Specialist level

HSS Social Specialist

The HSS Social Specialist pathway is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to engage effectively with communities and manage social sustainability issues within hydropower projects. Through a structured learning pathway, participants develop practical knowledge to identify, assess and address social risks and impacts in line with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).

The specialisation combines technical guidance, practical examples and real-world case studies to help professionals build meaningful stakeholder engagement approaches across the project lifecycle. Participants will explore topics such as community engagement, land acquisition and resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, labour and working conditions, community health and safety, benefit sharing and grievance management, while learning how to support more inclusive and socially responsible hydropower development.

15–20 hours
2 courses + more to come
Digital certification included
€897 if bought separately  €699  Save €198 if purchased together
Enrol in the pathway

Your learning journey

HSS Progress
1
2
3+

Environmental & Social Management

Learn how hydropower projects identify, assess and manage environmental and social risks across the project lifecycle. Understand the environmental and social impact assessment process, mitigation strategies and adaptive management approaches aligned with the HSS.

Resettlement

Develop practical understanding of physical displacement, livelihood restoration, community engagement and long-term monitoring in hydropower projects.

Future Specialist Courses

Additional specialist courses will be added over time, covering more social topics relevant to hydropower professionals.

HSS Pricing Table
Course Individual price In bundle

E&S Management in Hydropower

Course 1 of 3

 €299 ✓

Resettlement in Hydropower

Course 2 of 3

 €299 ✓

Indigenous Peoples in Hydropower

Course 3 of 3

 €299 ✓
Courses purchased separately €897 —

HSS Social Specialist bundle

 €699 All 3 courses
Save €198 vs buying courses individually

Discounts available

IHA / Council members — 20% off Students — 50% off Developing countries — 25% off Referral — 10% off

What will you achieve?


Build practical social sustainability expertise

Develop the skills to identify and manage social risks and impacts in hydropower projects using internationally recognised good practice approaches.

Apply the HSS in real project contexts

Gain confidence in interpreting HSS requirements, evaluating social performance and supporting project teams through assessments and continuous improvement processes.


Strengthen your professional profile

Demonstrate specialised sustainability knowledge that supports career growth in ESG management, hydropower development, consulting and project assurance.

What will you gain as an HSS Social Specialist?

By completing the Social Specialist specialisation, you will:

HSS Bullets
Build social sustainability expertise
Develop structured knowledge of social principles, risks and management approaches relevant to hydropower projects.
Strengthen assessment skills
Improve your ability to identify social impacts, evaluate project performance and recommend practical improvement measures.
Access practical resources and guidance
Access practical examples, implementation guidance and resources to support your professional work.
Advance your professional credentials
Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through earned course completion certificates.

Who should attend?

Project teams

involved in project planning, construction and operation who want to strengthen social sustainability performance.

Social specialists and consultants

supporting social impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, resettlement planning, livelihood restoration and ESG reviews.

Regulatory authorities

involved in hydropower oversight, permitting and sustainability policy implementation.

Community relations teams

responsible for engagement with affected communities, grievance management, benefit sharing and local development initiatives.

What's included?

Here are all the products that are included in this pathway:

Ready to get started?

Build the expertise needed to support socially responsible hydropower projects and strengthen your role as a social sustainability professional.

Individual enrollment
(3 courses)
€699
Save €198 vs stand-alone courses
Best for individuals
or independent consultants
With subscription
Included
In all organisation plans
Best for hydropower developers, utilities, consultants, and financiers to train multiple staff