Gaius Maliaki is a seasoned Social Safeguards and Resettlement Specialist with over 20 years of extensive experience in infrastructure and development projects across Papua New Guinea. He has a proven track record of leading social impact assessments, resettlement planning, land acquisition, and stakeholder engagement, particularly within major donor-funded initiatives involving agencies such as ADB, DFAT, EIB, and the World Bank. Gaius holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Land (Development) Studies from the University of Technology in PNG and is a member of the PNG Institute of Valuers and Land Administrators. His expertise spans gender mainstreaming, social risk management, environmental and social safeguards, and capacity building, with a dedicated focus on integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), GBV, and PSEAH considerations into project frameworks. Throughout his career, Gaius has held pivotal roles—including Senior Social Specialist at the Department of Works & Highways overseeing the World Bank PNG Resilient Transport Project, and Social Safeguards Specialist for ADB and other international agencies—where he has successfully managed complex social safeguards processes, led community consultations, and guided policy development. His experience extends to land valuation, socio-economic surveys, and the development of frameworks and action plans that promote inclusive development. Gaius is recognized for his leadership in multidisciplinary teams, his ability to liaise effectively with government authorities and international partners, and his commitment to ensuring socially responsible project outcomes. His professional journey is complemented by research contributions and publications on resettlement and governance issues, reflecting his ongoing dedication to advancing social safeguards in PNG.