Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transport Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria. The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country's waterways.
The Land Acquisition Specialist will be responsible for facilitating land acquisition for new projects in accordance with the World Bank’s ESS 5, maintaining or updating existing licenses, agreements, permits, and other administrative duties associated with the project area.

Responsibilities
Land Identification and Analysis

• Site Selection: Identify and evaluate potential acquisition sites that meet project requirements, including location, size, zoning, and environmental considerations.
• Market Research: Conduct market research to understand land values, trends, and potential areas for development to inform acquisition strategies.
• Feasibility Studies: Perform feasibility studies to assess the suitability of identified sites for intended projects, including analysis of land use, access to infrastructure, and regulatory constraints.

Negotiation and Acquisition

• Negotiation with Landowners: Negotiate with landowners to secure land through purchase, lease, or easement agreements, aiming for favorable terms that align with project budgets.
• Purchase Agreements: Draft and review purchase agreements, ensuring all terms are transparent and legally compliant while addressing the needs of both parties.
• Closing Transactions: Manage the closing process for land transactions, coordinating with legal counsel, surveyors, and other stakeholders to finalize agreements.
• Liaise with the Governor’s office- Lands Bureau on verification of land titles and revocation when necessary.

Regulatory Compliance

• Zoning and Permitting: Throughout the acquisition process, ensure compliance with local zoning laws, land use regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Environmental Assessments: Coordinate environmental assessments and due diligence investigations toidentify potential issues (e.g., contamination, protected areas) that could impact land acquisition or project development.

Stakeholder Management

• Relationship Building: Build positive relationships with landowners, local governments, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to facilitate smooth acquisition processes.
• Public Engagement: Participate in public meetings, hearings, and community engagement to address land acquisition and project impact concerns.

Documentation and Reporting

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of land acquisition activities, including correspondence, contracts, and legal documents, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and legal standards.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on land acquisition progress, including updates on negotiations, potential challenges, and any necessary adjustments to acquisition strategies.
• Propose a grievance mechanism for the project and maintain a grievance log for any complaints from the affected parties.

Financial Analysis and Budgeting

• Valuation Report: Conduct a valuation of assets and structures using qualified estate surveyors to ascertain compensation payable to affected parties.
• Budget Development: Collaborate with project managers and financial analysts to include compensation rates in overall project cost.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the financial implications of land acquisition decisions, ensuring alignment with project goals.

Coordination with Project Teams

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, environmental specialists, and other team members to ensure land acquisition aligns with project designs, timelines, and objectives.
• Project Timeline Management: Coordinate acquisition timelines with project schedules, ensuring that land is secured in a timely manner to prevent project implementation delays.

Legal and Risk Management

• Legal Compliance: Work with legal counsel to ensure all land acquisition activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks associated with land acquisition, including legal disputes, title issues, and community opposition, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Community Impact Assessment

• Impact Analysis: Assess the potential impacts of land acquisition on local communities, including social, economic, and environmental effects, and develop strategies to address any concerns.
• Mitigation Strategies: Work with stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts associated with land acquisition, such as community displacement or environmental degradation.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in social sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Estate Surveyor, Social development, etc.)
• A minimum of eight (8) years of directly relevant professional experience in social sustainability and social standards/safeguards and/or social development (voice and participation, gender, community-driven development, citizen engagement).
• A minimum of 8 years of directly relevant experience in addressing issues covered by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and social safeguards policies or similar policies in other international financial institutions in Nigeria.
• Experience with consultative and participatory approaches to project design and implementation, as well as grievance redress mechanisms to ensure accountability and problem-solving in a timely fashion.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and team skills, as well as the ability to think innovatively and strategically to find balanced solutions to complex development problems with a strong client focus.
• Proficiency in real estate software and tools
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and assessments.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans and surveys.

Competencies

• Communication skills
• Legal Compliance
• Project Management
• Market Analysis
• Analytical Skills
• Decision-Making
• Negotiation