Principal Consultant – Social Performance & Public Affairs (Resettlement)

About the role

ERM is seeking a senior Principal Consultant to lead strategic resettlement and social performance programmes across Sub‑Saharan Africa, shaping responsible development and delivering lasting community impact.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategic resettlement programmes, including involuntary resettlement, land acquisition, livelihood restoration and social due diligence.
• Design and deliver Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), Integrated Development Plans (IPDPs) and community development plans aligned with international standards.
• Oversee socio‑economic baselines, community assessments, land valuation, compensation frameworks and regulatory approvals.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensure quality assurance of deliverables and act as trusted advisor to senior client representatives, lenders and legal teams.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in economics, development economics, anthropology, sociology, urban planning, demographics or a related field.
• Extensive experience in social performance, resettlement, land acquisition, livelihood restoration and stakeholder engagement across Africa.
• Deep knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESF, EIB ESS, AfDB safeguards and national frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex multi‑stakeholder assignments.

Required skills

• Expertise in designing RAPs, LRPs, IPDPs and community development plans.
• Hands‑on experience with asset valuation, baseline studies, grievance mechanisms, monitoring & evaluation and social investment planning.
• Familiarity with GIS, social data tools and digital engagement platforms (desirable).
• Fluency in English; French or Portuguese is a significant advantage.