Overview
The Safeguards Officer will play a vital role in ensuring African Parks’ Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and human rights commitments are effectively implemented in Bangweulu Wetlands. Reporting to the Community Development Manager and working closely with the Regional Safeguards Manager, this position ensures that risks are identified and mitigated, grievance mechanisms function transparently, and park operations align with national legislation and international best practice. The role requires a professional who can balance technical expertise with community engagement, fostering trust and accountability while supporting conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Main Responsibilities
• Implement safeguards policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with human rights, labour standards, and zero tolerance commitments for exploitation and abuse.
• Operationalise the Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS), including risk screening, categorisation, and preparation of safeguards instruments such as ESMPs and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Provide safeguards input into project design, procurement, construction, fisheries management, law enforcement, tourism, and community initiatives, while monitoring contractor compliance.
• Strengthen and manage grievance redress mechanisms, ensuring safe and survivor centred pathways for sensitive cases.
• Facilitate inclusive consultations with community stakeholders, documenting engagement and consent processes.
• Deliver training and mentoring for rangers, contractors, and community staff on human rights, conflict sensitivity, and GBV/SEA/SH prevention.
• Lead monitoring and reporting activities, including site visits, audits, incident tracking, and donor updates.
• Support internal inquiries into misconduct or rights concerns, ensuring ethical standards and due process.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and partners to coordinate safeguards efforts and contribute to cross park learning.
Required Qualifications and Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, social sciences, human rights, international development, or a related field; law is an added advantage.
• 4–6 years’ experience applying environmental and social safeguards in conservation or development, including field work in remote settings.
• Practical knowledge of ESIA/ESMP processes, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and international safeguards frameworks (e.g., IFC Performance Standards, IUCN ESMS).
• Understanding of Zambia’s Environmental Management Act and ZEMA EIA procedures; experience with government and community structures is beneficial.
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to train and build capacity across diverse teams.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and data management skills; ability to work independently under pressure.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in a local language spoken in Bangweulu is an advantage.
• Key competencies include integrity, confidentiality, sound judgement, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, cultural competence, and gender sensitivity.
• Willingness to be based at Bangweulu Wetlands HQ.
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