International Social Development Specialist

Overview

As International Social Development Specialist at WSP, you will lead social risk management across global infrastructure and energy projects, ensuring alignment with international lender standards. You will guide social due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and human rights considerations throughout development, construction, and operation. You will work with cross-border teams and clients to shape responsible, sustainable project outcomes. This role offers influence across high-profile projects and opportunities to advance WSP’s international lender advisory capabilities.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working policy
• Work-life balance support
• Thrive wellbeing programme
• Virtual GP and health services
• Gymflex benefit up to 40%
• Flexible hours and part-time options

Responsibilities

• Lead major international Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) and Social Impact Assessments (SIA)
• Direct identification, assessment, and management of social risks across project lifecycles
• Provide expert advice on land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, livelihoods restoration, and stakeholder engagement
• Develop and review Social Management Plans, RAPs, LRPs, Labour Management Plans, and related human rights and gender plans
• Define corrective actions, monitoring, and verification aligned with lender requirements and international best practices
• Act as trusted advisor on IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, EBRD and other frameworks
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and maintain client relationships across geographies
• Support business development through proposals, client engagement, and bids/tenders
• Foster capability building within the ESG team and support growth of international social development practice

Key requirements

• Significant professional experience in social sustainability, ESG advisory, or international development
• Extensive experience delivering sustainable finance projects across international markets
• Master’s degree preferred (Bachelor level minimum in relevant field)
• Strong knowledge of SIA, ESDD, land acquisition and resettlement, livelihoods restoration, human rights due diligence
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, gender equality, and social inclusion

• Excellent report writing and communication in English
• Client-facing and relationship-building skills
• Mentoring and leadership of teams
• Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
• Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD)
• Land Acquisition and Resettlement

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