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: Independent Consultant

Home Base: Mexico

Region of Speciality: North America, Europe

Area of Speciality: Sustainability, Social Impact, Human Rights and Just Transition

Profile Summary: I am a strategic leader with 8 years of experience in the construction materials industry, where I have successfully led initiatives in operations, commercial development, sales, and social impact. With a proven track record in leadership roles, I am passionate about leveraging my expertise in strategic planning, due diligence, and cross-functional collaboration to drive meaningful change and deliver value within organizations.

Phone: 0415313347

Position: Partner

Home Base: Australia

Region of Speciality: Oceania

Countries of Expertise: NSW, Australia

Area of Speciality: Development Planning and Social Impact Assessment + Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Profile Summary: I am a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience in development planning, social impact assessments, development and construction approvals and project management. My legal background equips me with a unique perspective and a strong foundation to navigate the complexities of these industries effectively. I’m passionate about driving processes that ensure regulatory compliance, community engagement, and sustainable outcomes, all while aligning with my clients’ objectives. My approach prioritises delivering cost- and time-efficient solutions that support clients in achieving their goals. I focus on providing expert advice and tailored recommendations to help navigate the approval processes, address social and environmental impacts, and ensure successful project outcomes. Whether it’s guiding projects through complex approval pathways, developing strategies to address community concerns, or delivering comprehensive assessments, my goal is to create meaningful, positive change for clients and the communities they serve.

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, Tanzania, 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: +5555997000078

Position: Consultant

Home Base: Brazil

Region of Speciality: South America

Area of Speciality: Estudo de Componente Indígena (ECI) / Indigenous People Assessment Estudo de Componente Quilombola (ECQ) / Tradicional communities Assessment Estudo de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) / Impact Assessment (IA) Relatório de Impacto ao Patrimônio Cultural Imaterial (RAIPI) / Intangible Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA).

Profile Summary: (EN) I am an interdisciplinary professional with a master's degree in Social Anthropology, engaged in projects involving Sustainability, Traditional and Indigenous Communities and Peoples, Human Rights, Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development. I have experience in obtaining environmental licenses for large public and private enterprises in the development of impact reports. (PT) Sou uma profissional interdisciplinar com mestrado em Antropologia Social pela UFSC, engajada em projetos que envolvem Sustentabilidade, Comunidades e Povos Tradicionais e Indígenas, Direitos Humanos, Patrimônio Cultural Material e Imaterial e Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Tenho experiência com obtenção de licenças ambientais para grandes empreendimentos públicos e privados no desenvolvimento de relatórios de impacto.

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.

Phone: 0506624074

Position: Sociology assistant professor

Home Base: United Arab Emirates

Region of Speciality: Asia

Countries of Expertise: UAE, Jordan

Area of Speciality: SOCIOLOGY

Profile Summary: Dr. Rakan Radi Alhrahsheh is a distinguished sociologist with over 15 years of experience in academia, renowned for his impactful research and dedication to teaching. He holds a Doctorate in Sociology and has served at prestigious institutions such as the University of Philadelphia, Petra University, and Al Ain University, where he has fostered academic excellence and inspired countless students. His research focuses on quantitative methodologies, particularly in analyzing social networks and the influence of technology on societal change, health, and social welfare. Proficient in various statistical tools, Dr. Alhrahsheh’s work is published in high-impact journals and addresses contemporary societal issues, advocating for sustainable social development. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, he actively seeks partnerships to tackle social challenges and aspires to further his research and educational contributions, aiming for a future characterized by academic innovation and impactful societal change. Dr. Alhrahsheh stands as a prominent figure in sociology, blending theoretical insights with empirical investigations to drive meaningful discourse and policy interventions.

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.