Social Safeguards Coordinator

About the role

The Social Safeguards Coordinator will lead the implementation and management of Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) social safeguards mechanisms across the Queen Elizabeth Landscape in Ishasha, Uganda. Reporting to the Rights and Communities Manager, the role ensures that all program activities respect and protect Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) while supporting effective grievance redress.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Ishasha Sector Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).
• Oversee the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and ensure timely resolution of community concerns.
• Provide mandatory annual human‑rights and safeguards training for law‑enforcement personnel and other field staff.
• Align WCS social safeguards policies with Uganda’s IPLC regulatory framework.
• Facilitate Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes and document community consultations.
• Coordinate Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and compliance.
• Design and monitor indicators to assess the effectiveness of safeguards mechanisms.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual safeguards reports.
• Represent WCS in meetings with government agencies, NGOs, and other partners on safeguards matters.

Required profile

• Experience in social safeguards, grievance mechanisms, and community engagement within conservation or development projects.
• Knowledge of Uganda’s IPLC regulations and international safeguards standards.
• Proven ability to design training modules and conduct capacity‑building sessions.
• Strong analytical skills for risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a high‑impact conservation landscape.
• Collaboration with regional and international experts.
• Professional development through training and mentorship.