Social Consultant – Social Impact Assessment & Resettlement Specialist

About the role

AFRY Lao is seeking a motivated Social Consultant to support Environmental & Social Impact Assessments for hydropower and infrastructure projects across Lao PDR and the wider region. The role focuses on social impact assessment, land acquisition, resettlement, and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare Social Impact Assessments and ESIA reports, including baseline studies, impact analysis, and mitigation measures.
• Design, implement, and monitor Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRP).
• Provide technical guidance to project owners and government counterparts, ensuring compliance with concession agreements and international standards such as IFC Performance Standards.
• Review and input on resettlement and compensation plans.
• Conduct fieldwork, stakeholder consultations, and socio‑economic surveys at village, district, and provincial levels.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and ad‑hoc reports.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement plans and grievance redress mechanisms (GRM).
• Liaise with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated ESIA delivery.
• Provide Lao–English translation and interpretation when required.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sociology, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related field.
• Minimum 1 + years of experience in social assessment, resettlement, or community development.
• Demonstrated experience with resettlement programs and land acquisition processes in Lao PDR.
• Knowledge of Lao regulations and IFC Performance Standards.
• Experience in ESIA preparation and reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Strong report‑writing ability in English (Lao language required).
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• Social Impact Assessment
• Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reporting
• Resettlement Action Plans (RAP)
• Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRP)
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM)
• Lao–English translation/interpretation

What we offer

• Friendly international working environment with diverse tasks.
• Competitive salary package.
• Career opportunities within a large international consulting and engineering firm.
• Potential for professional growth and advancement.