Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization founded in 1961, 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 science 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 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 managing their lands and biodiversity-rich ecosystems. The ESS Officer 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 work closely with various stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and local community organizations, to enhance their organizational capacities and facilitate access to sustainable finance for territorial stewardship. This role is integral to achieving the project's objectives of fostering social, economic, cultural, and global environmental benefits through inclusive conservation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the ESS Officer 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 ensuring compliance with ESS instruments. The officer will provide individualized support to Component 1 partners, assisting them in developing additional safeguards plans and ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared and available to stakeholders. The ESS Officer will also collaborate with the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) officer to manage environmental and social risks during project implementation, 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 work with partners to develop Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs) as needed. The ESS Officer will also collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer to design methodologies for data collection and reporting, ensuring that stakeholder engagement is effectively integrated into project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, or a related social science, with an advanced degree 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 demonstrated track record of culturally sensitive collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, familiarity with international policies for environmental and social safeguarding, and strong participatory and facilitation skills. Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, project planning, implementation, and evaluation is essential, along with excellent communication skills in English and preferably fluency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, or a related social science field. An advanced degree is highly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the relevant areas of study. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex social dynamics and environmental issues that the ESS Officer will encounter in their role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience in the field of social science, with at least 5 years of directly applicable experience focused on Indigenous Peoples or local community issues, particularly in the context of environmental and social safeguards. Candidates should have hands-on experience in environmental and social safeguard planning and monitoring tool design, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of these issues effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to write clearly and concisely at a technical level. Additionally, fluency or working knowledge of Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred, as these languages may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance collaboration in various project contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with the possibility of applicants also being considered from Brazil or Kenya. However, applicants must be nationals currently based and legally authorized to work in these countries, as employment visa sponsorship and relocation are not provided for Brazil or Kenya. For candidates applying to work in Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries who are willing to relocate may apply, and WWF-Cambodia may support visa sponsorship and relocation costs 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.