Planning and Assessment (International E&S) – Principal Social Consultant

Job description

About the Company: SLR is a global leader in environmental and sustainability advisory, with over 100 offices across 13 countries. We partner with clients to deliver innovative, science-based solutions that advance sustainable development. As part of our strategic growth across the Middle East, we are strengthening our Dubai presence to support the rapid expansion of onshore renewable energy developments across the UAE and wider MENA region, including utility-scale solar PV, onshore wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, grid infrastructure, and associated transmission networks. Joining SLR means becoming part of a collaborative One Team culture where expertise is shared across disciplines and borders, and where your work directly contributes to accelerating the region’s energy transition. Job Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Principal Social Consultant to lead and manage social performance and social impact assessment projects from our Dubai office. This role is suited to a highly experienced social specialist with strong knowledge of international lender standards and regional project delivery requirements, particularly across large-scale infrastructure, energy transition, renewable energy, industrial, and strategic development projects. The successful candidate will lead Social Impact Assessments (SIAs), stakeholder engagement programmes, human rights assessments, livelihood restoration and resettlement planning, and broader social performance advisory services in line with National and international best practice requirements. The role requires a proactive, commercially aware, and solutions-driven individual with demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects, engaging effectively with regulators, lenders, clients, and affected communities across the Middle East and Africa. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage Social Impact Assessments (SIAs), Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs), stakeholder engagement programmes, and resettlement planning projects across the UAE, KSA, and wider MENA region; Act as the primary social specialist and client interface on multidisciplinary ESIA and ESG advisory projects; Align projects with international standards including IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESS, EBRD Performance Requirements, Equator Principles, and international human rights frameworks; Lead social baseline studies, socio-economic surveys, stakeholder mapping, and vulnerability assessments; Oversee livelihood restoration planning, land access studies, and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), where required; Manage stakeholder engagement and public consultation activities with regulators, lenders, project-affected communities, NGOs, and project partners; Provide strategic social risk and social performance advice during project planning, permitting, financing, and implementation phases; Oversee preparation, review, and submission of high-quality technical deliverables and reporting; Coordinate social, environmental, and specialist technical inputs across disciplines; Ensure quality assurance, programme management, budget control, and on-time project delivery; Support business development, including preparation of competitive proposals and client relationship management; Mentor junior consultants and contribute to strengthening SLR’s social performance capability in the Middle East; and Travel across the Middle East and Africa, including extended fieldwork assignments where necessary. What We Are Looking For: 10+ years of experience in social performance, social impact assessment, resettlement, or environmental and social consulting; Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Environmental Management, or related discipline; Strong working knowledge of international lender standards and ESG frameworks (IFC PS, World Bank ESS, EBRD PRs, Equator Principles); Demonstrated experience delivering SIAs, stakeholder engagement programmes, and resettlement planning for major infrastructure or energy projects; Experience working across renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, industrial, ports, logistics, water, or major development projects; Strong understanding of regional social and cultural considerations within the Middle East and Africa; Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules, and client relationships; Strong regulatory interface and stakeholder engagement skills; Experience contributing to proposal preparation and business growth initiatives; Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills; Fluent in English (Arabic advantageous); Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; and Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel internationally. Why Join SLR? Lead regionally significant, high-impact projects Work within a global network of sustainability experts Thrive in a collaborative, flexible One Team culture Attractive relocation support for international candidates Play a defining role in expanding SLR’s Middle East presence Technical / Behavioural Requirements: Excellent report writing and technical review skills Strong project management capability (budgets, scheduling, delivery) Advanced stakeholder engagement expertise Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment High attention to detail and quality assurance focus Proficiency in stakeholder engagement techniques and public participation frameworks Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams SLR’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered part of the recruitment process. We actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. SLR is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity and inclusion.