Safeguarding & ESG Manager

About the role

The Safeguarding & ESG Manager will lead Acumen’s safeguarding framework and ESG integration across its Green RISE portfolio and related funds. This senior position requires deep expertise in safeguarding, impact investing, and sustainable finance to protect beneficiaries and ensure responsible investment practices.

Key responsibilities

• Manage Acumen’s safeguarding framework for Green RISE, including policies, procedures, and standards.
• Lead safeguarding due diligence for prospective and existing funding recipients, fellows, and partners.
• Monitor safeguarding risks across the portfolio, escalating and managing incidents as they arise.
• Own and operate grievance and safeguarding reporting mechanisms with survivor‑centered, trauma‑informed processes.
• Support Pioneer and the Academy on safeguarding integration and assist Acumen’s returnable capital funds.
• Integrate ESG considerations into investment pipelines, diligence, and post‑investment support.
• Provide capacity‑building, training, and resources to external partners and investees.
• Report on safeguarding performance, risks, and incidents to fund investors and partners.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in safeguarding, ESG, impact investing, or sustainable finance.
• Direct experience designing and implementing safeguarding frameworks, policies, and due‑diligence processes, preferably with African partners.
• Proven ability to investigate safeguarding incidents using a survivor‑centered approach.
• Strong understanding of gender lens investing, gender equality, social inclusion, and risk‑management practices.
• Bachelor’s degree focused on social enterprise, sustainable finance, or international development.
• Excellent project and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead internal teams.
• Resilience and ability to thrive in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments.

Required skills

• Design and management of safeguarding frameworks and policies.
• ESG integration and reporting.
• Risk assessment and mitigation.
• Gender lens investing and social inclusion strategies.
• Investigation and incident response with trauma‑informed methods.