Safeguards, Risk, and Inclusion Specialist
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally, working with diverse partners to deliver impactful initiatives. Based in Geneva, GPO facilitates the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs through project management, fund management, and operational support. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), launched in 2020, mobilizes public and private finance to safeguard coral reefs and enhance ecosystem resilience through blended finance approaches and reef-positive solutions.
Job Purpose
The Safeguards, Risk, and Inclusion Specialist, as part of the GFCR Secretariat, is responsible for fund-level oversight and strengthening the implementation, review, and reporting of GFCR policies. This includes environmental and social safeguards, grievance redress, gender equality, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities engagement. The role provides strategic leadership and technical advice to integrate these considerations across GFCR programs, operations, partnerships, and knowledge products. While not replacing partner responsibilities, the Specialist ensures portfolio-wide consistency through technical advice, quality review, and practical recommendations, prioritizing work based on risk profiles and program needs.
Responsibilities
The Safeguards, Risk, and Inclusion Specialist will assess the alignment of implementing partners' safeguards, risk management, GEDSI, and grievance systems with GFCR requirements. This involves reviewing policies, identifying gaps, and providing recommendations for improvement. The role will strengthen the integration of safeguards and GEDSI across the GFCR program management cycle by reviewing documents, advising on risk screening and mitigation, and consolidating risk registers. Additionally, the Specialist will support the development and improvement of GFCR grievance redress systems and procedures, ensuring accessibility and responsiveness to affected communities, and will provide technical support and capacity building to GFCR Secretariat staff and partners on policy requirements.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in environmental and social safeguards, risk management, grievance redress, GEDSI, or related fields is required. Demonstrated experience with safeguards or accountability requirements from UN agencies, international organizations, or development finance institutions is essential. Experience in biodiversity conservation, blue economy, or private sector partnerships is desirable.
Skills
Compliance Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Environmental Compliance, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement