Practitioners

Position: Associate Director - Social Specialist

Home Base: United Kingdom

Region of Speciality: South America, Africa, Europe

Area of Speciality: Social performance, including social, health, and human rights impact assessments, gap analyses and due diligences, as well as stakeholder engagement and implementation of social management plans. Special interest in psycho-social impacts, diversity and inclusion, and decolonial approaches to SIA.

Profile Summary: Hi! I am a social specialist with 14 years of experience in international projects conducting ESIAs, ESDDs and stakeholder engagement to good international practice standards. I have worked in Latin America, West and Southern Africa, and Central and West Asia, across mining, renewable energy, infrastructure and O&G sectors, onshore and offshore. Fluent in Spanish and English and working knowledge in French, originally from Mexico and now based in the UK. I have a BA in International Relations, MSc in Development and International Cooperation and currently studying a PhD in Social Philosophy focusing on new relational approaches to social conflict, accredited as CEnv and Full Member of IEMA, and ardent enthusiast of IAIA.

Phone: +27848723067

Position: Consultant

Home Base: South Africa

Region of Speciality: South America, Africa

Countries of Expertise: Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Colombia, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi

Area of Speciality: Livelihoods restoration and human rights

Profile Summary: Alexandra is a social practitioner driven by solving the challenges brought about by climate and social change. She has 15 years of experience in designing and implementing socioeconomic development plans, and her expertise is land acquisition and livelihood restoration planning. Alexandra initiated her professional career working for Rio Tinto and Vale, managing local community relations and implementing a resettlement plan and livelihood restoration plan for a greenfield project in The Andes, South America. Since 2013 she has undertaken consulting assignments in the Southern Africa region to develop and monitor impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, social investment, human rights assessments, livelihood restoration plans and involuntary resettlement plans following IFC Standards. At CIG, Alexandra has significantly supported projects all over the world for different industries and clients. Her most recent work has involved developing monitoring frameworks for livelihood restoration and has participated in several due diligence processes driven by the international financial sector. As a livelihood restoration specialist, she has implemented a community-centered approach to planning with a strong emphasis on human rights. Alexandra has sought to improve the development and monitoring of World Bank/IFC-compliant livelihood restoration plans. Currently, Alexandra is based in Durban, South Africa where she is also a volunteer at the local Kloof Conservancy assisting the Molweni River health program. She is a native Spanish speaker, fluent in English and Portuguese, and has basic French.

Phone: +27840769135

Position: Environmental and Social Consultant

Home Base: South Africa

Region of Speciality: Africa

Countries of Expertise: Africa

Area of Speciality: Social Impact Assessment, Social Risk Assessment, Community &; Stakeholder Engagement, Capacity-Building & Training, and Resettlement Planning.

Profile Summary: Alexander Msipa is a Social Consultant who specialises in social impact assessments, risk assessments, and the development of social impact management plans to optimise project outcomes. He currently holds the position of Environmental and Social Consultant at Environmental Impact Management Services. His current role focuses mainly on Public Participation and Social Impact Assessments. Alexander possesses research experience in diverse projects such as mining, renewable energy, and land management. His expertise lies in SIA, resettlement processes, public participation, community, and stakeholder engagement, as well as report writing. He earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pretoria in 2021, focusing on the influence of land degradation on the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and Land Care workers in Free State, South Africa, which informed the Southern Africa Land Degradation Monitor (SALDi). Alexander's scholarly contributions include a recent article in the Land Degradation & Development Journal and a chapter in the Science Partnerships for the Adaptation to Complex Earth System Processes in Southern Africa (SPACES II) publication. His driving force is the passion to create equitable and sustainable social and environmental spaces that improve people's livelihoods.

Position: Director

Home Base: Netherlands

Region of Speciality: South America, Africa, Oceania, Europe

Countries of Expertise: Work experience in: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Greenland, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, Uruguay, USA

Area of Speciality: Social performance competency development Social and human rights impact assessment Livelihoods, socio-economic development and local content

Profile Summary: Ana Maria is founder of Community Insights Group. Her expertise lies in working out how energy, extractives and infrastructure projects can avoid harm and provide equitable benefits to local communities while respecting human rights. Ana Maria is driven by helping social performance professionals raise the bar in standards of practice and improve their influence within organisations. She works as a practitioner, executive coach and educator. Ana Maria has led the development of a competency framework for social practitioners on behalf of the Social Practice Forum, and CIG’s competency development assessment tool, SPGrow360. She is a Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde. She established SIAhub (an online platform for the social impact assessment community of practice) and is co-author of the International Association for Impact Assessment’s Guidance (IAIA) for Social Impact Assessment. She is also past President of the board of the IAIA (2016-17) and current member of the Editorial Board for the Association’s Journal, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal. Ana Maria is an INSEAD-certified Executive Coach and graduate of the Company Directors Course of the Australian Institute for Company Directors. She holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School and PhD from the University of Melbourne, Australia. Ana Maria is a native Portuguese speaker and has basic Dutch, Spanish and Afrikaans. Mozambique-born, she is now based in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Position: SI

Home Base: Indonesia

Region of Speciality: Asia

Area of Speciality: Anthropology Social

Profile Summary: 15 years progressfely in community development

Position: Consultant

Home Base: United Kingdom

Region of Speciality: Europe

Countries of Expertise: Canada, Guatemala, Mozambique, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States of America

Area of Speciality: ESIAs, Livelihood Restoration Plans, The Graduation Approach

Profile Summary: Ben is a social consultant who works for CIG following an internship as a research assistant in 2021. At CIG, Ben has worked on Social & Human Rights Impact Assessments, evaluations of stakeholder engagement (including with Indigenous & Land-Connected Peoples), and Livelihood Restoration Plans for displacement impacts. Ben has conducted research into social development program best practice, and supported the development & delivery of CIG’s 'Social Impact Assessment' and 'Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Projects ' online courses. Ben is Board Trustee for a charity, InterClimate Network, working to empower young people in the UK to lead, advocate and take action towards environmentally sustainable behaviours, career choices and societal change. Ben also Chairs ICN's Funding Working Group. Prior to joining CIG, Ben worked as a caseworker and researcher in the Parliamentary & Constituency Offices of a British Member of Parliament and Shadow Paymaster General (Cabinet Office), Fleur Anderson. Ben's previous charity work includes the Safe Passage Project, a non-profit legal services organization for refugee & immigrant children, and the Marmalade Trust, a loneliness awareness charity. Ben holds a First-Class Politics & International Relations BSc from the University of Bristol. This degree was oriented towards human rights-related issues, largely focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Position: Counsellor & Consultant

Home Base: Canada

Region of Speciality: North America, South America, Africa

Countries of Expertise: Angola, Canada, Cuba, Brazil

Area of Speciality: Psychologist, Counsellor, and Social Entrepreneur.

Profile Summary: As an experienced Consultant, Psychologist, and Counselor, I bring over three decades of expertise to the field, specializing in counselling families amidst the harrowing backdrop of the Angolan War during the height of the Cold War. Having lived through one of the most violent and traumatic conflicts since World War II, my journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to healing and helping those who have faced the horrors of war. My multifaceted role encompasses several vital areas: Counselling Families in Times of War: With a deep understanding of war's profound impact on individuals and families, I have dedicated my career to providing guidance and support to those affected by conflict. My extensive experience enables me to navigate the complexities of trauma, loss, and recovery, offering a beacon of hope to those in dire need. Specialist in Social Business and Psychological Counseling: My unique skill set extends beyond traditional counselling as I have successfully advised war veterans in Angola. These veterans, who bore witness to the brutality of war, have found solace and healing through my guidance. Drawing upon this experience, I excel at formulating comprehensive counselling and psychological treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Supporting PALOPS and CPLP Emigrants: My commitment to aiding those in transition extends to emigrants and their families, as I offer guidance to individuals embarking on new lives in America, Europe, and Portugal. My empathetic approach and cultural sensitivity enable me to ease the challenges of relocation and adaptation. Development Projects and Government Collaboration: My involvement in development projects and collaboration with the governments of Angola and Canada since 1984 underscores my dedication to effecting positive change on a broader scale. Through these initiatives, I have contributed to improving communities and societies, leveraging my expertise in psychology and counseling. Friendly and Collaborative: With a warm and pleasant disposition, I am an experienced professional and a collaborative team member. I thrive on engaging in fruitful projects that drive positive outcomes for individuals and communities alike. In summary, my extensive background as a Consultant, Psychologist, and Counselor is a testament to my unwavering commitment to promoting healing, resilience, and well-being in the face of adversity. I stand ready to apply my wealth of experience, skills, and compassionate approach to any meaningful endeavor, fostering positive change and empowerment for all I serve.

Phone: 0403200378

Position: Principal

Home Base: Australia

Region of Speciality: South America, Oceania

Countries of Expertise: Chile Australia

Area of Speciality: Social Impact Assessment Community Engagement Social Performance

Profile Summary: Carla is a social impact assessment (SIA) specialist at WSP Australia. Her expertise is SIA and Stakeholder Engagement in resource and development projects across Australia and Chile. Before joining WSP, Carla worked in Stakeholder and Community Engagement in the copper and coal industry in remote locations with Indigenous communities. She has a qualification in SIA from Community Insights Group in partnership with the University of Strathclyde and is a part of the EIANZ community of practice for SIA practitioners.

Phone: 0404899619

Position: Social Value Specialist

Home Base: Australia

Region of Speciality: Asia, Oceania

Area of Speciality: Social needs assessment and social value capture for sustainable development.

Profile Summary: Over twenty years experience in multiple sectors and industries.

Phone: +2250501246335

Position: Livelihood Consultant

Home Base: Côte d'Ivoire

Region of Speciality: Africa

Area of Speciality: Resettlement Action Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Livelihood Restoration Plan, Monitoring and Evaluation, Socio Economic Surveys, Local Economic and Community Development, Agriculture and Rural Development

Profile Summary: I am a consultant with over 12 years of experience in food security, livelihood, youth economic empowerment, resettlement, and environmental and social safeguards. My mission is to provide technical support to governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders in designing and implementing sustainable and inclusive solutions for rural development and poverty reduction. I worked as a Livelihood Restoration Officer at Nachtigal Hydro Power Company, a public-private partnership investment co-financed by IFC, AfDB, PROPARCO, and STOA. I oversaw the application of international performance norms on resettlement and restoration of livelihood for displaced persons for the construction of the Nachtigal Dam. I implemented the Resettlement Action Plan and the Livelihood Restoration Plan for sand miners and fishermen, develop tools for monitoring indicators, and report on the field activities. I also participated in the local economic development program and the stakeholder engagement plan, and contributed to the monitoring and evaluation framework. I hold a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension and Integrated Rural Development, a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, and a certificate in Livestock Intensification from the Tropical Agriculture and Higher Education Research Centre in Costa Rica.

Phone: 0721888077

Position: Social Performance Management and Impact Assessment

Home Base: South Africa

Region of Speciality: Africa

Countries of Expertise: South Africa Botswana - Anglo American, Mining Areas of Influence (21 Villages: Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines)

Area of Speciality: Conducting Social Impact Assessments: Anglo America's Areas, De Beers Policy Analysis: Resettlements, Site In-Migration, Social and Human Rights Impacts vand Risks Analysis Development of Stakeholder Management and Human Rights Matrix Research Papers in preparation for Social Impact Assessments in DRC Development of Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (SED) Projects (Public Employment Programmes, Mining Sector CSI, Community Based Organizations) SED Programme and Project Management Social Performance Management (Mining Sector)

Profile Summary: I have been fortunate to actively participate in the global social movement that provides a holistic approach for the sustainable development of vulnerable communities for over 20 years. This period afforded me the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations around the African continent (including an international NGO) as part of the senior management and or consultancy team with key focuses, inclusive of: Conducting Social Impact Assessments: Anglo America's Areas, De Beers Policy Analysis: Resettlements, Site In-Migration, Social and Human Rights Impacts vand Risks Analysis Development of Stakeholder Management and Human Rights Matrix Research Papers in preparation for Social Impact Assessments in DRC Development of Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (SED) Projects (Public Employment Programmes, Mining Sector CSI, Community Based Organizations) SED Programme and Project Management Social Performance Management (Mining Sector) My style of leadership is transformational, and I am devoted to lifelong learning for personal and professional growth.

Position: Social Impact Specialist

Home Base: South Africa

Region of Speciality: Africa

Countries of Expertise: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia

Area of Speciality: Social impact assessment, Resettlement planning and implementation, Social management on mega projects, Community-based heritage and biodiversity conservation, Project development, Livelihood development

Profile Summary: I have 20 years of combined experience in social and environmental impact assessment, business management, biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage conservation. I have experience of working in both urban and rural settings. While working in impact assessment my focus has been on socio-economic impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, research and resettlement action planning. Some of the infrastructure development projects I work on are in accordance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) requirements. I have worked in the non-profit sector in biodiversity conservation program coordination, research, fund-raising, monitoring and evaluation, community-based natural resource management and cultural heritage conservation. My work has entailed facilitating institutional arrangements involving rural communities, municipalities, government departments, donors, NGO’s, private sector and conservation agencies.

Position: Independent consultant

Home Base: Brazil

Region of Speciality: South America

Area of Speciality: Social Impact Assessment | Human Rights | ESG| Institutional Partnerships | Open Innovation

Profile Summary: I have a PhD in Political Science and a Master's in Sociology, and I have been working in the field of social and environmental impact assessment for over 10 years. I conducted socioeconomic assessments of traditional communities and participated in Human Rights Due Diligences, under UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). I also carried out training on Business and Human Rights for corporate executives. Previously, I was a specialist in a leading extractive company, where I developed and implemented open innovation programs to mitigate socio-environmental impacts and foster innovative solutions, in alignment with the company's ESG strategy. My core competencies include designing, managing, and monitoring projects, developing indicators and evaluation mechanisms, coordinating institutional partnerships, prospecting funds, and disseminating results. I have a systemic and analytical view, and I am able to stimulate connections and collaborative practices. My mission is to contribute to the social development and sustainability of the sectors and communities I work with.

Position: Director

Home Base: Indonesia

Region of Speciality: Asia

Countries of Expertise: Indonesia, PNG, ASEAN Countries

Area of Speciality: Participatory Approaches, SIA, High Conservation Values, High Carbon Stock

Profile Summary: Dwi R. Muhtaman – Dwi got a Masters in Public Administration from Auburn University, Alabama, USA and received his Bachelor from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), with a specialization in Social Economics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry. For more than 15 years Dwi has been actively engaged in the field of management natural resources, particularly forestry and certification of sustainable forest management. He became a consultant for the assessment of forest certification in particular as a social expert, for forest sectors. He has conducted assessment for certification (FSC scheme and LEI) in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Java. For years Dwi has been an auditor for RSPO standard. He also helps companies to conduct identification of HCV and Social Impact Assessment (SIA)—where participatory mapping is one of a key tool applied. He has worked with more than 25 oil palm plantation companies. Dwi also conducted RSPO audits in Johor, Sabah, Sarawak (Malaysia) and Indonesia. He has been an independent consultant to various companies, international organizations and NGOs. In 2003 he became the social expert to formulate HCVF Toolkit for Indonesia and is an assessor for identifying HCV forest concessions and palm oil plantations. He has been a member of an HCV expert Working Group RILO, 2010-2011; Member of Technical Committee of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for HCVF Concept Revision (2011); Member of Control Wood Technical Committee of FSC (2011-2015); Member of Biodiversity and HCV Working Group (BHCV WG) and Compensation Task Force of RSPO, 2011-on going; Founding member of Jaringan NKT Indonesia (HCV Network Indonesia), 2011; Member of Supervisory Board of HCV Network Indonesia); Chairman of The Indonesian Tropical Institute Foundation (LATIN); and Member Expert Panel of HCV Resource Network, Oxford. Dwi is the co-founder, Director, for Remark Asia--a Sustainability Advisory Group that works in forestry, agriculture and sustainable development in general.

Phone: +61423686002

Position: Technical Director - Social Performance

Home Base: Australia

Region of Speciality: Asia, Other

Area of Speciality: Social Performance; social procurement

Profile Summary: An experienced Technical Director with a demonstrated history of over 20 years’ in stakeholder management spanning across Government and private engineering and design firms, as well as tier-1 contractors. With the proven ability to develop and execute effective communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, as well as, strategic social procurement plans. Skilled in the development and management of high performing teams as well as having in-depth business development experience. An experienced Technical Director with a demonstrated history of over 20 years’ in stakeholder management spanning across Government and private engineering and design firms, as well as tier-1 contractors. With the proven ability to develop and execute effective communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, as well as, strategic social procurement plans. Skilled in the development and management of high performing teams as well as having in-depth business development experience.

Phone: 7787723125

Position: Senior Specialist, Community Engagement and Social Performance

Home Base: Canada

Region of Speciality: North America

Countries of Expertise: Canada, USA, Mexico, Australia, Indonesia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, Peru, Bahrain, Trinidad Tobago

Area of Speciality: Social Impact Assessment, Public Engagement, Indigenous Engagement, Local Participation, Social Impact Management

Profile Summary: Eleanor Gill is a Senior Specialist, Engagement and Social Performance, with more than 17 years’ experience in community relations and stakeholder engagement, Indigenous engagement, social impact assessment and management, local participation, and cultural mediation. She has experience developing and leading stakeholder and Indigenous engagement plans, social impact assessments, and social impact management plans that meet international standards in stakeholder engagement and social performance set by the International Finance Corporation as well Canadian regulatory agencies (IAA, BC EAO). Eleanor also develops local procurement, employment and training strategies for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, recently for the EGP Tunnel Project in BC and Tlicho All Seasons Road Project in Northwest Territories. Eleanor is Engagement Lead for BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Highway 1 Improvements Project 264th Street to Whatcom Road; recently led international ESIA scoping for Sun Cable's Australia-Asia Power Link Project; and is Social Lead for the Sangdong Tungsten Mining Project Due Diligence (ongoing Equator Principles monitoring) in South Korea. Eleanor has developed stakeholder and Indigenous engagement strategies, including for Goldcorp’s Century Gold Environmental Assessment and Permitting Project, BC Ministry of Energy and Mine’s Geotechnical Review of Dam Safety Inspections in BC, City of Nanaimo’s Nanaimo Dam Breach Assessment and Inundation Mapping Study, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Lynnterm Expansion Project in BC, and Western Stevedoring’s Lynnterm Breakbulk Consolidated Project in BC. Eleanor has led social assessments of projects, including for Alaska’s Trust Land Office’s Icy Cape Gold and Industrial Heavy Metals Project, Rio Tinto Explorations FalCon Project in Saskatchewan, and Ontario Power Generation’s benchmarking of physical and cultural heritage cumulative effects assessments. Eleanor has developed environmental and social assessment and management plans that meet IFC Performance Standards for the Bahrain LNG Terminal Project. Eleanor also has extensive international experience, having worked on mining/metals and energy projects in Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Bahrain, Australia, Indonesia, China, South Korea, and Trinidad. Eleanor has a graduate degree in Asia Pacific Policy Studies from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and a Scottish Masters in International Relations from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. She speaks Mandarin and French.

Phone: 0729810668

Position: Gender and Social Inclusion Expert

Home Base: South Africa

Region of Speciality: Africa

Countries of Expertise: Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guyana, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sahel (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal), South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, Middle East and North Africa (regional)

Area of Speciality: ConductGender Impact Assessments and Gender Analysis, Draft Gender Action Plans, Prepare tools and questionnaires to conduct qualitative field research (interviews, focus group discussions and multi-stakeholder consultations), Design tools on how to integrate gender and social inclusion into a diversity of sectors (climate change, water, energy/renewable energy, infrastructure, employment, entrepreneurship, provide technical assistance on gender equality to project and program development, develop and deliver participatory training on gender equality in French, English and Portuguese. Expert on regional economic development through work with SADC, EAC, IGAD, ECOWAS and the African Union.

Profile Summary: Ellen Hagerman is currently working on a short-term contract as the Senior Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) expert for a World Bank transboundary water program, the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa where she provides technical assistance on gender equality to project development, develops tools and information material and has developed and delivered online training to donors and Bank staff. She has also provided technical assistance, developed questions to conduct interviews and Focus Group Discussions to conduct gender impact assessments and prepared gender analysis reports based for World Bank projects in sub-Saharan Africa. She has conducted gender impacts assessments focused on women’s economic empowerment for the Bank’s program in the Sahel and West Africa and for UNDP’s programs in the Middle East and North Africa and in Gabon. Prior to providing GESI technical expertise and inputs for World Bank and UNDP programs, she worked as the GESI expert for a regional climate change and water project in Southern Africa which included providing technical expertise on gender to social impact assessments, designing and conducting field work as a Gender Expert and integrating gender considerations into project proposals. She has provided GESI technical expertise for UNICEF, UNFPA, government entities, the private sector and NGOs. She has extensive experience conducting qualitative research including designing questions to conduct interviews and Focus Group Discussions, developing tools and drafting reports on gender equality related to a diversity of sectors ranging from climate change, infrastructure development, water resource management, energy, employment and entrepreneurship. She has designed and delivered training programson gender equality and social inclusion for Global Affairs Canada, USAID, UNICEF, UNDP and UK-funded programs that were conducted in English, French, and Portuguese. She has also developed a variety of tools and resources on gender equality across multiple sectors and has produced communications articles and publications.

Position: Principal

Home Base: Australia

Region of Speciality: Oceania, Europe

Area of Speciality: Social performance frameworks including social impact assessments Human rights due diligence assessments Community and stakeholder engagement frameworks

Profile Summary: Felicity is a social impact specialist. Her expertise sits with preparing social impact assessments for the energy transition across Australia. Her particular interest concerns human rights of critical mineral mining in vulnerable geopolitical contexts. Felicity recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact Assessment at Macquarie University where she researched the effectiveness of risk matrices for evaluating the significance of social impacts in contemporary SIA practice.

Phone: +31-631179966

Position: Professor of Cultural Geography (but with a primary interest in social impact assessment)

Home Base: Netherlands

Region of Speciality: South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe

Countries of Expertise: I am a generalist

Area of Speciality: social impact assessment; social impact management; project induced displacement & resettlement; social licence to operate; extractive industries & society; business & human rights; human rights impact assessment; Indigenous rights; Free, Prior & Informed Consent (FPIC); benefit sharing; community engagement; public participation; avoiding the resource curse; corporate social responsibility; shared value; university social responsibility; sense of place; place attachment; endogenous regional development; rural communities; social aspects of climate change; social sustainability; applied social research

Profile Summary: Frank Vanclay holds the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Cultural Geography in the Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, where he has been since July 2010. He was previously based in Australia. Prof Vanclay is an applied, inter-disciplinary/transdisciplinary social scientist who writes in the areas of: social impact assessment; the management of social issues associated with large projects (i.e. social performance); social licence to operate; business and human rights; extractive industries and society; project-induced displacement and resettlement; and avoiding the resource curse. He also has interests in the social impacts of tourism; social understandings of place; and the social aspects of natural resource management, farming and agriculture. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Griffith University (Australia, 1981), a Master’s degree in social research methods from the University of Queensland (Australia, 1986), and a PhD in environmental sociology from Wageningen University (The Netherlands, 1994). Frank has been interested in the social impacts arising from projects and the management of these impacts, and thus the field of social impact assessment (SIA), for his whole life. He has become internationally acclaimed, for example, he was awarded the Individual Award from the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) in 2014 in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of the theory and practice of impact assessment. He has given keynote or invited addresses in many places around the world. He was the lead author of the guidance document, Social Impact Assessment: Guidance for Assessing and Managing the Social Impacts of Projects, published by IAIA in 2015 (LINK) – available in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese. Together with Dr Ana Maria Esteves (www.communityinsightsgroup.eu), he has provided training courses on SIA, e.g. Iran (2010), Finland (2011), Netherlands (2012), Brazil (2013), Scotland (2013, 2016), Angola (2014), Madagascar (2014), and Australia (2017). In conjunction with the World Bank Group and Community Insights Group, Intersocial Consulting and Frederic Giovannetti, he leads two week courses on Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Social Sustainability (LINK), which have been given in The Netherlands, Kenya, Mozambique, Georgia and Kazakhstan.

Position: Consultant

Home Base: Denmark

Region of Speciality: Europe

Countries of Expertise: Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Chile

Area of Speciality: ESIAs, Human Rights Impact Assessment, Human Rights Due Diligence, Stakeholder Engagement, Legal Research

Profile Summary: Francesco is a human rights specialist who works for CIG since September 2021. At CIG, Francesco has worked on social and human rights impact assessments, evaluation of corporate human rights plans and project stakeholder engagement (including with Indigenous and Land-Connected people) in the extractive and renewable sector, research into national ESIA regulatory system for the World Bank, contributed to the drafting of a guidance for stakeholder engagement and community consultation and supported the preparation & delivery of CIG’s Indigenous Peoples online course. Francesco holds a Law Degree from the University of Milan, is a member of the Italian bar, and has a Masters of Law in International Human Rights Law from Nottingham University (UK). His studies focused on the Business and Human Rights area, specifically on the indigenous peoples’ rights and the implementation of FPIC from the perspective of the UN Guiding Principles for Human Rights (UNGPs). He also took part in research projects led by his supervisor Professor Robert McCorquodale, including a submission to the European Commission on the proposed legislation on mandatory human rights due diligence for businesses, and a study on the applicability of human rights obligations to non-state actors in a context of conflict and humanitarian crisis. Before joining CIG, Francesco worked for a Brussels-based NGO operating in disability rights within the framework of European policies and gained several years of experience as a lawyer for various law firms where he worked on matters including workers' rights, diversity and inclusion. Francesco is a native Italian speaker, fluent in English and Spanish, and has a basic understanding of Portuguese and French.