Job Vacancy: Social Expert

Project: Periodic Maintenance/Rehabilitation of Golomoti-Monkey Bay/Mtakataka Turnoff (M10) Road to Bitumen Standard (30km Lot 1)

Location: Dedza district, Malawi (site based)

Report to: Project Manager

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Social Expert to join our M10 road project team. You will be responsible for all community and social related matters on site, ensuring smooth relationship between the project, local communities, government authorities and other stakeholders, and full compliance with Malawi environmental and social regulations as well as Roads Authority requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder & Community Liaison

• Maintain regular communication with local village chiefs, community leaders, district council and government authorities (Environmental Affairs Department, District Valuation Office etc.)
• Act as the first point of contact for all community inquiries, complaints and grievances related to the project
• Establish and manage a transparent project grievance mechanism for local communities

Land & Compensation Management

• Coordinate with relevant authorities for property and crop compensation for affected communities before construction starts
• Assess and document land, property and crop damages caused by construction activities, and follow up on fair compensation
• Manage temporary land use for construction camps, borrow pits and detour roads, including community consultation and compensation

Social Compliance & Impact Mitigation

• Support the development and implementation of the Project Environmental and Social Management Plan (PEMP)
• Monitor construction impacts on local communities (dust, noise, traffic disruption, crop damage, access to water etc.) and work with construction team to put mitigation measures in place
• Ensure compliance with all Malawian laws on social, environmental and labour matters
• Coordinate with local health authorities to implement HIV/AIDS awareness and public health programs for project staff and surrounding communities

Cultural & Heritage Protection

• Identify and protect cultural, historical and traditional sites along the road alignment (including graves, sacred sites etc.)
• Follow proper procedures if any archaeological or historical artefact are found during construction

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare regular social performance reports for project management, the Roads Authority and supervision consultants
• Keep proper records of all community meetings, compensation payments, grievances and resolutions
• Conduct social induction training for all new project staff on community relations and local cultural norms

Requirements

• Minimum Diploma/Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Community Development or related field
• At least 2 years working experience in social/community relations role on road construction or infrastructure projects in Malawi
• Good understanding of Malawi environmental and social regulations, Roads Authority ESG requirements
• Fluent in English and Chichewa (both written and spoken)
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, ability to work with rural communities and resolve conflicts
• Willing to be based full time on the Golomoti Dedza project site, not Lilongwe office
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance management, and compensation processes.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills (Word, Excel) for report preparation and documentation.