Safeguard Officer

Panthera Corporation

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices.  For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org. 

Position Title: Safeguard Officer

Location: Kanchanaburi

Reports to: Conservation Program Manager

Collaborates with: Communications Officer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Safeguard Officer to join our new project that focuses on community engagement, infrastructure development, and alternative income generation activities. The Safeguard Officer will work closely with the Project Manager and other team members to ensure that environmental and social safeguard standards are fully integrated into the project’s design, planning, implementation, and monitoring processes. This role

is essential to ensuring compliance with national regulations and donor safeguard requirements, while also promoting sustainability and minimizing project-related risks to people and ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Assessment

• Support the Project Manager in conducting environmental and social risk assessments for planned activities.
• Develop and update safeguard screening tools, checklists, and management plans (e.g., ESMP, IPP, LRP) in line with donor and national safeguard policies.
• Participate in community consultations to identify potential risks, cultural sensitivities, and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Identify potential risks related to infrastructure, livelihood interventions, and community-based initiatives. Implementation & Monitoring
• Ensure safeguards are embedded in the design and implementation of infrastructure, community engagement, and income generation components.
• Monitor safeguard compliance throughout the project lifecycle, including land use, waste management, occupational health and safety, and equitable benefit sharing.
• Conduct regular site visits and field assessments in coordination with relevant team members.
• Develop and maintain a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) and follow up on grievance resolution.

Capacity Building & Communication

• Build capacity of project staff, partners, and local communities on safeguard policies and practices through training and awareness sessions.
• Liaise with government agencies, CSOs, and donors to ensure safeguard alignment and transparency.
• Facilitate inclusive stakeholder engagement, especially with Indigenous Peoples, women, and vulnerable groups.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of safeguard assessments, mitigation plans, monitoring reports, and stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to regular project reports, including donor-specific safeguard reporting requirements.
• Support audits and reviews by external agencies or donors when required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Social Science, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in safeguard implementation, preferably in community-based projects or conservation/development sectors.
• Proven knowledge of environmental and social safeguard frameworks (e.g.IUCN ‘s ESMS, national EIA laws).
• Experience working with communities, especially in rural or Indigenous contexts.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure, livelihood, and gender-sensitive programming.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong report writing and data management skills.
• Fluency in Thai and proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Willingness to travel regularly to field sites and project communities.