Freelance HR & Labour Compliance Consultant

JOB DESCRIPTION Freelance HR & Labour Compliance Consultant ESG / Social Due Diligence Position Freelance HR & Labour Compliance Consultant ESG / Social Due Diligence Engagement Type Freelance / Project-Based Experience 712+ years of relevant professional experience 1. Role Overview We are looking for an experienced Freelance HR & Labour Compliance Consultant to support ESG, Environmental & Social Due Diligence (ESDD), Social Due Diligence and sustainability consulting assignments. The consultant will conduct labour and social compliance audits, site assessments, worker and management interviews, documentation reviews, identify compliance gaps, and prepare professional audit reports and corrective action plans. 2. Key Responsibilities Conduct labour, HR and social compliance audits for factories, manufacturing units, warehouses, construction sites, infrastructure projects and other operational facilities. Undertake site visits, facility walkthroughs and worker/management interviews to assess labour and workplace practices. Review wages, working hours, employment conditions, contractor labour, statutory benefits, worker welfare and workplace practices. Review HR records, payroll, attendance, employment contracts, statutory registers and other relevant worker documentation. Assess compliance with applicable Indian labour laws and statutory requirements. Identify labour, human-rights and social compliance gaps and associated risks. Prepare audit findings, corrective action plans (CAPs), recommendations and closure-tracking reports. Support ESDD, Social Due Diligence and ESG assessments from the labour and social perspective. Participate in client meetings, site debriefings and discussions with project/facility management. Prepare clear, accurate and client-ready technical reports within agreed timelines. 3. Required Qualifications Bachelors or Masters degree in Human Resources, Labour Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Industrial Relations, Law, Management or a related discipline. 712+ years of relevant experience in HR, labour compliance, social audits, labour assessments or ESG/E&S consulting. Strong hands-on experience in labour and social compliance audits. Demonstrated site-visit experience across industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, construction or infrastructure facilities. Experience with an ESG/E&S consulting firm will be strongly preferred. 4. Required Technical Skills & Competencies Strong understanding of Indian labour laws and statutory compliance requirements. Practical experience reviewing payroll, attendance, wages, employment records, contractor records and statutory registers. Experience conducting worker interviews, management interviews and site observations. Ability to identify non-compliances, labour risks and social risks and translate findings into practical corrective actions. Good understanding of labour and social requirements under ESG / E&S Due Diligence assignments. Knowledge of IFC Performance Standards, World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), ILO standards, SA8000, SMETA/SEDEX or similar frameworks will be an advantage. Strong report-writing, documentation and analytical skills. 5. Professional Skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Professional approach while interacting with workers, contractors, management and clients. Strong analytical and observational skills. Ability to work independently and manage project deliverables with limited supervision. Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling employee and client information. Willingness to travel across India for project/site assignments. Ability to work within timelines and manage multiple assignments. 6. Preferred Experience Previous experience with ESG, E&S, sustainability or social consulting firms. Experience in labour/social audits for manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, logistics, warehouses, renewable energy or other industrial sectors. Exposure to lender-funded projects and international ESG/social compliance requirements. Experience supporting ESDD, ESG due diligence, social impact assessments or sustainability assignments. 7. Engagement Expectations The consultant will be engaged on a freelance/project basis depending on project requirements. Site visits across India may be required. The consultant should be able to independently conduct audits, prepare reports and provide practical recommendations. Availability will be based on agreed project schedules, site requirements and timelines. 8. Key Deliverables Labour / HR Compliance Audit Reports Social Compliance / Social Audit Reports ESDD / Social Due Diligence Inputs Site Assessment and Interview Notes Compliance Gap / Risk Assessment Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) Compliance Closure / Follow-up Reports 9. Ideal Candidate Profile A field-oriented HR, labour .