Social Safeguards Coordinator (Uganda)

About the role

The Social Safeguards Coordinator will lead the implementation and management of Wildlife Conservation Society’s social safeguards across the Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape in Uganda. Reporting to the Rights and Communities Manager, the role ensures that programmes respect and protect Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) while supporting effective grievance handling and environmental‑social management.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Ishasha Sector Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).
• Oversee the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and supervise the GRM Officer and Social Safeguards Officer.
• Provide mandatory human‑rights and safeguards training for law‑enforcement personnel and other staff.
• Align WCS safeguards with Uganda’s IPLC regulatory framework.
• Facilitate Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes and document community consultations.
• Support Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and ensure compliance.
• Design and monitor indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of safeguards mechanisms.
• Conduct regular training sessions and develop training modules with the Regional Safeguards Coordinator.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with at least five years of experience in social safeguards, grievance mechanisms, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including FPIC and community consultation processes.
• Strong knowledge of Uganda’s IPLC regulatory framework and international safeguards standards.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and monitor ESMS and GRM systems.
• Excellent training, mentoring, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills