Key ResponsibilitiesThe Safeguards Officer supports the implementation of the REAP Safeguarding Strategy and forms part of the Ethics and Business Conduct function, reporting to the Senior Manager, Ethics and Business Conduct.The role supports country safeguarding structures and partners, coordinates follow-up on safeguarding concerns, and provides investigation support when formally assigned. Decisions on investigation findings, disciplinary action, and donor notification remain with the authorized ILRI functions and decision-makers.Prevention and Safeguarding Risk Management
Key Responsibilities
Prevention and Safeguarding Risk Management
Coordinate safeguarding risk assessments with country teams and focal points and support the preparation, updating, and follow-up of country-specific safeguarding action plans.
Support programme teams in integrating safeguarding measures into programme design, field activities, research, travel, events, community engagement, digital activities, photography, use of personal information, and other participant interactions.
Work with People and Culture, Supply Chain, and programme teams to support safe recruitment practices, screening procedures, codes of conduct, and safeguarding requirements for staff, consultants, partners, contractors, and service providers.
Maintain practical safeguarding guidance, referral information, and tools for programme teams, country teams, and partners.Reporting, Response and Case Coordination
Reporting, Response and Case Coordination
Support safe, accessible, and confidential reporting channels for staff, programme participants, communities, and partners, including anonymous reporting options where appropriate.
Receive and document safeguarding concerns raised through programme channels, identify immediate safety needs, and escalate concerns promptly through approved reporting procedures.
Support survivor-centred and trauma-informed referral arrangements, including access to health, psychosocial, legal, and protection services where relevant.
Maintain secure safeguarding records and track agreed actions, referrals, and follow-up activities in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.
Provide accurate and timely information for institutional, country, and donor reporting through approved channels and within required timelines.
Support investigations when formally assigned, including logistics, documentation, interview coordination, evidence preservation, and follow-up actions.Training, Focal Points and Awareness
Training, Focal Points and Awareness
Coordinate safeguarding induction programmes, refresher training, and role-specific awareness initiatives for staff, consultants, researchers, field teams, partners, and safeguarding focal points.
Support country safeguarding teams and focal points in maintaining coordination, awareness activities, grievance reviews, and escalation arrangements.
Develop or adapt safeguarding awareness materials for programme participants, communities, and partners, including information on rights and reporting channels.Monitoring, Partner Compliance and Reporting
Monitoring, Partner Compliance and Reporting
Monitor safeguarding requirements for implementing partners, contractors, and service providers, including contractual clauses, codes of conduct, reporting obligations, and corrective actions. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});
Coordinate or conduct safeguarding monitoring visits, participant feedback sessions, and periodic reviews of risk mitigation measures.
Maintain quarterly safeguarding monitoring logs and track concerns, mitigation actions, and corrective measures for management review.
Work with monitoring and evaluation teams to track safeguarding indicators and contribute to annual safeguarding reviews and improvement actions.
Prepare draft inputs for internal safeguarding updates and donor compliance reports and support follow-up of agreed actions.
Perform any other related duties as assigned.Requirements
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Law, Social Work, Development Studies, Public Health, or another relevant field.
Relevant professional training in Safeguarding, PSEAH, Child and Youth Protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Survivor-Centred Response, or a related area.
A relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in safeguarding, PSEAH, child or youth protection, GBV prevention and response, accountability, ethics, or a closely related field.
Practical experience supporting safeguarding risk assessments, mitigation plans, training, and programme implementation.
Experience handling sensitive information, supporting confidential reporting or referral mechanisms, and escalating concerns appropriately.
Experience monitoring partner or service-provider compliance and following up corrective actions.
Experience in donor-funded or multi-partner programmes is an added advantage.
Sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
Working knowledge of survivor-centred and trauma-informed safeguarding practices.
Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to explain safeguarding requirements in practical and accessible language.
Strong written documentation, monitoring, and follow-up skills.
Ability to work constructively with programme teams, researchers, partners, service providers, safeguarding focal points, and community-based structures.