About the Role

The Social Safeguards Manager position at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of social safeguards within the Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area. This role is vital for protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (LCs) while facilitating sustainable conservation efforts. In your first few months, you will immerse yourself in the local community dynamics, develop relationships with stakeholders, and familiarize yourself with existing policies and procedures. You will also begin working closely with various teams to enhance community engagement and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Key Responsibilities

• You will oversee the implementation of WCS’s social safeguards policies, ensuring that all field staff and partners fully understand and adhere to these guidelines, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
• Collaborating with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator, you will conduct mandatory annual training sessions on human rights and social safeguards for law enforcement personnel in the sector.
• It will be your responsibility to ensure that WCS’s social safeguard policies are in alignment with Uganda’s regulatory framework regarding Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
• When necessary, you will assist field teams in executing the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, ensuring meaningful community consultations and proper documentation throughout the engagement process.
• You will work together with the CMP Manager and the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to develop an Early Warning System tailored to the unique challenges of the landscape.
• In collaboration with senior staff, you will devise strategies aimed at conflict mitigation, helping to foster a peaceful coexistence between conservation initiatives and local communities.
• Finally, you will assist Community Conservation Teams in conducting socioeconomic surveys and assessments, ensuring that data collection processes uphold ethical standards and respect for local communities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A degree in social sciences, environmental policy, or a related field is essential, providing a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of social safeguards.
• You should have at least 5 years of experience in social safeguards, community engagement, or related fields, demonstrating a proven track record in similar roles.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Uganda is highly desirable, allowing you to navigate cultural nuances effectively.
• Familiarity with WCS policies, Uganda’s social and environmental regulatory frameworks, and international human rights standards will be beneficial.
• You must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government officials.

What You’ll Gain

• By joining WCS, you will gain invaluable insights into the integration of social safeguards within conservation practices, enhancing your expertise in sustainable development.
• This role will develop your project management skills as you navigate complex community dynamics and work collaboratively with multiple teams to achieve common goals.
• You will have the opportunity to influence policies that protect vulnerable communities, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on social and environmental justice.
• Additionally, you will expand your professional network by engaging with local, regional, and international stakeholders committed to conservation and human rights.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about social safeguards and conservation, we encourage you to apply for this impactful role. Please submit your application through our job portal. For more details and to apply, visit: Apply here.