Social Scientist

Knight Piésold is currently sourcing talent for a Social Scientist, to join our team in our Sandton office.

**Minimum Requirements**
- Honours degree in Social Science or equivalent tertiary qualifications (Masters degree would be an advantage).
- Relevant environmental / social management experience of at least 4 years.
- Proven track record in delivering Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and specifically the socio-economic components.
- South African and/or African experience on large infrastructure projects (e.g. mining, linear infrastructure, water infrastructure or renewable energy).
- Experience in leading stakeholder consultation.
- Valid drivers licence and experience in driving in various road conditions.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written).
- Proficiency in other South African or African languages would be an advantage.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Project Management**:Manage environmental projects in RSA and Africa by managing client relationships, interdisciplinary teams, deliverables and project budgets.
- **Involvement in Key Projects**: This would encompass the following aspects: bidding, technical input, client, authority and stakeholder management, internal and external resourcing (e.g. specialists), logistics planning, budgeting and QAQC.
- **Social Projects**: Play a lead role as a Social Scientist on existing and new projects in the Environmental Section and other technical sections in KP (Mine Residue, Dams & Hydropower, Infrastructure).
- **Project Support Role**:Supporting internal team members at all levels in terms of site work, technical and social / environmental deliverables and client management.
- **Business Development**:Play a role in worksearch and business development initiatives in the section, especially projects with a socio-economic focus.
- **Administration**:Undertaking of all required administrative functions in accordance with the company procedures e.g., expense and timesheet submissions, financial reporting, invoicing and debt management.

**Attributes**
- Personality traits conducive to engaging with all project stakeholders, including communities, in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Ability to learn quickly, follow instructions and operate independently to manage project tasks.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Driven, disciplined, organised and motivated.
- Ability to solve problems as they arise, especially related to field / survey work.
- Excellent communication skills: internal team members and external parties (clients, communities, specialists etc.).
- Professional and diplomatic, even under difficult circumstances.
- Impeccable ethics and ability to conform to the KP corporate culture.
- Willing to travel on project assignments (locally and internationally).

**Our Employee Value Proposition**

When recruiting talented professionals, we want to ensure that we align to your personal values and career aspirations through our employer brand. We offer you:

- A 101-year-old global company which speaks to the values we have upheld for over a century and our hunger for continued success.
- A hands-on leadership team with a strong vision and a big focus on execution.
- A team of about 160 people - large enough to beat our competition yet small enough to know each other’s names.
- Team members in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, DRC, Madagascar and Lesotho.
- Continuing professional development through training and development and conference opportunities.
- Merit-based promotional structure.
- Fully paid bursaries for postgraduate studies.
- Opportunities to learn and lead on engineering projects in Africa and internationally.
- Access to and mentorship from technical industry experts.
- Latest use of technology and software programmes.
- Interesting and challenging project work to align with your career aspirations.
- Mentorship and coaching at every stage of your career.
- A hybrid working model in most operating countries, which supports flexibility and autonomy.
- Attractive remuneration packages aligned to experience and the industry.
- A high-performance work culture - high effort leads to high reward.
- A highly lucrative performance bonus system.
- A fun and meaningful rewards and recognition system to suit your lifestyle.
- A hands-on approach to corporate wellness focusing on employee wellbeing and mental health.
- Healthy brunches and lunches coupled with sports and socials so you can work hard and play hard.
- Annual leave coupled with an annual shutdown period in December to fully recharge.
- Modern and professional, fully equipped offices that allow for quiet time or teamwork.