Tabitha Monene Magero
Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer
Summary
Results-driven Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer experienced in AfDB projects, particularly the Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II in Kenya. Expert in safeguards compliance for forest rehabilitation, bamboo/timber value chains, and community development across 15 counties, integrating ESMPs, stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and gender/vulnerable group inclusion. Adept at field monitoring, risk screening, training implementing partners (KFS, CFAs), and annual reporting to ensure sustainable forest management, livelihood enhancement, and climate resilience with minimal adverse impacts.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer
Kenya Forest Service
09.2021 - Current
- Currently working with Kenya Forest Service as an Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer- under Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II funded by AFDB
- Roles and responsibilities
- Compliance, Oversight and Implementation-Oversee the application and implementation of environmental and social safeguards policies, frameworks (e.g., Environmental and Social Management Framework - ESMF), and requirements throughout the project cycle (from design to closure). Ensure project activities align with national laws, donor policies (e.g., World Bank, ADB), and international standards, including labor management, gender equality, GBV/SEA prevention, and occupational health & safety (OHS/HSSE).
- Risk Assessment and Screening Conduct environmental and social screening, due diligence, risk analysis, and categorization of subprojects or activities. Identify potential risks/impacts (e.g., pollution, displacement, impacts on indigenous peoples, vulnerable groups) and recommend mitigation measures.
- Planning and Documentation-Prepare, review, update, or draft key safeguard documents, such as:Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) — site-specific where needed.
Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP).
Grievance Redress/Redress Mechanisms (GRM), including whistle-blowing systems.
Mitigation plans, labor management procedures, and gender/GBV action plans. Review feasibility studies, designs, and proposals for safeguards compliance and integrate requirements into contracts.
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Field Work - regular field visits, spot checks, and monitoring of project sites/subprojects to verify compliance. Monitor implementation of mitigation measures and safeguards plans. Prepare and submit regular progress reports (monthly, quarterly, etc.) on safeguards performance, risks, incidents, and corrective actions. Flag issues, non-compliances, or emerging risks to management and recommend actions.
- Capacity Building and Training - and deliver training/capacity-building programs on safeguards, environmental/social standards, OHS, gender inclusion, GBV/PSEA prevention, and related tools for project staff, contractors, consultants, implementing partners, and stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Management- meaningful consultation and participation of affected communities, vulnerable groups, and stakeholders. Manage or strengthen grievance mechanisms, handle complaints, and ensure timely resolution. Raise awareness (e.g., among contractors) on codes of conduct, SEA/SH prevention, and reporting.
- Advisory and Coordination Role - project teams, implementing partners, contractors, and management on incorporating safeguards into project design, contracts, and implementation. Coordinate with other specialists (e.g., M&E, gender, procurement) and act as a safeguards focal point/advisor. Support audits, compliance reviews, and responses to donor or regulatory queries.
- Contribute to policy discussions, knowledge products, annual work plans, and reporting on safeguards. Manage consultants (e.g., for assessments) and support disclosure of safeguard information.
Project Technical Assistant
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
03.2018 - 03.2020
- As a technical assistant in IPPM project my responsibilities include:
- Data collection and analysis
- Developing sampling protocols
- Maintaining and filing sample records
- Monitoring and evaluation of the project
- Community mobilizing and training of farmers on role of Forest Management and Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and bee keeping
- Dissemination of research findings
- Writing technical reports
Consultant
Friends of Karura Forest
01.2019 - 12.2019
- My roles as consultant were:
- Data extraction from camera traps
- Data entry
- Data cleaning and trimming
- Data analysis
Project assistant
Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization (KARLO)
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Served as a project assistant in Kenya Pollination Project where my roles and responsibilities were:
- Project administration (monitoring the progress of the project)
- Drafting of The First pollinator policy
- Mobilizing stakeholders and farmers to establish Farmers Field School
- Field data collection, cleaning and analysis
- Organizing workshops and exhibitions
- Specimen processing and curation.
Intern
National Museums of Kenya
09.2009 - 12.2009
- Roles and responsibilities
- Taxonomical identification of mammal specimens
- Database management
- Processing specimens for curation
Intern
Forest Action Network
10.2007 - 04.2008
- Roles and responsibilities:
- Carrying out environmental governance in communities living in Machakos County
- Simplification of the forest Act
Attachment
SCC-vi Agro forestry Project
06.2006 - 08.2006
- Roles and responsibility
- Extension services on preparation of kitchen garden (use of kitchen waste)
- Extension services on importance of agro forestry
- Extension services on the importance of conserving forest
Education
Master in Environmental Science -
Kenyatta University
Tala, Machakos CountyBachelor of Environmental Science - undefined
Kenyatta University
01-2007
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Nasokol Girls secondary
01-2000
Kenya Primary Certificate of Education - undefined
Cherangani Primary School
01-1996
Skills
Work coordination
Team collaboration
Report writing
Emergency response coordination
Risk Identification and Assessment — Ability to analyze potential environmental and social impacts of projects (eg, via Environmental and Social Impact Assessments or ESIA/ESMF tools), identify risks early, and propose mitigation measures
Policy and Regulatory Knowledge — Deep understanding of international frameworks (eg, World Bank ESF, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, ADB SPS) and national laws, plus how to ensure compliance
Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation — Skills in meaningful consultation, inclusive participation (especially with vulnerable groups, indigenous peoples, and communities), grievance mechanisms, and building trust
Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management — Expertise in tracking project performance, preparing reports (eg, ESMRs), implementing corrective actions, and using tools for ongoing oversight
Capacity Building and Training — Designing/delivering training programs on safeguards, gender inclusion (GEDSI/GESI), health & safety, or topics like FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) for teams, contractors, and partners
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking — Addressing complex, interconnected issues (eg, balancing development with biodiversity protection or social equity) through creative, evidence-based solutions
Communication and Interpersonal Skills — Clear reporting, advocacy, negotiation, cross-cultural interaction, and explaining technical concepts to non-experts (eg, policymakers, communities, executives)
Project Management and Coordination — Overseeing safeguards integration across project lifecycles, from design to implementation, including documentation and adaptive strategies
Soft Skills — Teamwork in multidisciplinary settings, ethical decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence when dealing with affected communities
Affiliations
- Member - Kenyatta University environmental club
- Member – Kenyatta University Alumni
- Member– MuviLab (NARL entomology group)
- Member – Kenya pollination Network
Interests
Participating in outdoor activities such as clean-up campaign, tree planting and hiking, Enjoy reading spiritual books, Playing handball, Working with communities in conservation and writing successful stories
Workshops and trainings
- Earth System Governance System held at Wangari Mathai Institute from 7-9 December 2016
- Earlier Career researcher workshop on sustainable development and Earth System Governance held at African Centre of Technology - 6 Dec 2016
- 2nd SAED International Conference held at Kenyatta University - Nov 29 - Dec 2 2016
- Esri training on resource mapping using ArcGis held at Kenyatta University
- June 2014 First pollination conference held at KARLO Kabete June 10-12 2014
- Workshop on crane monitoring survey in Kitale Museum July 2006
- Computer training, Kitale technical training institute, Microsoft package (MS Word, Access, MS Dos, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint).
Timeline
Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer
Kenya Forest Service
09.2021 - Current
Consultant
Friends of Karura Forest
01.2019 - 12.2019
Project Technical Assistant
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
03.2018 - 03.2020
Project assistant
Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization (KARLO)
01.2014 - 12.2017
Intern
National Museums of Kenya
09.2009 - 12.2009
Intern
Forest Action Network
10.2007 - 04.2008
Attachment
SCC-vi Agro forestry Project
06.2006 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Environmental Science - undefined
Kenyatta University
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Nasokol Girls secondary
Kenya Primary Certificate of Education - undefined
Cherangani Primary School
Master in Environmental Science -
Kenyatta University