Principal Consultant – Resettlement (Africa)

About the role

ERM seeks a senior Principal Consultant to lead strategic resettlement programmes across Sub‑Saharan Africa. The role involves designing and delivering resettlement action plans, livelihood restoration, and social due diligence for high‑profile projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead multi‑disciplinary resettlement assignments, including involuntary resettlement, land acquisition, and community development plans.
• Oversee socio‑economic baselines, asset valuation, compensation frameworks and regulatory approvals.
• Provide technical leadership on social due diligence for project finance and M&A across mining, energy, infrastructure and renewables.
• Design stakeholder engagement strategies, grievance mechanisms and conflict‑sensitive approaches.
• Mentor and develop talent, drive business development and represent ERM at industry forums.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in economics, development, anthropology, sociology, urban planning or related field.
• Extensive experience delivering complex resettlement projects across Africa and multiple sectors.
• Deep knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESF, EIB ESS, AfDB safeguards and national frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and advise senior client representatives, lenders and legal teams.

Required skills

• Asset valuation and compensation framework design.
• Baseline studies and socio‑economic data collection.
• Grievance mechanisms and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) systems.
• Social investment planning.
• GIS and social data analysis tools.
• Digital engagement platforms for stakeholder interaction.