Community Relations Officer (Gabon)

Role OverviewESS Recruitment is seeking a Community Relations Officer to support one of our clients operating in Gabon. The successful candidate will play a key role in building and maintaining constructive relationships between the project and local communities, ensuring open dialogue, trust, and mutual respect. The ideal candidate will be bilingual in English and at least one local language (Punu or Vili) and will have experience in community engagement, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution in a development or extractive industry context. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement, and monitor community engagement strategies and action plans.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders. Facilitate dialogue between the company and communities to ensure transparency and trust. Support grievance management processes, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. Assist in social baseline studies, needs assessments, and community development initiatives. Ensure compliance with international best practices (IFC Performance Standards, ESG, HSEC requirements). Provide accurate and timely reporting on community relations activities to project management. Act as a cultural and linguistic bridge between project teams and local stakeholders. Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Communication, or a related field.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, or social performance. Proven experience working in multicultural and rural settings. Strong conflict resolution, facilitation, and negotiation skills. Familiarity with international standards such as IFC Performance Standards and ESG frameworks is an advantage. Language requirements: Fluency in English and Punu or Vili (both oral and written). French is a strong asset. Key CompetenciesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills. High cultural awareness and sensitivity. Strong organizational and reporting skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Commitment to ethical conduct and community empowerment.

Why Join This Project?Opportunity to work on a high-impact project in Gabon. Play a meaningful role in building sustainable community relations. Join ESS Recruitment’s network of professionals committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence in Africa.