Social Safeguards Manager

About the role

The Social Safeguards Manager will lead the implementation and management of WCS’s social safeguards mechanisms within the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. Based in Kihihi, the role ensures effective engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities while overseeing grievance redress and safeguarding processes.

Key responsibilities

• Implement WCS social safeguards policies across field staff and partners, focusing on Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Develop, manage, and monitor a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for the sector.
• Provide mandatory annual human‑rights and safeguards training for law‑enforcement personnel.
• Support free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) processes and document community consultations.
• Assist in creating an Early Warning System and conflict‑mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with Uganda’s IPLC regulatory framework and WCS Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.
• Guide community conservation teams in ethical socioeconomic surveys and data collection.
• Coordinate with regional and country teams, including the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator in Nairobi.

Required profile

• Proven experience in social safeguards, human‑rights, or community engagement within conservation or development projects.
• Demonstrated ability to design and operate grievance mechanisms and conduct FPIC processes.
• Strong understanding of Uganda’s Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) regulatory environment.
• Excellent coordination skills to work with multidisciplinary teams and remote locations.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote field sites.

Required skills