Safeguards, Risk, and Inclusion Specialist (Retainer)

Job Posting Organization:
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is an initiative launched in 2020 aimed at mobilizing new sources of public and private finance to protect the world's most climate-resilient coral reefs. The GFCR operates under the auspices of the UNOPS, which provides administrative and operational services to the GFCR Secretariat. The GFCR's mission is to enhance the resilience of coral reef ecosystems, communities, and economies by unlocking new resources that accelerate sustainable businesses and finance solutions. The organization is committed to advancing sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding across more than 130 countries, working closely with various global partners including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies. The GFCR Secretariat leads global coordination and strategy implementation, guiding the day-to-day work of the GFCR and ensuring effective delivery of its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Safeguards, Risk, and Inclusion Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the GFCR Secretariat by providing oversight and strengthening the implementation, review, and reporting of GFCR policies across its portfolio. This includes policies related to environmental and social safeguards, grievance redress, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and private sector engagement. The Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the GFCR director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, providing strategic leadership and technical advice to integrate these considerations into GFCR programs, operations, partnerships, and knowledge products. The role is designed to ensure consistency across the portfolio through technical advice, quality review, and practical recommendations, while not replacing the responsibilities of GFCR recipient implementing partners. The Specialist will assess and prioritize programs and workstreams based on risk profiles, program stages, grievance exposure, and funding arrangements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will be responsible for several key functions:

• Assessing the alignment of implementing partners' safeguards, risk management, and grievance systems with GFCR requirements. This involves leading processes to evaluate whether selected partners' systems are compliant with GFCR policies, identifying gaps and risks, and preparing technical recommendations for improvements.
• Strengthening the integration of safeguards and GEDSI across the GFCR program management cycle by reviewing program documents and advising teams on risk screening and mitigation measures.
• Enhancing GFCR grievance redress systems by developing practical procedures for handling grievances, ensuring accessibility and transparency, and supporting grievance tracking and reporting.
• Providing technical support and capacity building to GFCR Secretariat staff and partners, including delivering training sessions and preparing advisory materials to ensure compliance with GFCR policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in fields such as environmental management, social sciences, international development, or related areas, along with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with seven years of relevant experience is acceptable. The role requires expertise in environmental and social safeguards, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in contexts involving Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Experience with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with biodiversity conservation and sustainable finance.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in environmental management, environmental science, social sciences, international development, gender studies, human rights, or related fields is required. A Bachelor's degree in these areas is acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of environmental and social issues, particularly as they relate to sustainable development and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields such as environmental and social safeguards, social and environmental risk management, and grievance redress mechanisms. Candidates should have demonstrated experience with safeguards or accountability requirements in programs financed or implemented by international organizations or development finance institutions. Desired experience includes work in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and community livelihoods, as well as engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions where GFCR operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a retainer contract with a duration of one year, allowing for a maximum of 80 working days. The role is classified at the mid-level (ICS 10) and is home-based, providing flexibility in work location. Candidates must complete mandatory training courses prior to starting the role, which will not be compensated. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks will be conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards.