Position summary

WSP's International ESG Advisory team is seeking an experienced International Social Development Specialist to support and grow its rapidly expanding international lender advisory and ESG due diligence business. You will provide technical leadership on social risk management across infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, industrial, agribusiness, transport, and urban development projects globally, with a particular focus on land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, economic displacement, livelihood restoration, stakeholder engagement, and social impact assessment in accordance with international lender requirements, supporting projects financed by IFIs, DFIs, ECAs, commercial banks, and developers.

Why this role matters

This role provides the social risk leadership that lenders and developers rely on to finance and deliver major international projects responsibly. By leading due diligence, resettlement and livelihood planning, and human rights and stakeholder work aligned to international standards, you help clients meet lender requirements and grow WSP's international social advisory practice.

Key responsibilities

• Technical delivery: Lead major international Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), and human rights and social risk assessments, and direct the identification, assessment, and management of social risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Expert advice: Advise on complex social issues including land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, livelihood restoration, stakeholder engagement, labour and working conditions, human rights and supply chain risks, community health and safety, and gender equality and social inclusion.
• Plans: Develop and review Social Management Plans, Resettlement Action Plans, Livelihood Restoration Plans, Labour Management Plans, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Human Rights Assessments, and Gender Action Plans, and define corrective actions and monitoring approaches.
• Lender advisory: Act as a trusted advisor on alignment with IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, EBRD requirements, the World Bank ESF, ADB SPS, and other frameworks, supporting lenders and developers through financing, construction monitoring, and operational reviews.
• Project and client leadership: Manage multidisciplinary teams and complex international assignments, build relationships with clients and financial institutions, and support business development including proposals and bids.
• Team development: Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring, build team capability, and develop innovative methodologies and thought leadership.

Team and stakeholders

You will work within WSP's International ESG Advisory team, managing multidisciplinary project teams and building relationships with clients, IFIs, DFIs, ECAs, commercial banks, project developers, and development partners.

Key details

• Work arrangement: Hybrid, with the flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in UK offices.
• Travel: Willingness to travel internationally.
• Benefits: A Thrive health and wellbeing programme, virtual GP service, Gymflex, menopause support, "WSP My Hour" daily personal time, part-time and flexible working, the option to purchase additional leave, and development and Chartership support.

Requirements:

• Degree in social sciences, development studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental management, international development, or a related discipline; master's preferred.
• Significant professional experience in social sustainability, social performance, ESG advisory, or international development, with extensive experience delivering sustainable finance projects across international markets.
• Demonstrated expertise in several of: SIA, ESDD, land acquisition and resettlement, livelihood restoration, human rights due diligence, labour and working conditions, gender equality and social inclusion, stakeholder engagement and community development, social performance monitoring, and ESG and sustainable finance advisory.
• A strong project finance/lender advisory background and working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles EP4, EBRD requirements, the World Bank ESF, ADB safeguards, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD Guidelines.
• Excellent English report writing and communication; other languages (Turkish, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese) preferable.
• Proven project management and client-facing experience, experience across emerging markets, a track record of mentoring teams, and strong commercial and business development capability.