Conservation International (CI) is a globally recognized organization that has worked for decades to protect nature for the benefit of humanity. Through the combination of scientific research, policy influence, practical fieldwork, and strategic finance, CI has established a powerful framework for advancing the preservation of ecosystems essential for biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being. With offices in 30 countries and active projects across more than 100, CI partners with governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, the private sector, and local communities to foster a future where people and nature coexist and prosper.
Within its global operations, CI hosts and administers the Seed Fund, a strategic funding mechanism designed to provide critical, timely, and catalytic assistance to initiatives that conserve high-biodiversity and high-carbon areas. The fund aims to accelerate the implementation of national-level programs known as Country Packages, which unite diverse stakeholders—from governments and multilateral institutions to philanthropic and private sector actors—toward shared forest and climate objectives.
Currently, Country Packages have been launched in seven nations—Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and the Republic of Congo—with additional programs under development. The initial Seed Fund partners include Conservation International, the Government of France, the Rob Walton Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, collectively committing EUR 115 million toward an ambitious goal of raising at least EUR 200 million. The Seed Fund supports projects that safeguard critical ecosystems—such as forests, mangroves, peatlands, and marine habitats—and empower the communities that depend on them.
To strengthen the effective delivery of these initiatives, Conservation International is seeking a qualified and experienced Safeguards Manager to join the Seed Fund Delivery Team. This role is essential for ensuring that the fund’s activities are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and aligned with CI’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Position Summary
The Safeguards Manager position is based in Kenya, South Africa, or Colombia, reflecting the Seed Fund’s regional scope and CI’s international reach. The incumbent will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for the Seed Fund. This system integrates policies, procedures, standards, and guidance aimed at mitigating environmental and social risks while enhancing positive outcomes for people and ecosystems.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, Seed Fund, the Safeguards Manager will serve as a key advisor and technical resource, guiding CI partners, country teams, and implementing agencies on the practical application of safeguard measures. The position involves developing tools, conducting assessments, delivering capacity-building sessions, and ensuring compliance with CI’s safeguard, gender, and human rights standards.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping how the Seed Fund engages with governments, Indigenous peoples, local communities, and civil society organizations to achieve measurable and equitable conservation results.
Key Responsibilities
The Safeguards Manager will oversee and manage all safeguard-related activities within the Seed Fund, ensuring that environmental and social risks are systematically identified, mitigated, and monitored. Specific duties include:
1. Management and Oversight of Safeguard Systems
- Oversee the implementation of safeguard management processes in alignment with CI’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
- Lead the design, integration, and operationalization of a fit-for-purpose Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) tailored to the Seed Fund’s objectives and structure.
- Ensure that environmental and social risk management procedures are systematically embedded into all internal operations and country-level activities.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously refine tools, checklists, and templates to support the consistent application of safeguards.
2. Risk Identification and Analysis
- Conduct environmental and social risk assessments for project proposals and Country Package activities.
- Evaluate potential safeguard compliance through document reviews, field assessments, and consultations with key stakeholders.
- Identify high-risk areas and recommend appropriate mitigation and monitoring strategies to minimize adverse impacts.
3. Technical Guidance and Support
- Provide expert guidance to implementing partners and country teams on the identification and management of environmental and social risks.
- Advise on the design and implementation of mitigation measures that promote sustainability, gender equality, social inclusion, and the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
- Ensure all safeguard plans incorporate practical actions for gender-responsive programming, community engagement, and grievance redress mechanisms.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Monitor the implementation of safeguard measures across funded projects and assess compliance levels.
- Compile and analyze data related to safeguard performance indicators at both the Fund and country levels.
- Prepare detailed progress reports and ensure regular updates are communicated to the Seed Fund management team and donors.
5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Design and conduct training programs, workshops, and knowledge exchange sessions to strengthen partner and staff capacity in safeguard implementation.
- Develop accessible training materials, toolkits, and online resources to facilitate continuous learning and institutional strengthening.
- Support the mainstreaming of gender and social inclusion in all Seed Fund initiatives through targeted training and technical support.
6. Accountability and Grievance Mechanisms
- Contribute to the design and operation of the Fund’s grievance redress mechanism to ensure accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness.
- Support the effective handling of community feedback, grievances, and conflict resolution processes in accordance with CI’s accountability standards.
7. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Engagement
- Work closely with the Seed Fund Delivery Team, CI’s safeguards and gender specialists, and regional partners to ensure coherence in implementation.
- Foster collaboration with research institutions, government agencies, and civil society partners to align safeguard practices with broader conservation and development objectives.
8. Knowledge Management and Learning
- Document and disseminate lessons learned, good practices, and success stories related to safeguard implementation.
- Contribute to the development of case studies and guidance notes that highlight innovative approaches to risk management and inclusion.
- Support efforts to strengthen the Fund’s institutional memory on safeguard issues through effective data management systems.
Working Conditions
The Safeguards Manager will operate within an international, multi-cultural environment that demands flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration. The position may involve:
- Extended working hours, including non-traditional schedules, to coordinate with global teams and partners.
- International travel of up to 30 percent of the time, to engage in field visits, monitoring missions, and partner consultations.
- Flexible work arrangements, with guidance provided during the interview process.
This role requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity, particularly when managing complex social and environmental issues across diverse contexts.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, international development, or a related social science discipline.
- Four to six years of experience in project and program design, monitoring, and compliance for environment, conservation, or development initiatives.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying environmental and social safeguard standards, including stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, community health and safety, and grievance mechanisms.
- Proven ability to identify and manage project-related social and environmental risks, particularly those affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
- Experience in developing gender-responsive programming, including the creation and monitoring of Gender Action Plans.
- Strong communication skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with governments, local communities, Indigenous groups, civil society organizations, and international partners.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail, with discretion in managing sensitive information related to risk and compliance.
- Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop training content and deliver presentations.
- Fluency in a second relevant language (French or Spanish preferred).
Preferred:
- Experience with MS SharePoint design and database management.
- Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge products and training materials.
- Background in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining their experience and motivation for the position.
Application Deadline: December 7, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
For more information about Conservation International’s global career opportunities, please visit the official CI careers portal.
Conservation International is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals. The organization’s hiring process emphasizes merit, qualifications, and fairness to ensure inclusivity and diversity across all programs and operations.
