At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful resettlement programmes and guide transformative projects across Africa.
- Company: Join ERM, a global leader in sustainability consulting with a purpose-driven team.
- Benefits: Work in an inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Travel to diverse locations and collaborate globally while prioritising safety and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of responsible development and make a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree and extensive experience in social performance and resettlement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Create lasting social impact. Shape the future of responsible development. Lead with purpose. ERM is looking for an inspiring, strategic, and deeply experienced Principal Consultant – Resettlement to help lead our growing Capital Project Delivery team across Africa. This is a senior, high‑visibility role for a recognised expert in resettlement and social performance — someone who thrives on complexity, influences executive‑level decisions, and is ready to shape ERM’s resettlement practice across the region. If you are driven by meaningful impact, passionate about community wellbeing, and motivated to guide some of the most challenging and transformative projects on the continent, this role offers the platform to do your best work.
What You’ll Do
- Leading strategic resettlement programmes — from involuntary resettlement and land acquisition to livelihood restoration and social due diligence.
- Designing and delivering RAPs, LRPs, IPDPs, and community development plans aligned with international standards.
- Overseeing socio‑economic baselines and community assessments to ensure robust, ethical, and high‑quality data.
- Guiding land access and valuation processes, including compensation frameworks and regulatory approvals.
- Leading social due diligence for project finance and M&A across mining, energy, infrastructure, and renewables.
- Designing stakeholder engagement strategies, including FPIC, grievance mechanisms, and conflict‑sensitive approaches.
- Providing technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams across ERM and partner organisations.
- Ensuring quality assurance across deliverables, proposals, and client outputs.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior client representatives, lenders, and legal teams.
- Driving business development, key account management, and regional growth initiatives.
- Mentoring and developing talent across ERM’s Africa teams.
- Representing ERM at industry forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements as a recognised thought leader.
This role includes travel to diverse and remote field locations. At ERM, Safety First is non‑negotiable — we prioritise the wellbeing of our people and the communities we serve.
What You Bring
- An advanced degree in economics, development economics, anthropology, sociology, urban planning, demographics, or a related field.
- Experience in social performance, with deep expertise in resettlement, land acquisition, livelihood restoration, and stakeholder engagement.
- A strong track record delivering complex projects across Africa and multiple sectors.
- Expert knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank ESF, EIB ESS, AfDB safeguards, and national frameworks.
- Hands‑on experience with asset valuation, baseline studies, grievance mechanisms, M&E, and social investment planning.
- Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex, multi‑stakeholder assignments.
- Exceptional communication and report‑writing skills.
- Fluency in English; French or Portuguese is a significant advantage.
- Experience working cross‑culturally with clients, governments, and communities.
- Familiarity with GIS, social data tools, and digital engagement platforms (desirable).
What It Means to Be a Principal Consultant at ERM
- Demonstrate deep technical leadership in resettlement and social performance.
- Lead high‑profile, complex projects with autonomy and excellence.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients and lenders.
- Drive business growth through proposals, client relationships, and strategic initiatives.
- Contribute to thought leadership and innovation.
- Mentor and develop teams across the region.
- Collaborate globally across ERM’s network.
- Uphold ERM’s values of quality, integrity, and safety.
Why Join ERM?
At ERM, you’ll work with a global leader in sustainability consulting — a place where your expertise shapes real outcomes for communities, clients, and the environment. You’ll join a purpose‑driven team committed to delivering lasting social and environmental value. If you’re ready to lead transformative work and grow your career with a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive; it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging.
Principal Consultant – Social Performance & Public Affairs (Resettlement) (Senior Level) employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At ERM, we pride ourselves on being a leading sustainability consulting firm that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact across Africa. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while prioritising the wellbeing of our team and the communities we serve. Join us to lead transformative projects in resettlement and social performance, where your expertise will shape real outcomes and contribute to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant – Social Performance & Public Affairs (Resettlement) (Senior Level)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Dormont Manufacturing Co. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant – Social Performance & Public Affairs (Resettlement) (Senior Level)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Dormont Manufacturing Co. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Principal Consultant – Social Performance & Public Affairs (Resettlement) (Senior Level), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Dormont Manufacturing Co. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
