Environment and Social Safeguards Officer in Concepcion, Mimaropa at Catholic Relief Services

Position title: Environment and Social Safeguards Officer

Location: Philippines | (Hybrid)
Responsibilities:

Roles and Key Responsibilities

1. Environmental and Social Safeguards Implementation

• Support implementation of the project's Environmental and Social Safeguards Frameworks, management plans, protocols, and procedures.
• Assist in environmental and social screening of project activities and interventions.
• Support monitoring of environmental and social risks associated with project implementation.
• Ensure safeguard requirements are integrated into workplans, field activities, and partner implementation processes.
• Monitor compliance with approved safeguard mitigation measures and management plans.

2. Risk Monitoring, Compliance, and Verification

• Conduct routine field monitoring and verification visits to assess safeguard compliance.
• Assist in identifying environmental and social risks, issues, and emerging concerns
• Support preparation and updating of risk registers, safeguard trackers, and compliance monitoring tools.
• Follow up implementation of agreed corrective and preventive actions.
• Escalate significant risks and non-compliance issues to the Senior ESS Officer.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Documentation

• Support monitoring of environmental safeguards related to reforestation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, forest protection, and natural resource management activities.
• Assist in documenting environmental impacts, mitigation measures, field observations, and compliance status.
• Maintain safeguard documentation, monitoring records, and evidence files.
• Coordinate with GIS and technical teams to support environmental monitoring and reporting.

4. Accountability and Grievance Monitoring

• Receive, document, track, and monitor safeguard-related concerns, complaints, and grievances.
• Maintain confidential records and databases related to grievances and safeguard issues.
• Support timely referral and resolution of cases in accordance with approved protocols.
• Generate regular summaries and analyses of safeguard-related grievances and trends.

5. Stakeholder Engagement Support

• Support community consultations, safeguard orientations, disclosure activities, and engagement processes.
• Document stakeholder consultations, meetings, and safeguard discussions.
• Assist in ensuring project participants understand safeguard commitments, grievance channels, and project responsibilities.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Project Officer for Social Standards on FPIC, Indigenous Peoples engagement, and social safeguard activities.

6. Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Prepare regular safeguard monitoring reports, compliance updates, and field visit reports.
• Support consolidation of environmental and social safeguard data for donor and management reporting.
• Maintain safeguard records, databases, and document repositories.

7. Partner Capacity Strengthening

• Support training and coaching of project staff, partners, and community stakeholders on safeguard requirements.
• Assist in delivering orientations on environmental and social safeguards, grievance mechanisms, and risk management procedures.
• Monitor partner compliance and provide technical support as needed.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in environmental safeguards, social safeguards, environmental compliance, risk management, conservation, natural resource management, or related development programs.
• Experience formulating ESS Plan and supporting implementation for donor-funded projects is preferred.
• Experience conducting field monitoring, compliance verification, and stakeholder consultations is highly desirable.
• Experience working with indigenous people's communities and local partners is an advantage.
• Experience working in Mindanao, particularly Bukidnon and Davao del Norte, is highly desirable.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field sites and remote communities.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with environmental and social safeguard principles and risk management approaches.
• Understanding of environmental compliance requirements and mitigation planning.
• Knowledge of grievance management and accountability mechanisms.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze field monitoring information.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital monitoring tools.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accountability and compliance.
  

Required Languages:

• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Working knowledge of Bisaya is highly desirable.
  

Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to Malaybalay, Bukidnon and/or Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Key Working Relationships: TBD
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

CRS is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Selection and hiring decisions are made without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status or any other protected area.