Safeguarding & ESG Manager

Overview

Acumen is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding and ESG Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya, or Lagos, Nigeria. This role is critical for developing and managing the safeguarding framework across Acumen's Green RISE and Pioneer investment programs. The manager will handle safeguarding due diligence, risk monitoring, support for entrepreneur support organizations and stakeholders, and deliver reporting to funding partners.

About Acumen

Founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen is a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators committed to ending poverty through ethical business practices. Acumen invests in transformational enterprises, fosters sustainable markets, and prepares leaders for a more equitable and inclusive world, impacting over 500 million lives worldwide.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead management of Acumen’s safeguarding policies, standards, procedures within the Green RISE initiative.
• Conduct safeguarding due diligence with prospective and current funding recipients, fellows, and partner organizations.
• Monitor safeguarding risks across the Green RISE portfolio and manage escalation and resolution of safeguarding incidents.
• Oversee Green RISE’s confidential and survivor-centered grievance mechanisms, including reporting channels, case management, referrals, investigation coordination, and implementation monitoring among partners.
• Provide safeguarding integration support for Pioneer and Academy programs plus additional assistance for Acumen’s returnable capital funds.
• Contribute to Pioneer’s investment strategy by incorporating ESG factors in pipeline development, diligence, and portfolio support.
• Assist returnable capital funds with ESG diligence, risk tracking, and reporting to investors and partners.
• Build safeguarding capacity of external partners and investees through training, resources, and support.
• Co-create new safeguarding materials including trainings and templates across funds.
• Prepare and deliver reports on safeguarding performance, risks, and incidents for funding partners.
• Analyze safeguarding data and narratives to provide evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years’ relevant experience in safeguarding, ESG, impact investing, or sustainable finance, with proven safeguarding expertise.
• Demonstrated skills designing, managing, and implementing safeguarding frameworks and due diligence processes, especially with African investees or partners.
• Experience handling safeguarding incident investigations using survivor-centered methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding standards, gender lens investing, gender equality, social inclusion, risk management, due diligence, as well as ESG policies and metrics across various sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in social enterprise, sustainable finance, international development, or related field.
• Proven research and analytical skills with the ability to deliver results amid uncertainty.
• Keen investigative ability to interpret diverse data sources and generate clear conclusions with recommendations.
• A balanced approach focused on practical, value-adding solutions benefiting beneficiaries.
• Excellent project and stakeholder management abilities, including leading internal teams toward shared goals.
• Strong organizational skills, capable of establishing efficient systems for managing data, processes, and information.
• Exceptional writing and presentation capabilities.
• Passion for Acumen’s mission and adherence to core values: generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, and respect.
• Resilience to thrive in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments, maintaining composure and determination in the face of obstacles.

Additional Details

Location options include Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya. Applications will be reviewed continuously through September 7, 2026. Candidates are encouraged not to submit multiple applications. Due to volume, individual follow-ups cannot be answered.