Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator

About the role

The Regional Environmental and Social Safeguards Coordinator will support WCS’s Central Africa and Gulf of Guinea programmes by ensuring that environmental and social safeguards are applied effectively across countries and project sites. Based in Kigali, the role involves regular travel throughout the region and close collaboration with country teams, the Technical Director of Rights & Communities, and the Regional Community Conservation Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Guide regional, country and site teams in the practical application of WCS’s Environmental and Social Safeguarding Framework and related policies.
• Identify, assess and mitigate environmental and social risks, ensuring compliance with donor and organisational standards.
• Engage directly with field teams to evaluate safeguard performance, spot emerging risks, and develop pragmatic solutions.
• Focus on human‑rights issues, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, land and natural‑resource use, law‑enforcement interactions, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Review donor requirements and create appropriate safeguard instruments, tools and guidance materials.
• Report progress and challenges to the Technical Director of Rights & Communities and coordinate with the Regional Community Conservation Coordinator.

Required profile

• Hands‑on advisory and problem‑solving orientation with experience in environmental and social safeguards, preferably within conservation or development projects.
• Strong understanding of human‑rights principles, Indigenous Peoples’ rights and FPIC processes.
• Ability to work across multiple countries, travel frequently and adapt solutions to diverse field contexts.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills