The Safeguards Expert will oversee the implementation of the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) and Statements of Principles (SoPs) across regions (Asia-Pacific, Africa and Europe) covered by the Safeguards team at WWF International. This role will focus on strategic development of safeguards compliance processes , technical guidance, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the effective integration of safeguards measures.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take the lead on the compliance and technical review process of safeguards screens, plans, frameworks across all stages of the safeguard process (screening, mitigation planning, adaptive management) ensuring compliance with ESSF requirements and network standards;
• Design and review safeguards compliance and/or assurance documentation, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and systems;
• Work as part of the Accredited Safeguards Expert (ASEs) community in the WWF Network, taking on the responsibilities delegated to ASEs (as relevant to accreditation level);
• Build and strengthen the ASE, global and regional safeguards practitioner communities. Deliver training and other forms of capacity building, and the dissemination of lessons learned and good practices;
• Support Regional Heads in the safeguards aspects of regional quality assurance processes, in compliance reviews and providing recommendations to project proposals, contracts and other items as may be required;
• Support Regional Heads to provide technical guidance and capacity building to country focal points and implementing teams;
• Design ESSF and SoPs related guidance and technical support materials, such as guidance, tools, and knowledge materials;
• Mainstream and embed the ESSF and SOPs across conservation portfolios within the geographies covered by the Safeguards team at WWF International.

PROFILE

Required Qualifications.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in natural or social sciences, economics, Indigenous People’s studies, development studies, or relevant fields;
• Minimum 5 years proven international experience in implementing E&S safeguard systems preferably in the conservation sector;
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation priorities and issues and the intersection with human rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, local communities’ rights in complex, multi-actor settings;
• Experience in developing and/or delivering safeguards training to practitioner-level audiences, including with designing supporting tools, training packs and good practice guides.

Required Skills and Competencies.

• Experience of working in an international organisation, including INGOs, multilateral or bilateral development agencies that operate with safeguard systems or similar;
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to navigate complexity;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including review of technical documents and preparation of presentations for virtual and in-person meetings;
• Fluency in French is highly desirable;
• Clear understanding of risk-based approaches to managing projects and programmes;
• Strong organisational skills, results-driven;
• Creativity, dynamism and diplomacy;
• Identify and align with the core values of the WWF organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.