Social Safeguard Specialist
Strategy Planning & Financing
Job ID: 20260802
1 Open Positions
5+ years
Flexible (India/South Asia focus)
Objective
The Social Safeguard Specialist will lead and support impact assessment and due diligence assignments for various sector projects (infrastructure, energy, and development projects). The role requires expertise in applying international safeguard standards (IFC PS, ADB SPS, World Bank ESF) to ensure compliance, manage risks, and deliver sustainable outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
Why This Role Matters
This position is critical in ensuring that development projects not only meet compliance requirements but also deliver positive social outcomes—protecting communities, respecting human rights, and enabling sustainable growth.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Management, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in social safeguards, impact assessment, or ESG advisory.
- Proven track record of working with IFC PS, ADB SPS, World Bank ESF, or similar frameworks.
- Experience in resettlement planning, indigenous peoples’ safeguards, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Impact Assessment & Due Diligence
- Conduct social impact assessments (SIA/ESIA/ESMP) in line with IFC PS, ADB SPS, and other international frameworks.
- Lead due diligence reviews for lenders, investors, and multilateral agencies.
- Identify social risks and propose mitigation measures across project lifecycles.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation
- Design and implement stakeholder engagement plans, including vulnerable and indigenous communities.
- Facilitate public consultations, grievance redress mechanisms, and disclosure processes.
- Compliance & Monitoring
- Ensure project compliance with national regulations and international safeguard requirements.
- Develop monitoring frameworks and performance indicators for social safeguards.
- Support audits and reviews for multilateral funding agencies (Human rights/Labour audits).
- Capacity Building & Advisory
- Train project teams, contractors, and clients on safeguard policies and best practices.
- Provide advisory support on resettlement planning, livelihood restoration, and gender inclusion.
Required Skills / Qualifications
- Experience with projects funded by multilateral agencies (World Bank, ADB, AIIB, KfW, FMO).
- Familiarity with gender mainstreaming, human rights due diligence, and labor standards.
- Proficiency in preparing lender-compliant reports and executive summaries.
- Regional experience in South Asia or emerging markets.