Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and is a leading global conservation organization dedicated to helping people and nature thrive. With operations in over 100 countries, WWF partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in scientific research and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. WWF has nearly 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members globally, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer (ESS Officer) will play a crucial role in the Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI), a transformative 5-year global project aimed at empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities in their stewardship of lands and biodiversity. The ESS Officer will work under the guidance of the Project Manager within the Global Coordination Unit (GCU) and will be responsible for leading the implementation and monitoring of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). This position requires a strong focus on ensuring that the project respects the rights and approaches of Indigenous and local community partners while adhering to GEF safeguarding requirements. The ESS Officer will engage closely with various stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and local community organizations, to ensure that environmental and social safeguards are effectively integrated into all project activities, thereby promoting sustainable and inclusive conservation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ESS Officer's key responsibilities include leading the implementation of WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) across all project aspects, conducting yearly ESS screenings of project activities, and reviewing annual budgets and work plans. The officer will facilitate consultations with local stakeholders, support the development of additional safeguards plans by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and ensure compliance with ESS instruments. The role also involves providing individualized support to Component 1 partners, troubleshooting ESS planning and implementation challenges, and reviewing sub-project activities to mitigate potential social and environmental risks. The ESS Officer will collaborate with the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) officer to manage environmental and social risks, conduct training on ESS for project staff and partners, and participate in technical visits to ensure compliance with environmental and social policies. Additionally, the officer will support the establishment of a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) and assist partners in developing culturally appropriate sub-project GRMs. The ESS Officer will also work with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer to incorporate ESMF and SEP indicators into monitoring plans and provide recommendations for stakeholder engagement reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, or a related social science field, with an advanced degree being highly preferred. A minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience in social science is required, along with at least 5 years of direct experience working on Indigenous Peoples or local community issues, particularly in environmental and social safeguards. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of respectful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, familiarity with international environmental and social safeguarding policies, and strong participatory facilitation skills. Experience in conservation or development program implementation, project planning, and evaluation is essential, as is proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Previous experience with donor-funded projects is an advantage, and candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with fluency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese being strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Sociology, Anthropology, or natural resources management. An advanced degree is highly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in environmental and social safeguards, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Experience:
The ESS Officer should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience in social science, with at least 5 years of direct experience focusing on Indigenous Peoples or local community issues, especially in the context of environmental and social safeguards. This experience should include hands-on involvement in environmental and social safeguard planning and monitoring, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex community dynamics and regulatory frameworks.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with the ability to write clearly and concisely at a technical level. Fluency or working knowledge of Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred, as these languages will facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance collaboration across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in Brazil, Cambodia, or Kenya. Applicants for the positions in Brazil or Kenya must be nationals currently residing in those countries and legally authorized to work there, as employment visa sponsorship and relocation are not provided. For applicants considering Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries willing to relocate may apply, with potential visa sponsorship and relocation support from WWF-Cambodia based on budget availability. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the job's location, and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.