GENDER & SAFEGUARDS ASSOCIATE

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

The “Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Mitigation in Botswana’s Communal Rangelands” Project funded by GCF aims to utilize collective management of livestock and ecosystems to restore Botswana’s communal rangelands, increasing the climate resilience of vulnerable populations and reducing GHG emissions. Over 8 years, the project will undertake activities in 104 villages in Ngamiland, Kgalagadi, and Bobirwa landscape areas, covering six administrative districts of Botswana. In these three areas, the Project is targeting improved management of 4.6 million hectares of rangelands

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Botswana: Bobonong, Maun, Tshane

The Gender and Safeguards Associate will support the integration, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all gender equality and environmental and social safeguard (ESS) commitments into the EbA project, specifically at the landscape level, under the technical guidance of the Gender & Safeguards Specialist (GSS).

The position ensures that project interventions, especially at the landscape level, are inclusive, equitable, and compliant with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Gender Policy, Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), and national safeguard regulations.

The role will serve as the field focal point for gender mainstreaming, social inclusion, grievance redress, and community protection mechanisms across the project landscapes. They will report directly to the Gender and Safeguards Specialist for technical guidance and oversight, while reporting administratively to the Area Manager. Incumbent will function as the landscape Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) liaison on gender and safeguards related elements for effective contribution to the broader project level M&E functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusion

• Support the integration of gender perspectives in all field activities, trainings, and planning processes.
• Facilitate gender awareness and life skills sessions for communities, Eco-Rangers, and local partners.
• Ensure women, youth, disabled and vulnerable groups (including Remote Area Dwellers) are equitably represented in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Identify barriers to women’s participation and propose targeted interventions to improve inclusion.

Safeguards Implementation

• Monitor compliance with the project’s Safeguard Plans, including mitigation measures for risks related to land use, livelihoods, and resource management.
• Facilitate community awareness sessions on ESS standards, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and safeguard requirements.
• Work closely with the Gender and Safeguards Specialist to ensure that environmental and social risks are identified, reported, and managed appropriately.

GBV, IPV and PSEAH

• Promote community awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH).
• Support implementation of the project’s GBV and PSEAH Protocol at the field level.
• Ensure safe, confidential, and survivor-centered reporting and referral mechanisms.
• Participate in training and coordination with District Gender Affairs Officers.

Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)

• Serve as the district focal person for the GRM and ensure all grievances are recorded, addressed, and reported in line with the project procedures.
• Support community-level GRM committees to function effectively and promote awareness of grievance channels.
• Track resolution timelines and outcomes and escalate cases requiring higher-level intervention.

Field Level Monitoring & Evaluation Support

• Collaborate with the M&E Specialist, Gender & Safeguards Specialist, and Area Manager to support field-level data collection aligned with the project’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and MEL framework.
• Assist in gathering sex- and age-disaggregated data (SADD) and other relevant indicators during community engagements, trainings, and safeguard activities.
• Participate in joint monitoring visits and contribute to field-level documentation of project outcomes, including gender, inclusion, and safeguard-related indicators.
• Support the verification of field data quality and completeness, ensuring alignment with donor (GCF) reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the development of case studies and knowledge products that highlight gender-responsive and inclusive project impacts.
• Maintain close coordination with the Gender & Safeguards Specialist and M&E Specialist to ensure timely submission of field data and lessons learned from gender and safeguard interventions.
• Working with the Area Manager, maintain close liaison with the project GSS to ensure strategic alignment of the gender and safeguards portfolio to the rest of the project streams of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment.
• Ability to travel frequently to remote project sites.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Up to 2 years of experience in implementing gender and/or safeguards-related activities in community-based or environmental projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of ESS, FPIC, GBV risk mitigation, and inclusive rural development.
• Experience working with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community-based organizations.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples and Remote Area Dwellers (RADS).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Setswana.
• Proven ability to analyze gender and social issues within environmental and livelihood contexts.
• High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality and gender equality principles.

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, service focus, and work independently and as part of a diverse team.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Environmental Management, Development Studies, or related field.
• Experience working in an international non-profit organization would be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of GCF, UNDP, or World Bank safeguard frameworks is desirable.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: January 06, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

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