Job title: Social Development Specialist (Public Sector)
Company: Phillips Consulting
Job description: Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transport Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria. The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country’s waterways.We are looking to recruit a Social Development Specialist who will lead and strategically manage the organisation’s social development frameworks.This role is essential to the success of a major international project based in Lagos State.Job ObjectiveThe primary purpose of the jobThis position aims to design, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that promote social equity, community empowerment, and sustainable development. The specialist analyses social issues, engages with communities, and collaborates with stakeholders to develop initiatives.Principal Accountabilities and ResponsibilitiesThis job is expected to perform strategic and operational tasks and responsibilities, as well as the results to be achieved.ResponsibilitiesStakeholder Engagement and Community Liaison:
- Engage with local communities, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations to ensure that the waterway projects align with the social needs of affected populations.
- Promote participation of marginalised groups, such as indigenous people or economically disadvantaged communities, in project planning and decision-making.
Social Impact Assessment and Mitigation:
- Conduct thorough social impact assessments to identify potential effects of waterway projects on local communities (e.g., displacement, livelihood disruptions).
- Develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes, ensuring that the project improves local quality of life and adheres to environmental and social safeguards.
Compliance with Social and Environmental Safeguards:
- Ensure that the project complies with national and international social and environmental standards, including those set by funding agencies like the World Bank or regional development banks.
- Monitor the implementation of social policies, such as gender equality, social inclusion, and safety standards for passengers and workers.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Build capacity within and among stakeholders to understand and address social issues, promote social inclusion, and ensure projects are responsibly executed.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Develop systems for monitoring social impacts and evaluate the effectiveness of social development strategies throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Project Management:
- Participate as a project team member in lending operations advice on social development approaches, policies, and technical issues, including safeguard issues, during the project’s preparation and supervision.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Supporting the project team and management in coordinating the team activities to produce high-quality social development instruments in full compliance with the relevant regulatory laws.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent company in local meetings of social development authorities, organisations, and other stakeholders.
- Communicate effectively with the public regarding projects, policies, and initiatives.
KPIs
- Stakeholder management
- Advocacy and policy influence
- Staff capacity building achieved
- Public awareness and education
- Community enagagement
- Social impact assessment
RequirementsQualifications & Experience(Experience, education, and certification required of the employee performing the job)
- Bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology or a related field.
- At least seven years experience leading social impact assessment for major infrastructure projects, including waterway projects.
- Knowledge of WB/AFD social standards
- Experience working with IFIs
- Experience in donor-funded projects.
- A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.
- Experience in the public sector or government projects related to waterways.
- The ideal candidate MUST be based in Lagos State.
Competencies Required(Indicate essential functional skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for performing the job. * Communication Skills
- Regulatory Knowledge
- Budgeting
- Technical Expertise
- Project Management
- Sustainability Focus
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Stakeholder Management
- Leadership Skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Negotiation Skills
Expected salary:
Location: Nigeria
Job date: Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:30:58 GMT