Specialist/s Environmental and Social Safeguards 595 views

Namibia Nature Foundation Job Description
Job Title: Specialist/s Environmental and Social Safeguards
Job Grading: D5
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Reports to: Executive Director
Note: Formal Position (FT/PT) or pool of experts

Overall Objective
The Environment & Social Safeguards Specialist/s will ensure the safeguarding of social policies, governance and
human rights-based approaches across the work of the NNF and on a needs basis our partners. S/he will be
responsible for establishment, coordination and implementation of environment/social safeguard related
aspects under NNF varied programs. S/he will also take on an independent role in dealing with complaints from
external parties affected by NNF projects in relation to the application of safeguards.

Key duties and responsibilities:
Responsibilities Tasks / Activities
Mainstreaming social aspects
and standards into
Conservation & Development
• Ensure integration of social issues in all stages of project/program management
cycle.
• Ensure appropriate social safeguards are incorporated in grant agreements and
support regular monitoring
• Undertake social mapping of NNF’s working sites and provide technical input in
design of interventions
• Provide technical support in developing/reformulating natural resource policies
and guidelines to ensure social safeguards are well integrated
• Support the meaningful inclusion of marginalized communities while
developing new proposals
Mainstreaming environmental
aspects and standards into
Conservation & Development
• Ensure integration of environmental issues and risks in all stages of
project/program management cycle.
• Ensure appropriate environmental safeguards are incorporated in grant
agreements and support regular monitoring
• Undertake environmental risk mapping of NNF’s working sites and provide
technical input in design of interventions
• Provide technical support in developing/reformulating natural resource policies
and guidelines to ensure environmental safeguards are well integrated
Capacity Building
• Build internal capacity at NNF in social policies – primarily human rights based
approaches (HRBA), free prior information consent (FPIC) and gender equality
and social inclusion.
• Build capacity of NNF staff and relevant program stakeholders such as local
bodies, civil society organizations and communities on issues related to
environmental and social policies as well as good governance
• Build capacity of program staff on NNF Environmental and Social Safeguards
Framework – Integrated Policies and Procedures
• Analyse capacity gaps of projects and project sub-grantees in regard to
Environment and Social Safeguards
• Develop capacity building/training materials on NNF’s policies and international
best practice and relevant case studies.
Free Prior Informed Consent
(FPIC)
• Conduct periodic assessments to identify indigenous and local communities in
NNF’s project areas in coordination with project teams and partners.
• Conduct meaningful consultations with concerned indigenous people and local
communities in project areas and create a process document contributing to
appropriate FPIC processes
• Assess and evaluate various options and identify appropriate mitigation
measures
• Lead the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process prior to project planning and
development
Monitoring & Communication
of Safeguards Compliance and
Reporting
In close collaboration with the Contracts & Compliance manager
• Support projects and partners in conducting gender equality and social inclusion
analyses at grassroot levels and/or community (right holder) and institutional
(duty bearer) levels
• Ensure Periodic review of ESSF mitigation plan/s and monitoring reports
submitted by relevant projects
• Monitor safeguards compliance in close coordination with the contracts &
compliance manager in a timely manner
• Communicate project/programs safeguards issues to relevant project teams,
Management Committee, Senior Management Team, the Executive Director and
where appropriate the NNF Board.
• Provide clear and transparent project related information to Indigenous and local
communities (and their affiliated organisations), sub-grantee and other key
stakeholders
Communications & Reporting
In line with management arrangements established (as above):
• Supports the production of consolidated ESS reports for NNF and to meet donor
reporting requirements.
• Supports feedback (through appropriate formats and forums) to NACSO and
other NNF stakeholders.
• Enhances communications regarding ESS.
In coordination with the Executive Director participates in ESS events and networks.
Outreach and Partner
Engagement
Meets on a regular basis with relevant MEFT staff, NACSO partners, colleagues and
stakeholders as appropriate.
Maintains a network and contacts to development agencies, with a particular emphasis
on ESS and compliance aspects for conservation and development.
Planning & Development
• Support project acquisition and relevant accreditation (e.g. Green Climate
Fund) with specialised ESS input.
• Develop and regularly update Governance framework to support NNF’s work
and ensure timely implementation through interaction with relevant teams
• Continually review relevant requirements of key institutional donors for
environmental and social risk management
• Support the development and operationalisation of a Grievance Mechanism
and ensure it’s effective functioning in coordination with Senior management
Team
Human Resource Management
Provides mentorship and promotes institutional pride and commitment through
example, work ethic and professionalism.
Fosters a supportive, inclusive, and positive working relationship with NNF staff, NACSO
Partners and consultants.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
This position requires:
• An appropriate degree (preferably at Masters level)
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in safeguard related work or other closely related areas.
• The individual should have sound knowledge in safeguards, social policies, indigenous peoples and local
communities related issues, gender and social inclusion,
• In addition experience in livelihood, conservation policies and current development issues in Namibia.
• Experience of working with field-based conservation and development initiatives, diverse community groups,
partner NGO’s government and donor agencies is desirable.

D. Knowledge, skills and abilities
✓ Strong written and verbal communication skills in English other Namibian languages are an
asset
✓ Ability to work with a cross section of societal groups and still convey conservation concepts
and methodologies
✓ Must have strong initiative and ability to work independently
✓ Willingness and ability to work for extended periods of time in remote and undeveloped areas
✓ Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a 4×4 vehicle
✓ Strong communication, coordination and facilitation skills
✓ Strong negotiating and analytical skills
✓ Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.