Requisition #: AD-L5.5
Job title: Stakeholder Engagement Specialist
Category: Advisory
Contract type: Fixed Term (Employee)
Contract start date: 12/1/2024
Work schedule: Full Time
Office location/s: Maseru – A LS (Primary)
Description
Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.
Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years’ experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.
We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.
What kind of talent do we pursue?
We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.
We are looking for a Stakeholder Engagement Specialist with a strong background in community development and public consultation. This role is essential for fostering meaningful engagement with affected communities, authorities, and stakeholders while ensuring that the voices of women and vulnerable groups are included in the consultative process.
Role responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans that prioritize community involvement.
- Conduct public consultation activities with affected communities, authorities, and the private sector, applying IFC Performance Standards or similar international standards.
- Identify, map, and analyze stakeholder interests and influence to inform engagement strategies.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Facilitate community meetings and discussions to ensure effective communication and feedback.
- Address grievances and conflicts through established resolution techniques.
- Gather and document stakeholder feedback to inform project decision-making and improve processes.
- Ensure inclusivity in consultations by actively engaging women and vulnerable groups.
- Monitor and report on stakeholder engagement outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
- Conduct sensitization visits to build trust and understanding with local communities.
- Lead question-and-answer sessions to address participant concerns and document feedback.
- Provide clear explanations of project steps and next actions to stakeholders.
- Organize and facilitate gender-focused group discussions, documenting key points and issues.
- Collaborate with field teams to support effective community engagement initiatives
Minimum requirements
- Degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Community Development, Communication, or related field;
- Minimum of 10+ years of experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, or a related field.
- Lesotho national based in Maseru and willing to travel to site locations in Lesotho
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills – Fluent in written and spoken English
- Proven ability to manage community consultations and stakeholder interactions.
- Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement principles and practices.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, community groups, and NGOs.
- Certification in stakeholder engagement or a related field (e.g., CSE, CRS) is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
- Minimum of two assignments demonstrating professional experience in conducting public consultation activities with affected communities, authorities, and/or the private sector, preferably using IFC Performance Standards or similar international standards that emphasize the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups.
- Demonstrated skills in community facilitation, grievance and conflict resolution and communication and prior relevant experience in the sub-Saharan African region.
