Safeguarding Officer (1 position)

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that has been operational for 60 years. The organization partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. RI operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, employing over 7,000 staff and local volunteers. The organization focuses on providing essential services such as Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI is the result of mergers and alliances between four organizations, and it is led by a unified senior leadership team, ensuring a cohesive approach to humanitarian assistance and community support.

Job Overview:
The Safeguarding Officer position is critical to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals served by Relief International. This role emphasizes the importance of safeguarding as an organizational priority and requires a commitment from all staff members. The Safeguarding Officer will lead efforts to strengthen safeguarding practices within the RI Field Office in Upper Nile, South Sudan. This includes coordinating safeguarding procedures, enhancing staff capacity, and monitoring compliance with RI's Safeguarding and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) policies. The officer will act as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring that all issues are addressed promptly and effectively. The role demands a proactive approach to integrating safeguarding risks into project planning and implementation, as well as fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for promoting and championing safeguarding, PSEA, and Child Protection policies across all project locations. This includes ensuring compliance with organizational and donor standards, reporting suspected or actual safeguarding concerns within 24 hours, and responding sensitively to disclosures. The officer will maintain accurate documentation of safeguarding cases, oversee the implementation of the Complaints and Feedback Mechanism (CFM), and establish safe reporting channels for community members. Additionally, the officer will produce monthly reports on safeguarding activities, support investigations, and coordinate multi-sectoral approaches to safeguarding issues. Regular training for staff and community members on safeguarding policies and procedures will also be a key responsibility, alongside participation in relevant coordination meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Safeguarding Officer position must possess a university degree in social work, development studies, psychology, or a related field within the social sciences. A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in safeguarding, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and PSEA, as well as child protection practices, is required. Experience in advocacy or policy implementation in the fields of Child Protection, Safeguarding, or Human Resources is essential for achieving policy compliance. Strong communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills are necessary, along with the ability to plan and conduct training programs at various levels. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to provide technical support and establish supportive relationships within the organization.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in social work, development studies, psychology, or equivalent social sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of safeguarding and child protection issues, as well as for effectively implementing policies and procedures that protect vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in safeguarding, GBV, and PSEA, particularly within government or NGO settings. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to advocate for policy changes and ensure compliance with safeguarding standards. Candidates should also have experience in building networks and conducting training programs, as well as supporting investigations related to safeguarding and PSEA.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization. Additional languages relevant to the local context in South Sudan may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract with no specified duration mentioned in the job ad. It is important for applicants to have a clean record, particularly regarding any convictions related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Sexual Harassment, or Child Abuse. The role emphasizes the importance of upholding humanitarian principles, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. Relief International values inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, agility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in its operations.