Senior Consultant

Environmental Resources Management (ERM); Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking consulting firm as a Consultant in Social Performance, where your expertise will play a vital role in delivering impactful social studies and stakeholder engagement programs. This dynamic position offers the chance to work on major capital projects across diverse geographies, providing you with hands-on experience and mentorship. You will collaborate with experienced consultants and contribute to high-quality deliverables, all while prioritizing safety and well-being. If you're eager to grow in a collaborative environment and make a meaningful impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in social performance or impact assessment.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage social data.

Responsibilities

• Support design and delivery of social baseline studies.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement and needs assessments.

Skills

Social Performance

Stakeholder Engagement

Socio-economic Assessments

Analytical Skills

Report Writing

Communication Skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Economics

Degree in Sociology or Anthropology

Job description

ERM is seeking a dynamic and motivated Consultant – Social Performance Generalist to join our Capital Project Delivery team in Africa. This role is ideal for a professional with foundational experience in social performance who is eager to grow their capabilities within a global consulting firm. You will contribute to the delivery of social performance components of major capital projects and work alongside experienced consultants on a variety of assignments.

As a Consultant, you will support the design and implementation of social studies, assessments, and stakeholder engagement programs across a wide range of geographies, sectors, and clients. You will gain hands-on experience and receive mentorship and guidance to build technical, project management, and consulting skills.

This role will require travel to field sites, which may be located in geographically remote areas with varying levels of infrastructure and economic development. Assignments may involve working in diverse environmental conditions and terrains. At ERM, we put Safety First - our fundamental commitment is to provide a working environment that prioritizes the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people and project partners. All travel and site work will be undertaken in alignment with ERM’s rigorous health and safety protocols and our belief that “zero harm is possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and delivery of social baseline studies, including socio-economic assessments, community and human population profiling, and health baseline assessments.
• Assist in conducting needs assessments, mapping vulnerable groups, and identifying social risks and opportunities to inform impact mitigation and community development planning.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs) and Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs), ensuring inclusive and culturally appropriate engagement processes.
• Contribute to the facilitation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes where applicable, especially with Indigenous or vulnerable communities.
• Work collaboratively with senior consultants and technical specialists to assist in the preparation of high-quality deliverables, including reports, proposals, and client presentations
• Participate in socio-economic data collection and analysis using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Engage in interdisciplinary teamwork with ERM colleagues across service lines (e.g., environmental, biodiversity, health) to integrate social performance within broader project frameworks.
• Travel to project sites as needed, supporting fieldwork and stakeholder consultations in diverse geographies and development contexts, while upholding ERM’s commitment to Safety First and zero harm.
• Working knowledge of relevant national regulations and international standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, WB ESF, AfDB safeguards).
• Stay informed about emerging social sustainability trends and share knowledge with peers and clients.

Skills and Experience Required

• A minimum of undergraduate degree in economics, sociology, anthropology, development studies, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional or consulting experience in social performance, social development, or impact assessment.
• The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in one or more key areas of social performance practice. This includes conducting social baseline studies and socio-economic surveys to inform project planning and impact assessments; supporting stakeholder engagement activities and consent processes that are inclusive, culturally appropriate, and aligned with international good practice; and contributing to human rights risk assessments and social audits.
• Experience in livelihoods restoration planning, designing social investment strategies, and the implementation of grievance redress mechanisms is also highly valued.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with the ability to manage and interpret social data (quantitative and qualitative).
• Excellent report writing and communication skills in English; proficiency in French or Portuguese is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in virtual and field-based environments.
• Flexibility and responsiveness in managing multiple tasks or projects, sometimes under tight deadlines.
• Eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute to ERM’s mission and culture.

What we are looking for:

As a Social Performance Consultant at ERM, you are:

• Curious, motivated, and committed to developing your skills and making a meaningful impact.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative, cross-cultural environment.
• A strong communicator who can adapt to different stakeholders and project needs.
• Someone who values continuous learning, constructive feedback, and professional growth.
• Ready to step into increasingly complex roles as your skills evolve within ERM’s global career framework.

Join Us

If you're looking to make a real impact on the ground while working with a global leader in sustainability consulting, ERM offers the platform, people, and projects to take your career forward. Apply now to be part of a purpose-driven team creating lasting social and environmental value.

We are the world’s largest advisory firm focused solely on sustainability, offering unparalleled expertise across business and finance.

ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, through our unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities.

Our diverse global team of experts works with the world’s leading organizations to help them set clear sustainability targets, measure progress and operationalize strategy through deep implementation and business transformation.

With more than 50 years of experience, our ability to integrate sustainability solutions and our depth and breadth of technical knowledge are why organizations choose to partner with us as their trusted advisor.

Every one of us firmly believes in the potential to create value for our clients through an integrated approach to sustainability (because we have personally seen it and professionally achieved it).

Our team members are passionate about client service. We work closely with our clients to help them operationalize their sustainability goals and meet their environmental, health and safety objectives while advancing ERM’s purpose through delivering tangible progress in what the United Nations coined The Decade of Action.

Organizing our people across globally integrated communities of technical and strategic talent positions ERM to be a “boots to boardroom” leader in bringing that value creation to our clients, partners, and the world.

We recruit exceptional professionals with a personal and professional passion for sustainability and nurture them to even greater success as specialists. We prepare our consultants to bring integrated, innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients and provide opportunities for ongoing development across a variety of subject areas related to technical, business, and personal growth.

At ERM, effort pays off and becomes career defining work that leaves a positive imprint on our planet.