Job Description

Reports to: Sector Manager with reporting line to Country Director
Location: Queen Elizabeth Landscape
Position Type: Full-time
Scope/Capacity: Country, travel to work in remote locations expected
Coordinates with: CoCo team, Biodiversity Management team, Law Enforcement team, Uganda Country Team, global and regional thematic teams and specialists (e.g. Rights+ Communities).

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to oversee the successful implementation and management of WCS’s social safeguards mechanisms and policies within the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. The Social Safeguards Manager will provide general social safeguards support across all operations in Ishasha to ensure effective programming in the landscape, particularly in relation to engagement with and safeguarding of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (LCs). A primary responsibility of the Manager will be the development and management of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in the sector, while ensuring proper training and mentoring of other safeguarding personnel and community focal points.

The Social Safeguards Manager will report to the Sector Manager and have a dotted line to the Country Director, working closely with the departmental leadership. He/she will also work closely with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator (based in Nairobi).

The Manager will be based in Kihihi town. Candidates will need to demonstrate clearly that they possess the necessary experience, skills, and mindset to operate effectively in this complex environment.

Responsibilities

On Broader Social Safeguards matters:

• Support relevant aspects of implementation of all WCS Social Safeguards policies and procedures amongst field staff and partners – especially as it relates to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
• With the support of the regional safeguard coordinator, provide mandatory annual human rights and safeguard training for all Law enforcement personnel in the sector
• Ensure WCS Social Safeguards policies align with the premises and the content of Uganda’s IPLC regulatory framework
• When necessary for project implementation, assist the field teams in implementing a thorough Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process and meaningful community consultations as per WCS FPIC and community consultation guidelines, and ensure proper documentation of the engagement (FPIC and or Consultation) process
• Assist the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator and the CMP Manager in the development of an Early Warning System adapted to the landscape
• Work with the CMP Manager and senior staff to develop strategies for conflict mitigation
• Work with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to ensure field teams are abiding by WCS’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and submitting IRB applications when appropriate
• Assist the Community Conservation Teams in conducting socioeconomic surveys and assessments, and ensure ethical data collection processes
• With the Regional Safeguards Coordinator, design indicators to monitor the effectiveness of social safeguards mechanisms
• Conduct regular training on social safeguards for WCS staff and partners and work with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to develop modules for those trainings
• Support the program to ensure that the best international standards are applied to our activities, in line with donor requirements regarding social safeguards
• Attend meetings with government and NGO partners to represent WCS and our parks/reserves on Social Safeguards matters
• Assess environmental and social risks and impacts and develop mitigating measures for identified risks.
• Any other activities as directed by the Sector Manager and the Country Director.
  
  

For The GRM

The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is a first-of-its-kind system for protected areas in the sub-region designed to understand, manage, monitor, and mitigate concerns and conflicts within the community related to activities conducted by the WCS and UWA co-management partnership. Working with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator and the site-based or community focal points, the lead will:

• Assist, as needed, in the initial pilot phases of the GRM in the sector and adapt the GRM specifically based on lessons learned for the site, and ensure quality control and operational oversight of the field-based roll-out
• Work closely with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to identify and train GRM staff on GRM procedures, and delegate GRM responsibilities appropriately
• Ensure timely feedback from the pilot phase to the Sector Manager, and senior staff, the Uganda Country Director, the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator, and all GRM implementation partners
• Ensure extensive coordination with partners, internal and external, regarding GRM implementation in Ishasha
• Provide operational oversight (including work plans and quality control) of the field implementation team for the GRM
• Ensure regular and timely reporting and coordination on the GRM to the Sector Manager, and Heads of Programs, as well as with the Community Conservation Teams and/or other departments as directed
• Hold quarterly Pause & Reflect sessions with GRM and other relevant teams and the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to discuss and plan for adaptations or improvements of the GRM systems
• Record, report, and disseminate lessons learned from the rollout of the GRM, and contribute to donor reports regarding GRM and other safeguards initiatives
• Monitor at the best extent possible how the GRM implementation influences the perception of communities on the park/reserve activities, and how the feedback from communities informs the development of the park activities for the benefit of communities
  
  

For Gender

• Design a gender strategy that incorporates gender-responsive approaches to WCS-Uganda and the Ishasha sector
• Engage with local, national, and international organizations that can strengthen our capacity and response to potential Gender Based Violence (GBV) incidents that are submitted through the GRM.
• Design an internal strategy and protocols to respond to and address cases of GBV, including on how to advise and support survivors
• Ensure active participation and equal access of women and men to project benefits and decision-making processes, including FPIC and the GRM
• Mainstream gender throughout WCS activities, including designing baseline indicators for gender-sensitive surveys
• Conduct gender analyses for funding requirements
• Work closely with the field teams on ensuring that a gendered lens is incorporated into all community engagement and research activities
• Advise management on steps to be taken to incorporate appropriate gender-responsive and gender-sensitive approaches in all projects and programs
  
  

Qualification Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in social sciences (International Development Studies, Anthropology, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Conflict Mitigation, Natural Resource Management)
• Demonstrated experience in conflict management
• At least 5 years of experience designing, implementing, and monitoring programmes/projects, especially as it relates to environmental and social safeguards and/or the social protection of marginalized and vulnerable groups
• Demonstrated experience working with marginalized and vulnerable groups
• Fluency in English, and in local languages (written and oral) highly preferred.
• Willingness to live in or visit a remote site, with basic amenities in a multi-cultural environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and proven ability to work as a team player
• Results-driven work ethic
  
  

A dedication to wildlife and conservation issues, combined with experience in protected area operations, is a distinct advantage.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications, skills, and experience should apply through the application tab by August 5th, 2026. We review received applications on a rolling basis.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and seek future team members who share this same value.

Salary Range

Competitive salary commensurate with experience