Gender and Social Safeguards Advisor, RoC

• Initiate and accompany the grievance mechanism revision process for WCS Congo.
• Oversee the initial pilot phase of the GRM for PNNN, adapt the GRM based on lessons learned from the pilot phase, and ensure quality control and operational oversight of field deployment throughout the main implementation phase.
• Work closely with the Regional Social Safeguards Coordinator to identify and train MRG staff in MRG procedures, and delegate MRG responsibilities appropriately.
• Ensure extensive coordination with partners internal and external to PNNN, including CIB, throughout the GRM steering and implementation phases.
• Ensure operational supervision (including work plans and quality control) of the field implementation team for the MRG.
• Record, report and disseminate lessons learned from MRG deployment.

On more general issues of social safeguards:

• Ensure the training of staff working in and around protected areas on human rights and social safeguards
• Support relevant aspects of the implementation of the social safeguard strategy among Ndoki Likouala Landscape staff and partners – with regard to indigenous peoples and local communities – in close coordination with the Community Development Officer.
• Ensure a good understanding and awareness of the Free, Informed and Prior Consent process among community development teams in Northern Congo, while ensuring full documentation of the process.
• Accompany community development teams in the design of socio-economic surveys or studies, which take into account approaches based on community rights, gender and ethnic group dimensions.
• With the regional safeguard manager, design indicators to monitor the effectiveness of social safeguard mechanisms in the Ndoki Likouala landscape.
• Provide technical advice and input into the strategic development of projects and programs aimed at empowering indigenous peoples and improving their inclusion in decision-making and small-scale rural entrepreneurship mechanisms.
• Support the national program to ensure that the best international standards are applied.

On the grievance redress mechanism: The grievance redress mechanism (GRM) for Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Lac Télé Community Reserve and the Sustainable Wildlife Management program needs to be reviewed/developed and improved to meet international requirements and standards. The system, which will be inspired by the pilot model developed by WCS, is designed to understand, manage, monitor and mitigate community concerns and conflicts related to activities carried out by the park and its partners.
On gender aspects:

• Ensure the active participation and equal access of women and men to project benefits and decision-making processes, including FPIC and GRM.
• Integrate gender into all WCS Congo activities including the design of baseline indicators for gender-sensitive surveys.
• Work closely with the Community Development Manager to ensure that a gender perspective is incorporated into all community engagement and research activities.

How to apply 

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, skills and experience, should apply through the application tab below by September 29th, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis .

 WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
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