Social Safeguards Coordinator
Uganda
11-Aug-2026
Social Safeguards Coordinator
Uganda
Global Conservation Full-Time
GLOBAL CONSERVATION
Job Description
Reports to: Rights and Communities Manager
Position managed: GRM Officer, Social Safeguards Officer
Location: Queen Elizabeth Landscape (Ishasha)
Country program/Sector: WCS Uganda program
Scope/Capacity: Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Position Type: Full-time
Job Profile
The purpose of this position is to oversee the successful implementation and management of WCS’s social safeguards mechanisms and policies within its Queen Elizabeth’s landscape. The Social Safeguards Coordinator will provide general social safeguards support across all operations in Queen Elizabeth to ensure effective programming in the landscape, particularly in relation to engagement with and safeguarding of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). The primary responsibility of the coordinator will be the oversight and management of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in the sector, development of the environmental and social management system (ESMS), and ensuring proper training and mentoring of other safeguarding personnel and community focal points.
Major Responsibilities
On Broader Social Safeguards matters:
Develop and Implement Ishasha Sector Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)
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
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
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.
Develop Monthly, quarterly, and Annual safeguards reports
Any other activities as directed by the R&C manager, site lead 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 Queen Elizabeth and its partners. Working with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator and the site-based or community focal points, the coordinator 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 park/reserve Directors, 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 park/reserve Directors and Head 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, 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
Bachelor's degree 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 environmental and social safeguards
Demonstrated experience working with marginalized and vulnerable groups
Experience developing and implementing environmental and social management systems (ESMS)
Fluency in English. Understanding of other 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 25th, 2025. We review received applications on a rolling basis.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all employment and labour laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensure that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate against employment based on age, colour, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.
Note: This position is open to Ugandan nationals and candidates who currently hold a valid permit to work in Uganda.
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Salary Range
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