1 Powerful Reasons to Apply for This Social Safeguards Coordinator Job in Cameroon
Job Description
Social Safeguards Coordinator Job in Cameroon at WCS
Are you an experienced social safeguards, community development, conservation, or social protection professional looking for a meaningful NGO in Cameroon? The Social Safeguards Coordinator Job in Cameroon at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) offers an opportunity to contribute to conservation while protecting the rights and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. The position is based in Garoua, Cameroon, or Pala, Chad, depending on the candidate’s nationality, and requires substantial travel to field sites. Approximately 60–70% of the role involves field mobility across Cameroon and Chad.
WCS works across more than 50 countries and combines conservation action with community engagement and protection of wildlife and wild places. Its social safeguards framework emphasizes human rights, community engagement and the protection of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
About WCS
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an international conservation organization working to protect wildlife and wild places. WCS maintains an official Cameroon office in Yaoundé and has ongoing conservation activities across the country. Its official offices page confirms the Cameroon office and the @wcs.org domain. WCS’s work also incorporates social safeguards and human-rights considerations into conservation activities, including mechanisms for community engagement and grievance management.
Social Safeguards Coordinator Job Details
| Position | Social Safeguards Coordinator |
|---|---|
| Organization | Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) |
| Location | Garoua, Cameroon / Pala, Chad |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Contract | 1-year renewable fixed-term contract |
| Field Mobility | Approximately 60–70% |
| Eligible Nationalities | Cameroonian and Chadian nationals |
| Experience | At least 5 years |
Email: rhrecruitment@wcs.org
Social Safeguards Coordinator Job Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will coordinate social safeguards activities across relevant projects, landscapes and countries.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating implementation of social safeguards policies, procedures and mechanisms.
- Providing technical support to Safeguard Officers and Safeguard Assistants.
- Identifying, assessing and monitoring social risks.
- Supporting engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
- Coordinating the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
- Ensuring proper documentation and follow-up of complaints.
- Supporting gender equality and social inclusion.
- Monitoring risks and mitigation measures.
- Consolidating safeguards data and preparing reports.
- Coordinating safeguards training and awareness activities.
- Supervising and mentoring safeguards personnel.
- Supporting stakeholder coordination across projects and countries.
- Contributing to conflict prevention and management.
- Supporting compliance with relevant WCS and donor safeguards requirements.
Social Safeguards Coordinator Job Requirements
Candidates should meet the following key requirements:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree (BAC+3 or equivalent) in one of the following areas:
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Environmental Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Community Development
- International Development
- Or another related field.
A postgraduate qualification or professional training in safeguards, social/environmental risks, conservation, community engagement, gender, social inclusion, grievance mechanisms or conflict management is an advantage.
Professional Experience
Applicants should have:
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience in safeguards, project implementation, community engagement, conservation, development or a related field.
- Experience coordinating safeguards activities, projects or multidisciplinary/field teams.
- Experience supervising or mentoring personnel.
- Experience working with vulnerable or marginalized communities is highly relevant.
- Experience in conservation, natural-resource management, remote field environments or cross-border programmes is an advantage.
Language Skills
- French: Required.
- Relevant local language: Good knowledge or fluency required depending on the location.
- English: Working knowledge is an advantage.
Social Safeguards Coordinator Job Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should be a strong communicator who can work effectively with communities, government authorities, conservation teams, NGOs and other stakeholders. You should also be comfortable working in remote locations and travelling extensively. The position requires someone who can manage several priorities, protect confidential information, monitor social risks and provide practical support to field teams.
Experience with social safeguards, grievance mechanisms, conflict management, gender and social inclusion, community engagement and conservation programmes would be particularly valuable.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
1. Work in Conservation
The position directly contributes to conservation programmes covering important protected areas in Cameroon and Chad.
2. International NGO Environment
WCS operates internationally and provides exposure to a multicultural conservation environment.
3. Leadership Responsibilities
The coordinator will support and supervise safeguards personnel while coordinating activities across projects and landscapes.
4. Community Impact
The role focuses heavily on protecting communities, addressing grievances and ensuring meaningful participation.
5. Regional Experience
The position offers experience working across Cameroon and Chad, making it particularly relevant for professionals interested in regional NGO and development careers.
How to Apply for Social Safeguards Coordinator Job
Qualified Cameroonian and Chadian nationals should prepare:
- An updated CV, preferably named CV_Name of Candidate.
- A motivation letter, preferably named LM_Name of Candidate.
- Contact details for at least two professional references.
Send the application by email to:
Email subject: Candidature Social Safeguard Coordinator
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Social Safeguards Coordinator position based?
The position is based in Garoua, Cameroon or Pala, Chad, depending on the candidate’s nationality. Significant field travel is required.
2. How much experience is required?
Candidates need at least five years of relevant professional experience.
3. What degree is required?
A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, environmental management, natural resource management, community development, international development or a related field is required.
4. Is French required?
Yes. Fluency in French is required, while working knowledge of English is an advantage.
5. Who can apply?
The vacancy is open to qualified Cameroonian and Chadian nationals.
6. What email should candidates use?
Applications should be sent to rhrecruitment@wcs.org with the subject “Candidature Social Safeguard Coordinator.”
7. Is WCS recruitment free?
Yes. The WCS Cameroun announcement specifically states that recruitment is free.
Final Thought
This Social Safeguards Coordinator Job in Cameroon is particularly suited to experienced professionals who want to combine community development, human rights, social safeguards and wildlife conservation. With a minimum of five years of relevant experience and significant field mobility, it is a serious mid-to-senior-level opportunity for qualified candidates.
