Background:

Ruzizi III Energy Ltd (REL) is responsible for developing, constructing, and operating the 206 MW Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project on the Ruzizi River.

Objectives:

The Social Team Lead will lead REL’s social functions and work closely with other members of the Environmental & Social (E&S) Team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, grow, and manage REL’s Social Team and consultants during development and construction.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for the Social Team.
• Plan and carry-out all required social activities, including resettlement, compensation, livelihood restoration, grievance management, community engagement, Gender-Based Violence Harassment (GBVH), monitoring, human rights, security and labor aspects.
• Oversight and monitoring of consultants and any supplemental social assessment that might be required.
• Lead reporting both internally and externally.
• Support other E&S team activities as required.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• A Bachelor’s degree in sociology, anthropology, international development, or related field.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in large infrastructure projects, with experience in hydropower projects preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in similar leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in resettlement, RAP implementation, community engagement in complex environments, grievance management, labour issues, cultural heritage.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups, indigenous and marginalized peoples, women and youth a strong plus.
• Proven track record of managing projects funded by development banks and ensuring compliance with their standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and also collaboratively.
• Strong analytical, computer, and reporting skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French preferred. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda/Kirundi and/or Swahili highly desirable.

• Lead, grow, and manage REL’s Social Team and consultants during development and construction.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for the Social Team.
• Plan and carry-out all required social activities, including resettlement, compensation, livelihood restoration, grievance management, community engagement, Gender-Based Violence Harassment (GBVH), monitoring, human rights, security and labor aspects.
• Oversight and monitoring of consultants and any supplemental social assessment that might be required.
• Oversight and monitoring of the EPC Contractor.
• Lead reporting both internally and externally.
• Support other E&S team activities as required.

• A Bachelor’s degree in sociology, anthropology, international development, or related field.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in large infrastructure projects, with experience in hydropower projects preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in similar leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in resettlement, RAP implementation, community engagement in complex environments, grievance management, labour issues, cultural heritage.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups, indigenous and marginalized peoples, women and youth a strong plus.
• Proven track record of managing projects funded by development banks and ensuring compliance with their standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and also collaboratively.
• Strong analytical, computer, and reporting skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French preferred. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda/Kirundi and/or Swahili highly desirable.