Safeguarding Assessement

Oxfam International
TOR Safeguarding Assessment
December 2023

1.
Background
Oxfam International (OI) is a global feminist organisation that works in 85 countries to fight poverty and injustice. Our approach is rights-based, multi-dimensional and guided by our values, feminist principles, decolonial and survivor-centred perspectives. We collaborate with thousands of partners and allies to empower communities to build better lives for themselves, grow resilience, and protect livelihoods even in crises. Committed to lasting solutions, we confront power and systemic inequalities that perpetuate poverty and injustice. The Global Strategic Framework 2020-2030 exemplifies this commitment to work towards a just and sustainable future.
Throughout all our activities, we are committed to zero tolerance of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse in our organization. Following significant safeguarding concerns in 2018, Oxfam established a Global Safeguarding Task Force to systemically address prevention, support and care of victims and survivors, and respond appropriately to concerns. Several safeguarding policies, core standards, and an ‘Improving Safeguarding and Culture Plan’ were implemented as a guiding framework for aligning and improving our safeguarding approach across the Oxfam Confederation. The Oxfam International Safeguarding Unit leads the strategic alignment of the safeguarding work in collaboration with affiliate safeguarding leads and focal points, among other functions in the Confederation.
2.
Objectives
For the past few years, OI has been on a journey of establishing safeguarding mechanisms in all aspects of its work. We are currently seeking a safeguarding consultant, with experience in the humanitarian and development sector, to conduct a comprehensive and independent analysis of our safeguarding work. This assignment is vital as it supports our unwavering commitment to keep the well-being and safety of victims-survivors at the forefront of our work.
The ideal consultant will have a deep understanding of and dedication to these principles and possess the technical safeguarding expertise to evaluate and enhance our safeguarding policies and practices. Through this assignment, we aim to reinforce our framework to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone engaged in our work, as we embark on the next phase of maturing our safeguarding policies and practices.
The specific objectives of this consultancy are:
a)
To evaluate the quality and accuracy of the current safeguarding standards, policies, and practices within the Confederation.
b)
To identify gaps, risks, and areas for improvement in line with international best practices, relevant legislation, and standards.
c)
To develop and refine impact indicators, that form the baseline for the next phase of our safeguarding journey.
d)
To develop actionable recommendations to strengthen safeguarding measures across the confederation.
3.
Scope of Work
a)Review of existing policies and practices: Analyse current safeguarding standards, policies, procedures, and practices; and identify discrepancies between current practices, legislation, and international standards.
Oxfam International
TOR Safeguarding Assessment
December 2023
2
b)
Stakeholder engagement: Conduct virtual interviews, discussions, and surveys with key stakeholders including staff, program participants, partners, etc to demonstrate how the policies and procedures are currently working in practice.
c)
Risk Assessment: Outline and evaluate potential risks through the analysis of existing policies, procedures, and practices.
d)
Impact Review: Identify/ Propose effective indicators of impact for the key safeguarding measures Oxfam has in place.
e)
Recommendations and Action Plan: Provide a detailed report with recommendations and an implementation plan for enhancing our safeguarding policies and practices.
4.
Approach and Methodology
In your role as a consultant, you will be responsible for developing the assignment’s approach and methodology, initially guided by this Terms of Reference. The final methodology will be collaboratively refined and agreed upon with the OI Safeguarding Team before implementation. This ensures alignment with our organizational objectives and standards.
5.
Deliverables
The deliverables of this assignment include:
a)
A comprehensive report detailing findings, including a gap analysis and risk assessment.
b)
An actionable plan with recommendations and impact indicators for improving safeguarding practices.
c)
A presentation to the relevant stakeholders summarizing key findings and recommendations.
These products will be used by technical experts in the field of safeguarding to drive the ongoing development, systemisation, and harmonisation of the safeguarding work in the Oxfam Confederation.
6.
Consultant Profile
The consultant should have:
a)
A minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Psychology, International Development, Human Rights, etc. Professional certifications or training in safeguarding, child protection, adult safeguarding, risk management, or related areas is desired.
b)
Proven expertise in conducting organisational safeguarding assessments, preferably in the humanitarian and development sector.
c)
Field experience designing and implementing safeguarding programmes in humanitarian and development sector preferred.
d)
A deep understanding of international safeguarding and child protection standards, legislation, and best practices.
Oxfam International
TOR Safeguarding Assessment
December 2023
3
e)
Deep understanding of safeguarding principles, child protection, and adult safeguarding practices, especially within complex or international organizations
f)
A respectful and empathetic approach towards victims-survivors and stakeholders, and an ability to maintain independence and objectivity in assessment and reporting.
g)
Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
h)
Experience working within diverse cultural contexts and complex organizational structures.
7.
Timeline
The assignment should be completed within 6-8 weeks from the commencement of the contract, tentatively from 22nd January 2024.
8.
Budget
Proposals should include a detailed total and final budget covering all aspects of the assignment including consultancy fees, and incidental expenses. This assignment is to be conducted entirely through virtual platforms. Payments will be 40% on delivery of the first draft report and 60% on approval of the final report.
9.
Coordination and Support
The OI Safeguarding Team will be the main contact for this assignment, to ensure smooth coordination and support including providing access to key documents, contacts, and necessary resources for successful completion. Regular progress review meetings for discussing findings and addressing challenges, ensuring alignment with the assessment’s objectives will be conducted. The team will also help schedule interviews and organize focus groups to enhance the thoroughness and effectiveness of the assessment.
10.
Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations
The consultant must adhere to the OI Code of Conduct, strict confidentiality, and ethical standards, ensuring sensitive information is handled appropriately in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations.
The intellectual property rights, including copyright and utilization rights, of the assessment report produced under this assignment will be exclusively owned by OI. The report is intended for internal use only and shall not be published, disseminated, or used externally by the consultant without the express written consent of OI.
11.
Application Process
Interested consultants should submit a proposal, not more than 7 pages long including:
1.
An outline of the approach and methodology for the assignment.
2.
A detailed work plan with timelines for completion of the work within the indicated timeline
3.
A budget breakdown.
4.
Evidence of previous experience in similar assessments.
5.
References.
Oxfam International
TOR Safeguarding Assessment
December 2023
4
Proposals should be submitted by 7th January 2024 to [email protected].
12.Evaluation of Proposals will be evaluated based on the consultant’s experience, proposed methodology, feasibility of the work plan, and cost-effectiveness by the OI Safeguarding Team.
13.
Contact Information
Any inquiries should be directed to: [email protected]