Safeguarding Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established with the mission to innovate solutions and advocate for change, the organization reaches approximately 28 million people each year through proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. With a workforce of around 8,990 dedicated staff members, Action Against Hunger operates in 55 countries, partnering with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. The organization aims to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network and currently manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The Safeguarding Specialist position is a critical role within Action Against Hunger, focusing on overseeing safeguarding priorities and developing comprehensive work plans. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the organization's offices are prepared to respond effectively to reports of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Child Safeguarding in both humanitarian and development contexts. This role requires a proactive approach to raising awareness of Action Against Hunger's policy commitments, including a zero-tolerance stance towards abuse, through training and coaching. The specialist will also ensure that global mechanisms for Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Child Safeguarding, and anti-trafficking are effectively implemented and utilized by staff and related personnel. Collaboration with safeguarding focal persons and key stakeholders at both the country and regional levels is essential, as well as working closely with program teams to integrate safeguarding policies into design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safeguarding Specialist will have a range of essential responsibilities, including leading the implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures across regional and country operations. This includes supporting country offices in developing contextualized safeguarding practices and embedding safeguarding into program design. The specialist will conduct safeguarding assessments, establish community complaints mechanisms, and identify high-risk contexts while recommending mitigation strategies. They will also ensure compliance with donor requirements and work with HR to implement vetting and reference checking processes. Additionally, the specialist will lead investigations and case management, ensuring survivor support mechanisms are in place and that investigations are conducted with confidentiality and sensitivity. Capacity building through training and awareness creation for all staff is also a key responsibility, along with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on safeguarding practices and data collection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Social Work, Law, International Development, Human Rights, Psychology, Political Science, Development Studies, or Gender Studies. A minimum of 7-10 years of humanitarian work experience in safeguarding, protection, child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), or related fields is required. Demonstrated experience in managing complex safeguarding cases and conducting investigations is essential, along with knowledge of current legislation and guidance regarding safeguarding. Candidates should also be certified trainers in safeguarding investigations and have experience in developing safeguarding resource materials, including training curricula and best practices. Experience in emergency and development contexts, particularly in the Horn and East Africa region, is an added advantage. Excellent report writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality and trust, are crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Work, Law, International Development, Human Rights, Psychology, Political Science, Development Studies, or Gender Studies. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of safeguarding and protection in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in humanitarian work related to safeguarding, protection, child protection, GBV, or PSEA. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex safeguarding cases and conducting investigations, demonstrating their ability to navigate sensitive situations effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of French is considered an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position open to Kenyan nationals or individuals with the right to work in Kenya. Action Against Hunger - USA offers an attractive salary and benefits package to all staff. The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or veteran status. The application process will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a deadline for submission set for March 13, 2026.