Job Description

Social Safeguards Specialist – Roads Authority Malawi

Company: Roads Authority
Location: Malawi
Job Type: Consultancy / Individual Consultant
Industry: Transport / Infrastructure / Development Projects
Project: SADC Sub-Regional Transport and Trade Facilitation Project
Position: Social Safeguards Specialist
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Renewable subject to performance)
Sector: Road Infrastructure & Social Development

Social Safeguards Specialist Consultancy Opportunity

Job Overview

The Roads Authority of Malawi is inviting qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the role of Social Safeguards Specialist under the SADC Sub-Regional Transport and Trade Facilitation Project funded by the African Development Fund (ADF). This consultancy opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking social safeguards jobs, development project consultancy, transport sector consulting roles, environmental and social impact jobs, or infrastructure project management careers.

The successful consultant will support the implementation of social safeguard policies, resettlement action plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, environmental and social management frameworks, and donor-funded project compliance systems for the road reconstruction project between Kaphatenga and Dwangwa in Malawi.

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Key Job Responsibilities

Social Safeguards Management

The Social Safeguards Specialist will:

• Monitor implementation of project Social Safeguards Instruments to ensure compliance with project objectives.
• Coordinate the implementation of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs).
• Ensure social risk mitigation measures are properly integrated into infrastructure development activities.
• Oversee compliance with African Development Bank environmental and social safeguard policies.

Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Develop and implement an internal administrative tracking system for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
• Track project progress to ensure compliance with social safeguard requirements and donor regulations.
• Prepare safeguard monitoring reports, compliance assessments, and implementation progress documentation.
• Support stakeholder consultations and community engagement activities.

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Stakeholder Engagement & Project Coordination

• Work closely with project engineers, environmental specialists, government institutions, contractors, and development partners.
• Support implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP) and Labour Management Plans (LMP).
• Manage social impacts associated with road construction, infrastructure development, resettlement, and community livelihoods.
• Ensure project activities align with Government of Malawi regulatory frameworks and international development standards.

Education Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Sociology
  • Social Development
  • Development Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Community Development
  • Related Relevant Discipline

Preferred Qualification:

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, Environmental & Social Management, or related field (added advantage).

Experience Requirements

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in social management and monitoring of transport, engineering, infrastructure, or road sector projects.
• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience managing social impacts in donor-funded projects.
• Strong knowledge of African Development Bank (AfDB) safeguards policies, including:
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Involuntary Resettlement
  • Pest Management
  • Environmental and Social Compliance Standards
• Experience preparing:
  • Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs)
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs)
  • Labour Management Plans (LMPs)
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)
  • Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs)
• Experience working with international development organizations in Africa is highly desirable.

Required Skills & Competencies

The ideal consultant should demonstrate:

• Social safeguards management expertise
• Donor-funded project experience
• Stakeholder engagement and community consultation skills
• Infrastructure project monitoring capabilities
• Environmental and social compliance knowledge
• Policy analysis and reporting skills
• Strong analytical and documentation abilities
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Project coordination and risk management expertise
• Knowledge of Malawi social regulatory frameworks

Candidates searching for social safeguards specialist jobs, development consultant vacancies, transport sector consultancy, community development jobs, environmental and social management careers, road infrastructure consultancy, monitoring and evaluation roles, donor-funded project jobs, resettlement specialist careers, and international development opportunities are encouraged to apply.

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Salary & Benefits

Estimated Consultancy Fee: Competitive (Based on qualifications, donor project experience, and technical expertise)

Potential benefits may include:

• Long-term consultancy engagement (renewable contract)
• Exposure to international donor-funded infrastructure programs
• Professional networking opportunities with development agencies
• Capacity building in transport and trade facilitation projects
• Participation in regional SADC infrastructure development initiatives

Training & Professional Development

Selected consultants may gain professional exposure in:

• African Development Bank safeguard systems
• Social impact assessment methodologies
• Infrastructure project monitoring and compliance
• Community engagement and resettlement management
• Environmental and social performance reporting
• Donor-funded project governance and policy compliance

Project Information

This consultancy supports the SADC Sub-Regional Transport and Trade Facilitation Project, a five-year infrastructure initiative focused on reconstructing a 102.5 km road section between Kaphatenga and Dwangwa in Malawi, aimed at strengthening transport connectivity, trade facilitation, and regional economic integration.

Application Process

Interested consultants should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of Academic Certificates
• Description of Similar Assignments
• Evidence of Relevant Experience
• Availability of Required Skills and Competencies

Applications must clearly mention:

“Expression of Interest – Social Safeguards Specialist (Individual Consultant)”

Submission Deadline: 24 Dec 2026 at 16:30 Hours

Submission Address:
The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Roads Authority
Functional Building, Off Paul Kagame Road
Private Bag B346, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

Why Join the Roads Authority Malawi?

This consultancy offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to transport infrastructure development, social safeguards compliance, community engagement, resettlement planning, environmental and social management, stakeholder coordination, donor-funded project delivery, and regional economic development while supporting one of Malawi’s strategic transport projects.