Safeguarding & ESG Manager

About the role

Acumen is seeking a Safeguarding & ESG Manager to lead and embed safeguarding and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across its Green RISE, Pioneer and Academy programmes. Based in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya, the role will own the full safeguarding framework, conduct due‑diligence, monitor risks and support partner organisations.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and enforce Acumen’s safeguarding policies, procedures and standards for the Green RISE portfolio.
• Lead safeguarding due‑diligence for prospective and existing funding recipients, fellows and partners.
• Monitor safeguarding risks, manage incidents and operate grievance and reporting mechanisms with survivor‑centred, trauma‑informed processes.
• Coordinate escalation, investigation and referral pathways with external partner organisations.
• Support Pioneer and the Academy in integrating safeguarding and ESG considerations into investment pipelines and post‑investment portfolio management.
• Provide ESG diligence, risk monitoring and reporting for Acumen’s returnable‑capital funds.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a safeguarding practitioner managing end‑to‑end frameworks.
• Familiarity with ESG integration in impact‑investment contexts.
• Strong ability to work with investment teams, social enterprises and external partners.
• Experience in handling confidential cases, grievance mechanisms and incident escalation.

Required skills