Job Title: Social Performance Specialist
Location: Site-Based, Thabazimbi, South Africa
Project Type: Large-Scale Municipal Water Infrastructure DB + Unit Price Contract Project (Owner: Government Agency)
Contract Duration: 3 – 4 Years
1. Overview
An international frontrunner in infrastructure development is set to initiate a revolutionary and mammoth water project in Limpopo. Join a dynamic team committed to engineering excellence and sustainable development in one of South Africa’s most ambitious water infrastructure endeavors. The Social Officer will play a vital role in ensuring constructive community engagement, effective landowner liaison, and implementation of socially responsive practices throughout the construction period. This position supports the contractor and Community Liaison Officer (CLO) in managing the project’s social footprint while ensuring compliance with environmental and social requirements.
2. What You’ll Do
- Support the CLO in liaising with landowners, occupiers, farmers, and other interested or affected parties.
- Facilitate the resolution of issues and site-specific sensitivities related to landowners or community stakeholders during construction.
- Assist the contractor in documenting and addressing complaints, issues, and corrective actions in a timely and transparent manner.
- Implement social mitigation measures outlined in the Construction Environmental Management Programme (CEMP) and ensure compliance with all social management specifications.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of all social engagement activities and site-based interventions.
- Compile and submit regular social monitoring reports (daily, weekly, and monthly) to the Engineer.
- Liaise with the Engineer on all social matters and ensure that public concerns are acknowledged and appropriately addressed.
- Promote alignment with legislation and international best practices to support the client in achieving and maintaining a social license to operate.
3. What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 10 years of experience as a Social Officer on infrastructure or construction projects within South Africa.
- Proven experience working with landowners, local communities, and stakeholders in a socially sensitive and regulated construction environment.
- Strong understanding of legislative frameworks and international social best practices, with specific knowledge related to land use, resettlement concerns, and community engagement.
- Relevant degree in Social Sciences, Public Relations, Development Studies, Communication, Archaeology, Anthropology, Environmental Management, or related Social Studies field (NQF Level 6 or higher).
- Demonstrated ability to manage social performance, engagement documentation, and regulatory compliance on active construction sites.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for compiling reports and managing stakeholder expectations.
- Willingness to be site-based in Limpopo for the duration of the project.
4. What We Offer
- The opportunity to be part of a landmark municipal water infrastructure project with tangible socio-economic impact.
- A challenging and rewarding site-based role with autonomy and strategic influence.
- Multicultural, high-performance team environment.