Safeguarding Advisor II, Eastern and Southern Africa

CRS has recently created a new Ethics Unit, with a mandate for the prevention and response to ethical violations including fraud, corruption and all forms of harassment, exploitation and abuse. Working under the leadership of the Safeguarding Director, and in close collaboration with regional leadership, the Safeguarding Advisor will be a member of the Safeguarding team, providing expertise and guidance to CRS Country Programs in the East and Southern Africa regions in Safeguarding prevention and response in accordance with CRS policy and procedures and industry standards and best practice.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Working with the Ethics Unit’s Safeguarding team and leadership across CRS departments, support the operationalization of the Safeguarding Policy; provide leadership and oversight of specific workstreams related to the integration of safeguarding in CRS operations and programming
• Working with the Safeguarding team, and with support from the Program Implementation and Quality Assurance (PIQA) department, co-lead on the design and implementation of a global training and capacity building plan for CRS staff corresponding to safeguarding competencies
• Support EARO and SARO country programs on the in-take and assessment of safeguarding reports and in preparing and conducting investigations of alleged safeguarding violations
• Serve as investigation lead or co-lead on EARO and SARO safeguarding investigations
• Oversee the preparation of investigation reports and the inclusion corrective actions to address gaps in knowledge, systems, or procedures to strengthen prevention efforts
• Maintain/update safeguarding case files in whistleblower system
• Support EARO and SARO region and country programs to identify and develop the capacity of designated safeguarding focal points for safeguarding prevention and response (investigations)
• Lead EARO and SARO country program safeguarding focal points in the development of safeguarding action plans to address specific needs and gaps in knowledge, skills, practices, and procedures
• Lead/co-lead in the delivery of trainings and training of trainers for EARO and SARO safeguarding focal points, CRS staff and partners
• Working with the Senior Safeguarding Advisor and the Partner Safeguarding Advisor, support the implementation of the Partner Safeguarding Compliance and Capacity Building Framework
• Contribute to the development of internal and external reports on CRS’ overall safeguarding efforts and case statistics/analytics
• Participate in and contribute to an external network of subject matter experts and communities of practice including donors, partners, and sector-specific advocacy groups; help identify trends, best practices and lessons learned to bring to bear on CRS’ safeguarding work.

Background, Experience & Requirements:**

• Master’s degree in relevant field of study (Social Work, International Development, Psychology)

• Five or more years of relevant, international experience (safeguarding, protection) in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities. NGO experience preferred.

• Two or more years of experience in conducting investigations of staff misconduct

• Strong analytical and writing skills; experience leading the development of investigation reports

• Experience implementing safeguarding policies and practices related to staff and/or implementing partners

• Significant professional experience working in or supporting one or more countries in the East and Southern Africa regions

• Provide oversight and direction to staff by using effective interpersonal and communication skills; influence others both within and outside of functional areas of responsibility

• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices

• Knowledge of, and experience working with, USG and other major public donors

• Solid organizational/time management skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-tasking team environment

• Unpretentious and smart; a problem solver who seeks to find constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements.

Required Languages – English fluency required. French proficiency preferred. Additional languages a plus.
Travel – travel will vary; 30% anticipated travel in given year
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Promotes the integration of a survivor centered approach in all areas of their work
• Contributes to safeguarding risk assessment and mitigation strategies in relation to areas of their work
• Promotes widespread awareness and where applicable, use of safeguarding reporting channels throughout their work
• Knowledge of industry safeguarding/sexual exploitation and abuse principles and standards
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, representation, and networking skills

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions: Tele-commuting position
*Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
*EOE/M/F/D/V –* CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (F or all US and International positions)

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.