Equity Rights and Social Safeguards Technical Specialist

Zoological Society of London-Nepal Office

Bishalnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) -Nepal Office is working in Nepal since 2014 and has been working in Protected Areas (PAs) and lowland across the country supporting the biodiversity conservation and Sustainable management of important biological landscapes in Nepal. ZSL Nepal Office is seeking applications from qualified, talented and result oriented Nepalese citizens for our Equity Rights and Social Safeguards Technical Specialist.

The post holder will be responsible to lead the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ZSL’s approach to Environmental and Social Safeguards (FAIRER) across ZSL programmes in Nepal and India, in line with ZSL’s FAIRER framework, IUCN’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and national legislation. The position is based in our head office in Kathmandu with occasional trips to our project sites.

Qualifications: 

• A degree (or equivalent professional qualification) in social science/development studies or a similar relevant field (e.g. international politics or political ecology) or relevant experience in implementing E&S safeguarding systems working with local actors.
• Track record of implementing and managing Environmental and Social Safeguarding Instruments (including FPIC, Grievance Mechanisms, Stakeholder Engagement Plans and Indigenous Peoples Plans) across diverse stakeholder groups and ensuring a duty of care is adhered to.
• Prior experience of delivering social equity and inclusion processes with experience leading work with a gender equity and social inclusion focus.
• Ability to think critically and analyse complex and nuanced problems – the post holder will be capable of dealing with complex matters and communicating them effectively and in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of safeguarding standards (e.g. CHS, IASC, Core Humanitarian Standards) and an understanding of safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) principles, frameworks, and best practice in international and community contexts.
• Fluent English and Nepali (spoken and written)
• Good knowledge of current and emerging best practice related to National and International Environmental and Social Safeguards instruments, human-rights laws, environmental rules and regulations and Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.
• Good working knowledge and demonstrated experience of international frameworks related to Free Prior Informed Consent and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

For detailed ToR's for this position please visit our website:

Applicants can apply  by clicking the apply button on the ZSL website Equity Rights and Social Safeguards Technical Specialist - Nepal in Nepal - ZSL. 

If you have any queries regarding this position or the application process, please contact Human Resources at zslnepalinfo@zsl.org or humanresources@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: 17:00 hrs (Nepali time) Thursday 22 January 2026. 

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728 and with SWC in Nepal.