Head, Environment and Social Safeguards

UGANDA STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT (SGR–PMU)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Head, Environment and Social Safeguards
Job Grade: SGR 4
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Terms: Contract (Four Years)

Reports To: Deputy Project Coordinator (Technical)

Responsible For: Senior Environment Officer and Senior Sociologist

Job Purpose

To lead and coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of environmental and social safeguard frameworks and instruments for the SGR Project in line with national laws, institutional policies, and the standards of international lenders.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

i. Leadership and Oversight

• Lead and supervise the Environmental and Social (E&S) team within the SGR PMU.
• Ensure compliance with the IFC Performance Standards (PSs), AfDB Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), IsDB Safeguard Policies, and requirements of other potential financiers.
• Supervise and coordinate E&S teams for consultants and contractors, and maintain liaison with the Supervising Consultant’s E&S teams.

ii. Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop, review, and implement E&S safeguard policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistency with national and international standards.
• Integrate safeguard principles into all project phases, from design through operation.

iii. Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage environmental and social risks across the project lifecycle.
• Develop mitigation measures, track implementation progress, and prepare periodic risk assessment reports.

iv. Assessment and Planning

• Oversee the preparation and implementation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), and Livelihood Restoration Plans (LRPs).
• Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and compliance reporting of safeguard instruments.

v. Compliance and Permitting

• Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental and social safeguard laws, regulations, and donor requirements.
• Liaise with the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and other relevant authorities to obtain necessary permits and approvals.

vi. Technical Guidance

• Provide expert technical support to project teams, consultants, and contractors on safeguard implementation.
• Integrate E&S considerations into procurement, contractor selection, and engineering design documentation.

vii. Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Redress

• Lead stakeholder engagement and consultation processes with affected communities, government agencies, and civil society.
• Facilitate Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes where indigenous or vulnerable groups are affected.
• Establish and oversee the operation of an effective Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

viii. Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance knowledge and compliance of project staff, contractors, and local stakeholders on E&S safeguards.
• Evaluate contractors’ E&S systems and ensure alignment with lender and national requirements.

ix. Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks for safeguard performance.
• Maintain accurate records and produce periodic E&S reports for project leadership, financiers, and regulators.

x. Coordination and Interface

• Collaborate with other departments to mainstream environmental and social safeguards into project planning and implementation.
• Serve as the focal point for E&S matters with project leadership, regulators, and international lenders.

Person Specifications

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field from a recognized university.
• A Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Botany and Zoology, Forestry, Sociology, Social Work and Social Administration, Anthropology, or other relevant environmental/social science discipline.
• Registration with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) as a Certified Environmental Practitioner is mandatory.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in preparing and implementing ESIAs, ESMPs, RAPs, and LRPs for major infrastructure projects.
• At least 5 years’ experience managing projects compliant with IFC, AfDB, IsDB, or World Bank environmental and social standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary E&S teams and interface effectively with financiers, regulators, and project stakeholders.

Competencies

• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of environmental and social safeguard policies, standards, and best practices of international financial institutions (IFIs).
• Strong understanding of Uganda’s environmental and social policy, legal, and institutional frameworks.
• High analytical capability, integrity, and results-oriented work approach.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should fill the attached “Application for Employment Form” as part of the application and submit their applications with detailed CVs, copies of certified academic and professional certificates, and contact details of at least three referees to:

The Project Coordinator,
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project,
Ministry of Works and Transport,
P.O. Box 7174, Kampala, Uganda.

Nakawa Business Park

4^th Floor Block D

Applications should be delivered not later than 14^th November, 2025, 5pm.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.