Social Safeguard Assistant, Calabar At Wildlife Conservation Society

About WCS

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a U.S.-based non-profit, tax-exempt organisation established in 1895, dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places through science-driven solutions and conservation actions that benefit both nature and humanity. With over a century of experience, long-term commitments across diverse landscapes, operations in more than 60 countries, and a track record of supporting the establishment of over 150 protected areas worldwide, WCS has built unparalleled biological expertise, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant wildlife and ecosystems thrive alongside local communities. By working directly with communities and organisations, WCS applies this knowledge to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management challenges that are critical to improving the quality of life for rural populations whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

Since 2001, WCS has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in Nigeria, safeguarding critical wildlife habitats and species such as the Cross River gorilla, savannah and forest elephants, and other threatened fauna. Alongside biodiversity protection, WCS supports local livelihoods and improves access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for surrounding communities, addressing development challenges while fostering conservation awareness. In Cross River State, WCS has provided support to strengthen the protection and management of Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mbe Mountains Community Forest. In Bauchi State, WCS collaborates with the state government to provide technical expertise for the effective conservation and management of Yankari Game Reserve.

Our MISSION is to save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. Our VISION is a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. Our GOAL is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity. Our VALUES are respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and integrity.

WCS is committed to preventing and mitigating harm arising from its conservation and development programmes. Safeguarding helps ensure that activities respect the rights, dignity, safety and well-being of local communities, including people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and those who may face greater barriers or risks.

Effective field-level support is required to implement safeguarding measures, strengthen inclusive community engagement, operate the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), monitor emerging risks and maintain reliable documentation across programme activities.

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to provide practical field and administrative support to the Social Safeguards Manager across WCS programme areas in and around Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mbe Mountains. The Safeguards Assistant will support safeguards implementation, human rights and community engagement, GRM implementation, gender equality and social inclusion, conflict-sensitive engagement, field monitoring, training, data management and reporting.

The role will interact regularly with communities, local authorities, partners and WCS field teams. It will ensure that feedback and safeguarding concerns are accurately recorded, promptly reported and followed up through the appropriate channels. The Safeguards Assistant reports to and works under the direction of the Social Safeguards Manager. The role may collaborate with designated programme staff on specific assignments while remaining accountable to the Social Safeguards Manager.

Major Responsibilities

• Support the Social Safeguards Manager in applying WCS safeguards policies, procedures and agreed mitigation measures across programme activities.
• Participate in field visits, screening and monitoring to identify potential risks, concerns and implementation gaps relating to human rights, safety, inclusion and potential harm to communities.
• Record findings, agreed actions, responsible people and timelines; maintain accurate safeguards files; and support follow-up as directed by the Social Safeguards Manager.
• Promptly escalate safeguarding incidents and serious or urgent concerns to the Social Safeguards Manager through established channels.
• Support non-discriminatory community relationships, stakeholder consultations, sensitisation, and other engagement activities using respectful, accessible and culturally and ethnically sensitive approaches.
• Promote meaningful participation by women, young people, persons with disabilities, minority ethnic or cultural groups and others who may face barriers to participation.
• Support the Social Safeguards Manager with the implementation of the GRM in line with approved WCS procedures confidentially.
• Monitor and report emerging concerns, tensions, misunderstandings or conflicts that may affect communities or programme activities.
• Coordinate with safeguards, programme activities and community engagement teams; participate in relevant meetings; and support logistics for consultations, training and field visits.
• Track cases, agreed actions and response timelines, and support follow-up with complainants and relevant teams as directed by the Social Safeguards Manager
• Support the collection and documentation of relevant contextual information without acting beyond the responsibilities of the role
• Assist with the organisation and delivery of safeguards, human rights, GRM, gender equality and social inclusion training or awareness activities for staff, partners, community representatives and other stakeholders.
• Any other assigned task.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Sociology, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Environmental or Social Management, Rural Development or another relevant field.
• Relevant professional training in safeguarding, community engagement, gender, conflict management or GRM is an advantage.
• Previous experience through employment, internship, volunteering or community-based work in community engagement, development, conservation, social work or a related field is an advantage.
• Experience supporting community meetings, consultations, awareness activities, training or field data collection is desirable.
• Experience working in rural or remote environments with diverse ethnic or cultural groups, people with disabilities or people who may face barriers to participation is an advantage.
• Previous exposure to a GRM, complaints mechanism or community feedback system is desirable.
• Experience in conservation, natural resource management or development programmes is an advantage.

Additional Requirements:

• Good communication, listening, observation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage respectfully with diverse communities and stakeholders and support meetings, consultations and awareness activities.
• Basic understanding of safeguarding, human rights, community engagement, gender equality, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity and GRM principles.
• Ability to identify, document and promptly report community concerns and emerging safeguarding risks.
• Ability to collect basic field data, maintain clear records and reports, and use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately and maintain professional boundaries.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn, consistently follow WCS procedures and demonstrate integrity, professionalism and respect for others.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and challenging environments and undertake regular field travel; a valid driving licence and practical driving experience is an advantage.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency or strong working knowledge of the relevant local language(s) is an advantage