Social Performance & Community Relations Officer

CR/081057
  • Negotiable
  • Azerbaijan, Baku
  • Contract


Job Title: Social Performance & Community Relations Officer

Location : Baku

The Societal Officer works in close collaboration with Project Teams, Affiliate Departments (Operations, HSE, Sustainability, Communications, Legal, Contracts & Procurement), and external stakeholders.

Job Dimensions

• Develop and manage Social Performance Strategy, Social Management Plans, as well as Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Action Plans, Social Investment Plans
• Liaise with HQ, regulatory bodies, and other key stakeholders on behalf of TEPAb regarding Social Performance (SP) matters to help to minimize Non-Technical Risks during Project preparation, execution, and operations to maintain the Social License to Operate
• Act as a primary interface between the Company, local communities, and stakeholders to prevent and manage social risks during project execution.
• Lead field and community facing activities related to stakeholder engagement, grievance prevention, risk monitoring, and community perception tracking
• Manage the Grievance Mechanism and have in-depth knowledge of Stakeholders


Stakeholders

• Internal: HQ, Project team, Operations, Communications, Strategy & Business Teams, HSE team.
• External: Communities, Local Authorities, Civil Society (NGOs/CBOs), local business, other relevant stakeholders

Purpose

The purpose of this role is to ensure that the project and affiliate effectively implement all aspects of the Social Performance strategy by proactively preventing, identifying, and addressing potential social grievances and community-related risks throughout the project lifecycle. The Officer enables structured stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and efficient response mechanisms to safeguard the project’s Social License to Operate.
Aligned with the three pillars of the Social Performance strategy—constructive dialogue with stakeholders, mitigation of negative social and human rights impacts, and enhancement of socio economic benefits—the role emphasizes strong field presence, early risk anticipation, and proactive coordination with Project, HSE, and Affiliate teams.
The Officer contributes to designing, developing, and implementing actions that strengthen social impact, improve stakeholder engagement, reduce Non Technical Risks, and support the Company’s commitments to international standards. The role also supports the management of social investment initiatives.

Activities

Support to Social Performance

• Develop and lead implementation of Social Performance policies and standards in line with company and regulatory requirements and IFC Standards and liaising with Senior Management.
• Ensure coordination with project team to integrate societal considerations into operational plans, field activities, permitting, and risk assessments.
• Identify and handle social issues and emerging practices that could risk the company's operations, schedule, image, or reputation

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Interface

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal - and external stakeholders regarding Social Performance matters
• Maintain regular presence in communities affected by the project.
• Conduct structured engagement, consultations, and information sharing sessions in line with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Identify, map, assess, and monitor stakeholders, including community dynamics and potential sources of concern.
• Provide timely feedback and intelligence to Company teams on perceptions, emerging risks, and community expectations.

Grievance Prevention & Management

• Develop and progress preventive actions and response preparedness to potential grievances and complaints
• Lead day to day implementation of the Grievance Mechanism.
• Manage grievances, concerns, and complaints received

Field Monitoring, Reporting & Data Management

• Collect and consolidate field data for reporting purposes.
• Produce daily/weekly reports on field activities, stakeholder interactions, and community risks.


Qualifications/Experience required

• Degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Community Development, Project Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years working with communities, preferably in extractives, infrastructure, or rural development contexts.
• Proven hands on field experience and ability to anticipate social risks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with IFC Performance Standards and international social management practices.
• Experience with grievance mechanisms, community engagement, and social impact monitoring.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English and Azerbaijani; knowledge of additional local languages is an advantage.
• Strong reporting skills; attention to detail; ability to work independently in the field.


People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.



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