Principal Consultant – Resettlement (Senior Level)

About the role

ERM is seeking a senior Principal Consultant to lead resettlement and social performance programmes across Sub‑Saharan Africa. The role combines strategic leadership, technical expertise and client advisory to deliver high‑impact projects in mining, energy, infrastructure and renewables.

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, asset valuation and compensation frameworks.
• Provide social due diligence for project finance and M&A, and design stakeholder engagement strategies such as FPIC, grievance mechanisms and conflict‑sensitive approaches.
• Offer technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, ensure quality assurance of deliverables and act as trusted advisor to senior client representatives, lenders and legal teams.
• Drive business development, key account management and regional growth initiatives, and mentor talent across ERM’s Africa teams.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in economics, development economics, anthropology, sociology, urban planning, demographics or a related field.
• Extensive experience in social performance with deep expertise in resettlement, land acquisition, livelihood restoration and stakeholder engagement across Africa.
• Proven track record delivering complex, multi‑sector projects and knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESF, EIB ESS, AfDB safeguards and national frameworks.

Required skills