Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator, Sudano-Sahel Job Description Qualification Requirements

Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator, Sudano-Sahel WCS - Wildlife Conservation Society Kigali National Mid level Speaks English, French Application deadline: March 26, 2025 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool The Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator will support the Wildlife Conservation Society's regional team in implementing environmental and social safeguarding frameworks across the Sudano-Sahel region. This role involves reviewing donor requirements, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with global standards. The coordinator will also provide training and capacity building for staff and partners, while promoting gender equality and social inclusion. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for local communities reliant on natural resources. Candidate Requirements: Advanced degree in social science, law, or relevant field Minimum 5 years of experience in environmental and social safeguards Knowledge of best practice frameworks from various donors Experience working with local communities in relevant projects Working experience in Africa Knowledge of human rights and grievance mechanisms Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English Job Description Position: Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator, Sudano-Sahel Reports to: Technical Director, Sudano-Sahel Positions Managed: N/A Location: Kigali, Rwanda Country Program/Sector: Sudano-Sahel Region Position Type: Full-time Scope/Capacity: Regional Coordinate with: Regional team, country management teams About the Organization Background: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a U.S. non-profit, tax-exempt private organisation established in 1895. It saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit both nature and humanity. With over a century of experience, long-term commitments in numerous landscapes, a presence in more than 60 nations, and expertise in establishing over 150 protected areas worldwide, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships necessary to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. By collaborating with local communities and organisations, that knowledge is applied to tackle species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues crucial for enhancing the quality of life for poor rural populations whose livelihoods rely on the direct utilisation of natural resources. About the Sudan-Sahel region The Sudano-Sahel Region presents unparalleled opportunities for WCS to play a direct role in saving some of the last remaining intact wildernesses on the planet and to contribute significantly to the The security of people and wildlife is paramount. The savannas, forests, and wetlands of the region support key resources. populations of endangered elephant, northern giraffe, lion, eland, chimpanzee, gorilla, bongo, and the second-largest antelope migration on the planet. Hundreds of bird species occur in the area, including the shoebill and the crowned crane. Communities also depend on the land for their livelihoods through pastoralism, agriculture, fishing, and hunting. WCS has a significant presence in the Sudano-Sahel region, with a strong conservation history and a proven track record of success in protected area management. WCS currently has conservation initiatives in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the CAR.  We work actively to support protected area management and wildlife law enforcement, local livelihoods, develop conservation-security partnerships, enhance anti-trafficking activities, and implement our policy and scientific programs. Job Purpose The purpose of the Regional Environmental & Social Safeguards Coordinator is to support the WCS regional team, country programs and field programs in the localization and implementation of our Environmental and Social (E&S) Safeguarding framework and policies. This position also requires taking a lead in reviewing and developing appropriate materials to comply with donor requirements. The position will report to the Technical Director, Sudano-Sahel, and will coordinate closely with other regional staff as needed. The role will also work closely with country program focal points, field program focal points, and Park Management teams. Regional Safeguards Support Provide support and guidance on the implementation of environmental and social safeguards procedures and initiatives at the country program and site levels throughout the region which align with WCS global and international standards. Review, outline and monitor various donor requirements (e.g. USAID, EU, KfW, GCF, GEF, etc.) and lead or support development of materials, risk assessments, etc. in response to donor requirements including those implemented with government, civil society and UN agencies. Provide direct support to country directors, site directors, and program managers in maintaining current environmental and safeguards protocols and rolling out the implementation of new protocols, procedures, and mechanisms as necessary. Promote and support the adherence and implementation of WCS’s global environmental and social safeguards policies at the national and site level, with a strong emphasis on a rights-based approach and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). Safeguards Implementation When required, conduct social impact and risk assessments and lead on the development of associated mitigation plans together with the project teams and where appropriate, the concerned stakeholders. Support implementation of grievance redress mechanisms (GRM) at the site level, including training of GRM focal points and safeguards staff, and providing oversight of GRM database management and data analysis. Provide guidance to field teams on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), as necessary, ensuring clear and