institutions and development partners.
• Supporting business development activities, including proposal preparation, client engagement and technical leadership in bids and tenders.
• Identifying growth opportunities in social sustainability, responsible business conduct and ESG advisory services.

Team Development

• Providing technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to social and ESG practitioners.
• Building capability across the wider ESG team in social risk management, human rights and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting the development of innovative methodologies, tools and thought leadership in social performance and sustainable development.
• Support growth of the international social development practice.
• Strengthen WSP's reputation as a leading provider of international lender social advisory services.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in social sciences, development studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental management, international development or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Significant professional experience in social sustainability, social performance, ESG advisory or international development.
• Extensive experience delivering sustainable finance projects across international markets.

Technical Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in several of the following:

• Social Impact Assessment (SIA);
• Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD);
• Land Acquisition and Resettlement;
• Livelihood Restoration;
• Human Rights Due Diligence;
• Labour and Working Conditions;
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion;
• Stakeholder Engagement and Community Development;
• Social Performance Monitoring;
• ESG and Sustainable Finance advisory.

International Standards

Strong project finance / lender advisory background and working knowledge of:

• IFC Performance Standards;
• Equator Principles EP4;
• EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements;
• World Bank Environmental and Social Framework;
• ADB Environmental and Social Framework/Safeguards;
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Additional Attributes

• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of other languages are preferrable including Turkish, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Portuguese.
• Proven project management and client-facing experience.
• Experience working across emerging markets.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Track record of mentoring and developing teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development capability.
• Existing relationships with DFIs, IFIs or project sponsors

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the

best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.