WSP in the UK & Ireland
International Social Development Specialist
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Job Description
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A Little More About Your Role…
WSP's International ESG Advisory team is seeking an experienced International Social Development Specialist to support and grow our rapidly expanding international lender advisory and ESG due diligence business. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership on social risk management across infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, industrial, agribusiness, transport, and urban development projects globally.
The role is particularly focused on land acquisition, involuntary resettlement, economic displacement, livelihood restoration, stakeholder engagement, and social impact assessment in accordance with international lender requirements.
This position will play a key role in supporting projects financed by international financial institutions (IFIs), development finance institutions (DFIs), export credit agencies (ECAs), commercial banks, and project developers.
You Will Play a Leading Role In
Technical Delivery
- Leading major international Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Human Rights, and Social Risk Assessments.
- Directing the identification, assessment, and management of social risks and impacts throughout project development, construction, and operation.
- Providing expert advice 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, safety, and security
- Gender equality, social inclusion, and vulnerable groups
- Developing and reviewing:
- Social Management Plans
- Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs)
- Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs)
- Labour Management Plans
- Stakeholder Engagement Plans
- Human Rights Assessments and Relevant Management Plans
- Gender Action Plans and Equal Opportunities Action Plans
- Defining corrective action plans, monitoring measures, and verification approaches to support compliance with lender requirements and international good practice.
ESG and Lender Advisory
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients seeking alignment with IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, ADB SPS, and other international ESG frameworks.
- Supporting lenders and developers through project financing processes, including pre-financial close due diligence, construction monitoring, and operational ESG reviews.
- Providing strategic advice on social performance, responsible sourcing, labour rights, and human rights due diligence.
Project and Client Leadership
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- Managing multidisciplinary project teams and the successful delivery of complex international assignments across multiple geographies.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, financial institutions, and development partners.
- Supporting business development activities, including proposal preparation, client engagement, and technical leadership in bids and tenders.
- Identifying growth opportunities in social sustainability, responsible business conduct, and ESG advisory services.
Team Development
- Providing technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to social and ESG practitioners.
- Building capability across the wider ESG team in social risk management, human rights, and stakeholder engagement.
- Supporting the development of innovative methodologies, tools, and thought leadership in social performance and sustainable development.
- Supporting the growth of the international social development practice.
- Strengthening WSP's reputation as a leading provider of international lender social advisory services.
Qualifications And Experience
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
- Degree in social sciences, development studies, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental management, international development, or related discipline.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Significant professional experience in social sustainability, social performance, ESG advisory, or international development.
- Extensive experience delivering sustainable finance projects across international markets.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated expertise in several of the following:
- Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
- Environmental and Social Due Diligence (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
- ESG and Sustainable Finance advisory
International Standards
Strong project finance/lender advisory background and working knowledge of:
- IFC Performance Standards
- Equator Principles EP4
- EBRD Environmental and Social Requirements
- World Bank Environmental and Social Framework
- ADB Environmental and Social Framework/Safeguards
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Additional Attributes
- Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
- Knowledge of other languages is preferable, including Turkish, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese.
- Proven project management and client-facing experience.
- Experience working across emerging markets.
- Willingness to travel internationally.
- Track record of mentoring and developing teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and business development capability.
- Existing relationships with DFIs, IFIs, or project sponsors
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
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About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests, and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
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