Environmental Safeguards and Program Quality Officer World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Job Title: Environmental Safeguards and Program Quality Officer

Location: Lusaka

Tenure: One (1) year

Report: Program Quality Assurance Manager, with dotted line reporting to the Country Director

Supervises: None

Background information

In 2019 WWF adopted an Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), which, based on the longstanding social policies of the organization, aims to ensure a consistent and comprehensive application of safeguards across the entire WWF network. The ESSF sets out a process to assess, and manage the potential impacts of WWF activities on people and the environment, promoting the respect of human rights and fostering an inclusive conservation approach.

WWF Zambia is rolling out the safeguards process throughout its activities in the landscapes of Silowana, Kafue, Barotse & Liuwa, Luangwa, Banguewulu and Kabompo. This process also trickles down to all relevant activities throughout the project cycle and the engagement with communities and relevant partners.

Position Summary

An Environmental and Social Safeguards Advisor (ESSA) is required to lead in coordinating and advancing the implementation of WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) in the WWF Zambia’s in consultation with lead program quality and SMT. The Advisor will support landscape coordinators and project teams in promoting the implementation of the ESSF in the activities implemented in the Zambia landscapes and throughout the projects cycles, supporting inclusive, participatory and human rights based conservation approaches in the engagement with communities.

Key duties and responsibilities

1.       Analytical, Technical and Capacity Building support;

• Coordinate the roll-out of WWF’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) in the different landscapes in the WWF Zambia office.
• In close collaboration with landscape teams and the Network’s Social Safeguard Regional Focal Point/Lead, and relevant donors lead annual safeguards planning and monitoring implementation of plans
• Regularly monitor, assess and report to Senior management on the implementation of the ESSF. Report directly to the Country Director any key ESSF issues and concerns that arise in an urgent and appropriate manner
• Provide advice and support landscape leads and project teams on the integration of safeguards, human rights and inclusive conservation approach in WWF projects, activities and strategies.
• Support the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of context and stakeholder analysis and stakeholder engagement plans, in coordination with relevant teams.
• Analyze the environmental and social risks of activities and support the development of mitigation strategies, in coordination with the relevant teams, and with relevant stakeholders when appropriate.
• Provide technical support from safeguarding perspective during funding proposal development, design, appraisal and resource mobilization plans
• Provide technical advice on the design, management and operation of the Grievance Mechanism.
• Advise on and support follow up monitoring of the implementation of mitigation plans and flag any issues or gaps with the landscape lead to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to an agreed upon ESS mitigation implementation plan.
• Provide advice to staff and contractual partners on WWF social policies and standards, procedures, best practices and mitigation measures throughout the project/program cycle.
• Lead the assessment of environmental and social safeguards in partnerships’ due diligence processes, in coordination with relevant teams.
• Support the assessment, registration and monitoring of environmental and social risks in the WWF country risk register.
• Coordinate with relevant teams on the inclusion of ESSF requirements in contracts and agreements.
• Lead on assisting and delivering capacity building and build knowledge and skills on ESSF inclusive, participatory and human rights based conservation approaches for staff at the country office as well as field teams and partners.
• Coordinate with WWF Network the implementation of the ESSF and share with staff relevant updates on the process.
• Lead the reporting, registration and documentation of ESSF practices
• Assist in the review and development process of the current WWF Environmental and Social Safeguards guidelines and framework as concerns WWF Zambia in consultation with the WWF Environmental and Social Safeguard Regional Focal Point/Lead to be used for all relevant projects and programme

2.             Representation, Operations, Management and Implementation;

• Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the development and implementation of project and programme ESS plan and implementation at all levels;
• Ensure function of grievance and reporting systems
•   In collaboration with programme teams, make sure that the terms and conditions set for programme development are in line with safeguard principles and are adhered to;
• Supervise consultancy works and review and assess products/services provided by consultants and experts counterparts and notify/advise the Project Manager on quality, and recommend appropriate actions to be taken for improvement as per ESS principles and guidelines;
• Provide advice on administrative measures and actions required for ensuring the compliance with requirements set regarding ESS measures prior to the validation and implementation of project and programme activities;
•   Analyze environmental and social developments and provide technical and substantive support in setting targets for the realization of all key programmes across WWF Zambia;

Qualifications

• A University Degree in the field of Social Sciences or Development Studies ideally including modules regarding Human Rights and or Inclusive Conservation and Natural Resource Management (A relevant Master’s Degree is an added advantage).

Experience and Key Skills /Competencies

• At least 7 years of experience working on social development and community engagement.
• Previous experience working with communities on social safeguarding, participatory conservation approaches including gender equality is an advantage.

• Familiarity with the dynamics and key issues related to community based natural resource management in Zambia.
• Strong planning and analytical skills and experience in project management and the coordination of teams.
• Previous work managing projects funded and international donors is a plus.
• Ability to build good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a respectful, participatory manner.
• Experience of participatory (action) research and co-development of conservation or development initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Self-driven with a pro-active approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Frequent field trips away from assigned location.

Conditions of work:

The position is initially developed for one year, with expectation of renewal based on performance.