Community Relations / Environmental & Social Safeguards Compliance Officer – Water Infrastructure Projects

AVENTA is hiring a Community Relations / Environmental & Social Safeguards Compliance Officer for water infrastructure projects in Kafanchan, Nigeria. The role involves ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and social safeguards, managing community engagement, addressing grievances, and monitoring project implementation. Candidates should have 5-8 years of relevant experience and a degree in a related field. Knowledge of Nigerian regulations and donor-funded project experience is preferred.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated Community Relations / Environmental & Social Safeguards Compliance Officer to support the implementation of environmental and social safeguards for water infrastructure projects.


The ideal candidate will ensure that projects comply with environmental regulations, social safeguard requirements, and donor guidelines. The role also involves managing community engagement, addressing grievances, and ensuring that project activities are implemented in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.


Experience working on donor-funded, NGO-sponsored, or government infrastructure projects, particularly those requiring environmental and social safeguard compliance, is highly desirable. Key Responsibilities:


Environmental & Social Safeguards Compliance:


Ensure project compliance with environmental and social safeguard policies of donor agencies and Nigerian regulatory bodies.


Support implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).


Monitor environmental and social risks and ensure mitigation measures are implemented.


Conduct environmental and social compliance monitoring during project implementation.


Community
Engagement & Relations:


Engage host communities and key stakeholders to promote project understanding and acceptance.


Facilitate consultations, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.


Address community concerns and ensure timely resolution of grievances.


Support implementation of community awareness and sensitization programs.


Grievance
Redress & Conflict Management:


Establish and manage grievance redress mechanisms for project-affected communities.


Document complaints and track resolution processes.


Work with project teams and local authorities to resolve disputes. Monitoring & Reporting:


Conduct regular site visits to monitor environmental and social safeguard compliance.


Prepare safeguard monitoring reports for project management and donor agencies.


Support environmental and social audits. Coordination & Capacity Building:


Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and contractors to ensure safeguard requirements are integrated into project implementation.


Provide training and guidance to project staff on environmental and social compliance.


Requirements Qualifications & Requirements:


Education & Experience:


BSc/MSc in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Social Development, Sociology, Geography, or related field.


Minimum of 5–8 years of relevant experience in environmental and social safeguard management for infrastructure or development projects.


Experience handling donor-funded, NGO-sponsored, or government projects is highly desirable.


Professional
Certification (Preferred)
Membership of relevant professional or environmental bodies is an added advantage.


Certification in environmental management or social safeguards is desirable.


Technical
Competencies
Strong understanding of environmental and social safeguard policies (e.g., World Bank Environmental and Social Framework).


Experience implementing ESMPs and community engagement strategies.


Knowledge of Nigerian environmental regulations and compliance requirements.


Strong documentation and reporting skills.


Personal
Attributes
Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills.


Ability to manage sensitive social issues diplomatically.


Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


High ethical standards and accountability.


Willingness to travel extensively for community engagement and project monitoring.


Other
Requirements
Willingness to relocate to project locations in Niger State or Plateau State as required.