Technical Director: Social Sustainability - (SC-L9.7) at Zutari

• We’re looking for a Technical Director in our Social Sustainability team, to contribute to the leadership and growth of this business within our broader Sustainability Business Unit across Africa and the Middle East. The ideal candidate is a senior, experienced Resettlement Specialist - a self-starter and team player who can work under pressure while maintaining exceptional quality standards. The role reports to the Discipline Lead: Social Sustainability and will have two or more direct reports.
• In this role, the candidate will assist clients in managing social risks associated with land acquisition and resettlement by providing advisory services, preparing and implementing Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), and coordinating stakeholder engagement and participatory processes.
• To effectively manage this portfolio of resettlement-related projects, the Technical Director: Social Sustainability must demonstrate advanced skills in the areas of technical delivery, project management, business development, client relationships management, people leadership and commercial management.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and eminence in resettlement and other social assurance services. Active mentorship of junior staff.
• Lead the preparation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs), and other social management plans, ensuring alignment with international standards (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, World Bank Guidelines).
• Oversee a portfolio of resettlement-related projects, including project management, financial management, resource allocation, quality assurance, and the management of technical and commercial risks.
• Take full responsibility for the compliance of company policies and procedures, legislative requirements and act as a role model for Zutari values and culture.
• Contribute to the leadership and growth of Zutari’s Social Sustainability practice, including building and fostering relationships with key clients across Africa and internationally.
• Drive business development initiatives locally and internationally in collaboration with client teams.
• Source and secure new business opportunities, preparing competitive proposals for resettlement studies, livelihood restoration plans, socio-economic baseline studies, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, etc.
• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams, including Zutari staff, specialists and consultants, to deliver high-quality outputs that meet client requirements.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum of 15 years’ experience is essential, with at least 5 years in a senior project management role.
• Post-graduate qualification (preferably a master’s degree) in social sciences, development studies, anthropology, or related fields is required.
• Proven commercial and managerial experience.
• In-depth understanding of international standards for resettlement and social safeguards, including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and World Bank Guidelines.
• Planning and implementing resettlement projects across Africa, with a demonstrated understanding of diverse cultural and regulatory contexts.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills with fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking). Proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.