Job Advertisement

Position Title: Safeguarding Advisor II
Location: Baltimore
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including Emergency response, health, Agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, aiming to save, protect, and transform lives in need.

Job Overview:
The Safeguarding Advisor II will play a crucial role within the Ethics Unit of CRS, which is responsible for leading the organization's learning, prevention, and response efforts in safeguarding and fraud. This position will work under the leadership of the Safeguarding Director and collaborate closely with regional leadership to provide expertise and guidance to CRS Country Programs in the East Africa and Southern Africa Regions. The advisor will ensure that safeguarding practices are integrated into CRS operations and programming, aligning with CRS policies, industry standards, and best practices. The role includes designing and implementing Training Programs, supporting the assessment of safeguarding reports, and leading investigations into alleged violations. The advisor will also contribute to the development of internal and external reports on safeguarding efforts and engage with external networks to identify trends and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safeguarding Advisor II will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the operationalization of the Safeguarding Policy across CRS departments.
• Provide leadership and oversight for workstreams related to safeguarding integration in operations and programming.
• Co-lead the Design and implementation of a global training and capacity-building plan for CRS staff.
• Assist Country Programs in the intake and assessment of safeguarding reports and conduct investigations of alleged violations.
• Prepare investigation reports and recommend corrective actions to strengthen prevention efforts.
• Maintain and update safeguarding case files in the whistleblower system.
• Identify and develop the capacity of designated safeguarding focal points.
• Lead the development of safeguarding action plans to address specific needs and gaps.
• Ensure adherence to the Safeguarding Risk Management Policy and Procedure. 1
• Develop and deliver training sessions for safeguarding staff and partners. 1
• Contribute to reports on safeguarding efforts and case statistics. 1
• Participate in external networks of safeguarding experts and advocacy groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in International Development, Psychology, Social Work, Law, or a related field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years of relevant international experience in safeguarding or protection in an advisory or management role is required, with a preference for NGO experience. Candidates should have prior management and supervisory experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and experience in implementing safeguarding policies and practices. Knowledge of USG and other major public donors is also essential, along with solid organizational and time management skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Psychology, Social Work, or Law is required. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant international experience in safeguarding or protection, preferably in an advisory or management capacity. Candidates should have experience working in or supporting countries in Eastern and/or Southern Africa and have a background in developing training materials and facilitating training sessions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in French is preferred. Additional languages are considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This is a telecommuting position with a preference for candidates located in Eastern or Southern Africa. The role may involve travel, with an anticipated 30% travel requirement in a given year. The position may involve supervisory responsibilities for 1-2 staff members. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.