CRS Philippines, established in 1945, is the longest running, continuous CRS country program in the world with extensive programming in peacebuilding, emergency response and recovery, and disaster risk reduction. The Philippines country program has over 100 staff members in Manila, Davao, and Cotabato City offices. CRS Philippines is committed to collaborating with our strong network of church partners, national and subnational government agencies and secular NGOs throughout the country.

The Restoration through Science-based Execution and Established Biodiverse Registry Philippines (RESEEDPH) project is a five‑year initiative designed to restore degraded forest and agro‑biodiverse landscapes by combining science-based planning, community participation, and strengthened policy support. Operating in Catanduanes, Bohol, and North Cotabato, the project focuses on climate-adapted species selection, improved seed and nursery systems, and the development of evidence-based restoration models that enhance both ecological health and community livelihoods. Through its integrated components, RESEEDPH delivers a national “What to Plant Where” decision-support portal, establishes climate-smart restoration sites, promotes the adoption of best restoration practices among communities, and reinforces policies and investment pathways that enable long-term sustainability. Emphasizing inclusive participation—particularly of women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples—the project incorporates robust monitoring and learning mechanisms to ensure enduring environmental, social, and economic benefits aligned with national and global biodiversity and climate goals.

The project must comply with a comprehensive set of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) requirements to ensure that all activities are environmentally sound, socially inclusive, and aligned with national regulations and international safeguards.

                                                                                ** THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON DONOR FUNDING **

Job Summary:

The Senior Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Officer will manage, coordinate, and monitor project activities and relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to assist the achievement of the RESEEDPh project’s objectives, which focuses on the restoration of degraded ecosystems in protected areas and broader landscapes in the Philippines through science-based execution and the establishment of a biodiverse registry. At 50% Level of efforts, the Sr. ESS Officer will lead the implementation of the Environmental Social and Management Framework (ESMF) following the GEF standards. The Sr. ESS Officer will provide overall technical support to the project partners in ensuring donor compliance related to Environmental safeguarding.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead technical, monitoring and reporting activities under Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Management Plan (ESMP) the project and through most of the project cycle - start-up, implementation and close-out - in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.  
• Train partners/grantees on the different ESMP principles, risk mitigation measures and plans 
• Support the implementation of the ESMP accompanying plans – Stakeholder engagement plan, Gender Mainstreaming Plan, Grievance and Redress Mechanism. 
• Effectively manage environmental risks in the project, ensuring implementation of mitigation measures as defined in the ESMP 
• Support accountability through coordinating project M&E activities following CI-GEF and GEF policy. Proactively identify issues, report them to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.  
• Work closely with the partners/grantees field teams in the implementation of the ESMF, including supporting the grievance redress process related to environmental issues; environmental incident management; and preparation of environmental safeguarding reporting requirements for the donor. 
• Coordinate activities required for ensuring the financial, material and human resources for the quality implementation of the project. Conduct periodic budget reviews as required. 
• Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and disseminate results. Review project documentation to ensure the activity file is complete with all required documentation and is filed per agency and donor requirements. 

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, management, environmental policy, economics, social development, or other relevant fields; Or a Bachelor's degree in similar fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the master’s degree requirement. 
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in Environmental and social Safeguarding for a large-scale project, ideally in land restoration and livelihoods, preferably for an INGO.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international standards and codes of practices in the environment and social safeguarding. 
• Familiarity with World Bank ESG, GEF/GCF ESMF policies is a plus
• Experience in working in complex and large grant is a plus.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Required Languages – English and Filipino.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 70 % of the time in the project locations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders. Representation abilities. Ability to contribute to written reports.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Exemplary project management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant grant management experience, especially for USG, the World Bank or other public donors, a plus.
• Experience working with indigenous peoples groups, the NCIP, upland communities and the DENR
• Staff supervision experience.
• Experience working with stakeholders at various levels and strengthening community partnerships.
• Ability to contribute to the development of technical proposals, a plus.
• Experience analyzing data and contributing to evaluation reports.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships 
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities:  none

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: RESEEd program team – Program Manager and MEAL manager, HoP

External : DENR – BMB, Local partners, CI - GEF

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.