As the Equity, Rights and Social Safeguards Technical Specialist, you will lead the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ZSL’s approach to Environmental and Social Safeguards (FAIRER) across ZSL programmes in Nepal and India, in line with ZSL’s FAIRER framework, IUCN’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and national legislation.
With a particular emphasis on leading Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes for the programme, you will ensure that local and Indigenous communities meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lands, resources and livelihoods. You will also ensure that local people engaged in ZSL’s conservation activities are protected from harm, that concerns can be raised safely and confidentially, and that ZSL staff, partners and representatives uphold the highest standards of behaviour and accountability.
You will work to ensure that activities are implemented equitably, responsibly and in full compliance with environmental and social safeguards, ensuring that all interventions align with ZSL’s FAIRER Safeguards Framework, the IUCN ESMS and national regulations that respect human rights and promote equitable conservation outcomes. The role will be based in-region, located within ZSL’s Nepal office, and will oversee and support ESMS implementation and monitoring in Uttar Pradesh, India, working with ZSL’s implementing partner, the Wildlife Institute of India, under the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) Phase IV project.
You will ensure that ZSL meets its duty of care in relation to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), as well as other safeguarding policies as required, and that these align with Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguard compliance and monitoring requirements. You will work closely with the FAIRER Programme Co-Manager, ZSL’s ESMS Officer in Nepal, Project Managers in India and Nepal, and community organisers in both countries.
Key responsibilities: 
- Manage all Environmental and Social Safeguard requirements, including the design, implementation and review of mitigation measures.
- Oversee the implementation and monitoring of safeguarding frameworks to prevent and respond to all forms of exploitation, abuse and harassment within the organisation with a focus on community partners.
- Design culturally appropriate FPIC processes that respect traditional governance, decision-making, and customary land and resource rights, ensuring FPIC is a lived consent process in line with ZSL’s Inclusive Engagement and FPIC safeguard.
- Embedding ESMS, safeguarding and PSEAH principles into community engagement, education, and conservation activities, ensuring these are aligned with ZSL’s organisational values and global standards.
- Work with community liaison officers to communicate environmental and social safeguarding instruments with local actors and local partners, ensure safeguarding instruments meet community needs and create positive action interventions to support communities, and in particular, vulnerable groups.
- Lead on Environmental and Social Safeguarding reporting and documentation in line with the project reporting requirements and updating of safeguarding instruments.