Safeguarding & Safe and Dignified Programming Advisor I

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that emphasizes improving the lives of the poor globally. It welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Safeguarding & Safe and Dignified Programming (SSDP) Advisor will play a crucial role in implementing CRS’ Safeguarding Policy and ensuring that protection mainstreaming is effectively integrated into both relief and development programming. This position involves providing technical support and tools to the Country Program, ensuring that safeguarding program quality standards are met and exceeded. The SSDP Advisor will work closely with the Global Safeguarding Advisors and other Regional and Global Technical Advisors to receive guidance and capacity building. The role also includes leading the mentorship and capacity building of in-country Safeguarding focal points, ensuring that safeguarding practices are embedded within the organization’s operations and culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SSDP Advisor will be responsible for leading the implementation of CRS’ Safeguarding Policy and Safe & Dignified Programming Strategy at the Country Program level. This includes identifying internal safeguarding priorities, providing regular updates on safeguarding efforts, and ensuring that safeguarding is a regular agenda item in meetings. The advisor will coordinate and train in-country Safeguarding Focal Points, maintain Essential Service Mapping and referral pathways, and serve as a reporting channel for safeguarding allegations. They will also provide tools and technical support for awareness-raising among program participants, facilitate safeguarding risk assessments, review project designs for safeguarding compliance, and contribute to in-country PSEA/Protection/GBV networks. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective safeguarding practices are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Human Rights Law, Gender, International Development, Social Work, or Psychology, or have equivalent professional experience. A minimum of two years of relevant experience in safeguarding, protection, or gender in an advisory or management role is required, with preference given to candidates with NGO experience. The ideal candidate should have experience in advising staff, creating culturally sensitive training programs, and possess strong organizational and analytical skills. They should demonstrate a commitment to treating all individuals with fairness and respect, and have knowledge of safeguarding principles and standards.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is essential for this position. Relevant fields include Human Rights Law, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Work, Psychology, or other related disciplines. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education, particularly if it demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in safeguarding, protection, or gender, ideally in an advisory or management capacity. Candidates should have a proven track record of progressively responsible roles within the NGO sector, demonstrating their ability to influence and guide staff effectively. Experience in creating and implementing training programs and capacity-building initiatives is also essential, as is the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the advisor's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Liberia and may involve working closely with local communities and stakeholders. The role is full-time and may require occasional travel within the country. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS’ Code of Conduct and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations.