Socio-Economics Consultant​/Senior

Job Description

We are looking for a Consultant or Senior Consultant to join our Socio‑economics, Population and Human Health team; one of the technical specialist teams which support our Environmental Management and Assessment Team in the UK. The post will be based in one of our UK offices, and we are seeking someone with experience in the themes this type of work typically encompasses;

including energy and renewables, infrastructure and master planning, residential and commercial development, education, and health. We have an exciting portfolio of projects which span a number of sectors - onshore and offshore renewables, aviation, rail, and residential to name a few. We need people with creative spirit, a dedicated approach, and a solid grounding in assessment and management, particularly at the project application and consents stages.

The role is ideally suited to a pro‑active individual looking to use their initiative to progress their career.

As a Socio‑economic technical specialist, the role will involve a broad range of assessment and consents work including bidding, design/optioning, technical analysis, mitigation and approvals. The role requires a good understanding of statutory procedures applicable to the consenting of infrastructure/mixed use projects, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Development Consent Orders (DCO). Knowledge of Population and Human Health assessments, and/or related topics such as Health and Equalities Impact Assessment would also be advantageous.

• Assembling and analysing data and carrying out desk‑based studies;
• Drafting and editing Socio‑economics chapters both in Environmental Statements and as stand‑alone reports (e.g., Benefits Statements) and Population and Human Health assessments;
• Prioritising tasks and meeting commitments on an on‑going basis and taking ownership and responsibility for the completion and quality of work;
• Following sound project management principles and applying business operation skills in managing time and budgets, as well as costing new work proposals;
• Providing Socio‑economic advice / environmental support on tenders / projects across various sectors, providing input to business development proposals (expression of interest and tender responses) and continuously improving our service offering to clients;
• Keeping up to date with relevant environmental and planning legislation, policy, data releases, guidance, and best practice.

• Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline (such as environment, planning, or a similar related area);
• Experience of undertaking Socio‑economic and/or Population and Human Health related assessments for a range of projects, ideally EIA;
• A keen interest in Socio‑economics, infrastructure delivery, social and community impacts, as well as health and equalities;
• Grounding in the UK environmental and planning regime;
• Experience of liaising with multi‑disciplinary teams, with clients, and with external bodies and organisations;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrable skills in some or all of the requirements listed above.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work‑life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging  have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing
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