Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist Location: Uganda Commitment: Full-Time Travel: Extensively to project sites Reporting To: Carbon Program Manager About the Role Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist will lead social impact management for nature-based carbon projects (REDD+, agroforestry) in Uganda. This role ensures projects adhere to FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) principles, resolve land ownership conflicts, and design equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms while meeting Verra CCB and IFC Performance Standards. Key Responsibilities 1. Lead FPIC processes to secure community consent for carbon projects. 2. Negotiate and draft benefit-sharing agreements (e.g., revenue distribution, livelihood programs). 3. Ensure compliance with UNDRIP and IFC Performance Standard 7. 4. Develop Gender Action Plans and Resettlement Frameworks (if applicable). 5. Monitor and mitigate social risks (e.g., displacement, cultural impacts). 6. Train local teams on grievance redress mechanisms. 7. Build partnerships with local governments, chiefdoms, and NGOs to strengthen project legitimacy. 8. Facilitate participatory mapping exercises with communities. Required Expertise & Qualifications 1. 5+ years in community engagement or social safeguards for environmental projects in Uganda. 2. Proven track record in: Land conflict resolution and customary land documentation. Negotiating community carbon agreements (REDD+ or similar). Applying FPIC, UNDRIP, and IFC Performance Standards. 3. Familiarity with Uganda’s land governance structures and carbon policies. Education & Certifications 1. Master’s degree in social sciences, Anthropology, Land Law, or related fields. 2. Certifications in FPIC, social impact assessment, or land tenure (e.g., RRI, Landesa) are a plus. 3. Examples of Writing samples (e.g., community agreements, FPIC reports). Required Competencies Balances community needs with project objectives. Navigates complex socio-political contexts. Works across teams (legal, technical, government). Ensures open communication with stakeholders. Respects traditional governance systems. Fluency in Luganda, or other local languages.