The One Mara Carbon Project is a landscape-scale initiative that supports sustainable rangeland
management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and improved livelihoods for
local communities within the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The project works closely with
conservancies, landowners, county governments, and other stakeholders to implement
regenerative grazing practices, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and generate high-integrity
carbon credits under internationally recognized carbon standards.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Safeguards Manager will lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous
improvement of the organization’s Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) system across
conservation and carbon projects. The role will ensure compliance with applicable national
legislation, donor requirements, carbon certification standards, and organizational safeguard
policies while promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable project outcomes. The Safeguards
Manager will work closely with technical teams, project managers, community engagement staff,
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) specialists, and external partners to ensure
environmental and social risks are effectively identified, mitigated, monitored, and reported
throughout the project lifecycle.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Safeguards Strategy & Compliance
Develop, implement, and strengthen the organization’s Environmental and Social Safeguards
Framework.
Lead environmental and social risk screening and due diligence for the project.
Prepare and oversee Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), mitigation
measures, and monitoring plans.
Ensure projects comply with applicable environmental and social legislation, organizational
policies, donor requirements, and carbon certification standards.
Project Safeguards Implementation
Monitor safeguards implementation throughout project planning, implementation, verification,
and closure.
Ensure safeguards compliance for OMCP under standards such as Verra VCS, Community &
Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, ART TREES, or other applicable carbon frameworks.
Support the integration of biodiversity, climate resilience, and community safeguard
requirements into project design and implementation.
Coordinate safeguard documentation required during project validation and verification
audits.
Work closely with carbon technical teams to ensure social and environmental integrity
throughout project development.
Stakeholder Engagement & Social Safeguards
Promote meaningful stakeholder participation throughout project implementation.
Support Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes where applicable.
Ensure vulnerable and marginalized groups, including women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples
and Local Communities (IPLCs), are meaningfully engaged in project planning and
implementation.
Oversee grievance redress mechanisms and ensure complaints are addressed transparently,
fairly, and in a timely manner.
Risk Management & Monitoring
Identify, assess, and monitor environmental, social, reputational, and operational risks.
Conduct regular safeguard monitoring visits and compliance assessments.
Develop corrective action plans and track implementation.
Develop safeguard indicators and monitoring systems.
Analyze safeguard performance and recommend improvements.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Management
Develop safeguard policies, procedures, guidance notes, and operational tools.
Train staff, implementing partners, contractors, and community representatives on safeguard
requirements.
Build organizational capacity in environmental and social risk management and responsible
project implementation.
Document lessons learned and promote adaptive management.
Reporting & Documentation
Prepare safeguard reports for management, donors, certification bodies, and external
stakeholders.
Contribute safeguard content to donor reports, project proposals, annual reports, and carbon
project documentation.
KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Key Experience
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental and social
safeguards, conservation, natural resource management, or climate change programs.
Demonstrated experience supporting conservation and/or nature-based carbon projects.
Experience applying international safeguard frameworks and standards, including one or
more of:
Verra VCS and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards
World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)
Green Climate Fund (GCF) Environmental and Social Policy
Other recognized environmental and social safeguard frameworks
Experience conducting environmental and social impact assessments and developing
mitigation measures.
Experience working with government agencies, community institutions, NGOs, and
development partners.
Experience facilitating stakeholder engagement, community consultations, and grievance
management.
Knowledge and Skills
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
Strong understanding of biodiversity conservation and landscape restoration.
Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) rights and participatory
conservation approaches.
Understanding of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles.
Knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion in conservation programming.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong report writing and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data management tools.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resource
Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage
WORKING CONDITIONS
Expected frequent travel to project sites within the Maasai Mara landscape.
WHAT WE OFFER
An opportunity to work on one of Africa’s leading landscape-scale carbon initiatives.
Opportunity to contribute to climate action, biodiversity conservation and community
development.
A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
Professional growth and continuous learning opportunities.
Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY
Application requirements
A cover letter.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant experience.
Contact details of at least three professional referees.
Copies of academic and professional certificates.
Submit to:
Email: hr@onemaracarbon.org
Subject: Safeguards Manager Application
Deadline: On or before September 2nd, 2026, at 11:59 pm EAT
Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before
the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted