Project Safeguards Officer

Position Overview

The Skeleton CoastEtosha Conservation Bridge Programme is a landmark long-term conservation initiative supported by the Legacy Landscapes Fund (LLF) which provides a grant of USD 1 million annually for a minimum of 50 years. This funding is dedicated to establishing a connected resilient and economically viable conservation landscape in northwestern Namibia linking the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Parks. The programme seeks to promote sustainable conservation practices that benefit both biodiversity and local communities across this ecologically significant region.

To support the implementation of this ambitious vision and similar projects in other landscapes the Safeguards Project Officer will play a central role in ensuring the effective execution of the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) developed following a rigorous Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) process. The officer will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with environmental and social safeguards across the landscape including the development and enforcement of guidelines and procedures and the adaptation of existing operational protocols to align with Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework best practices. The role also includes establishing mechanisms to monitor and report on safeguards compliance maintaining close liaison with communities and field partners identifying environmental and social safeguards risks recommending corrective actions when necessary and coordinating the grievance redress process. These responsibilities are essential to ensuring that all project activities adhere to best practices within the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF).

Main Functions

1. Safeguards Integration and Alignment
   • Facilitate the integration of the SCECB Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) into the Environmental and Social Safeguards Frameworks (ESSF) of all consortium partners.
   • Ensure operational procedures and policies across the partnership are aligned with ESAP and ESSF requirements.
   • In collaboration with the ESSF and M&E Manager support the development of ESSF documentation for existing and potential projects.
2. Implementation Support and Capacity Building
   • Provide technical support to field partners and stakeholders for effective ESAP and ESSF implementation.
   • Support the design and deliverary of targeted training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding and application of environmental and social safeguards to project beneficiaries and implementation partners.
   • Support field consultations with stakeholders and communities to inform CEPF development.
   • Organize and facilitate training sessions on the integrated ESSF and CEPF for consortium partners and relevant stakeholders.
3. Community Engagement and Grievance Coordination
   • Lead community engagement activities to assess understanding gather feedback identify potential concerns and strengthen participation.
   • Coordinate grievance mechanisms and ensure concerns are documented communicated and addressed appropriately.
   • Implement the Community Engagement Planning Framework (CEPF) including tools and procedures for inclusive engagement.
4. Monitoring Compliance and Risk Management
   • Continuously monitor compliance with ESAP and broader safeguards obligations.
   • Identify non-compliance issues and support the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
   • Conduct annual reviews of planned activities to identify potential risks and recommend actions and mitigation measures.
5. Development of Tools and Procedures
   • Develop practical context-specific guidelines tools and procedures to support ESAP and ESSF implementation.
   • Ensure accessibility and usability of these tools for all relevant actors.
6. Operational Adaptation and Institutional Learning
   • Support the adaptation of existing operational processes to meet ESAP requirements.
   • Promote continuous improvement and institutional learning.
7. Reporting and Accountability
   • Prepare and submit quarterly and periodic reports on ESAP and ESSF implementation progress challenges and lessons learned.
   • Ensure transparent communication with stakeholders in line with LLF reporting requirements.
   • Ensure timeous reporting of serious incidents under the SCECB
   • Serve as the key liaison between LLF and WWF on all Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) matters pertaining to the SCECB.
8. Framework Review and Strategic Integration
   • Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing ESSF and ESAP documents.
   • Identify gaps and overlaps and develop strategies for integration aligned with international standards and best practices.
   • And any other related duties as assigned by the supervising authority

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• • Masters Degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Sustainability Studies Environmental Science Human Rights Development Studies Natural Resource Management or a related field.
  • At least 3-5 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in community engagement grievance redress mechanisms and stakeholder consultations preferably in rural or conservation landscapes.
  • Demonstrable experience and knowledge of applying international environmental and social safeguard standards.
  • Experience in applying international ESS standards and develop safeguard instruments for conservation projects.

Skills and Abilities

• • Demonstrated practical knowledge of environmental and social safeguards.
  • Good understanding of socio-cultural issues and livelihood context of traditional local communities and indigenous peoples and their contribution to conservation.
  • Sound understanding of the Namibian CBNRM programme.
  • Expertise in stakeholder engagement and community participation processes.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Possess a valid drivers license and be comfortable driving and working in remote areas of Namibia
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities with a proactive and results-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Good computer skills.
  • Local language proficiency.
  • A valid drivers license.

Additional Information :

Location for position

Namibia

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time