The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver specialized technical guidance and assistance to proactively prevent, identify, and address safeguarding concerns across Mercy Corps’ East Africa programs and operations, while ensuring robust survivor support systems are implemented.
The RSA will deliver expert guidance and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding methodology and protocols, particularly the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. Additionally, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks affecting children and adults within regional country programs and collaborate on the creation and implementation of mitigation strategies to address these risks.
This role will contribute to critical funding proposals by integrating safeguarding risk assessments and ensuring adequate resourcing for key safeguarding initiatives. The RSA will deliver consistent updates on regional safeguarding developments and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration with program and human resource teams will be essential to strengthen, oversee, and enhance safeguarding systems, build capacity, and raise awareness among staff, partners, sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and other entities acting on behalf of Mercy Corps or under its direction.
The RSA will collaborate closely with CAR teams to integrate safeguarding considerations throughout the implementation of the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism.
Oversee and execute core duties with precision, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maintaining high standards of performance. Key tasks include managing critical operations, fostering collaboration across teams, and delivering measurable results within established timelines. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies, exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and uphold a commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, the role demands excellent communication skills, adaptability to evolving priorities, and the capacity to work effectively under pressure while adhering to company policies and industry regulations.
We are seeking a professional to develop and implement comprehensive training programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational understanding and fostering a culture of awareness. The role involves designing engaging educational materials, conducting workshops, and evaluating the effectiveness of training efforts to ensure continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include identifying knowledge gaps, creating targeted learning solutions, and measuring the impact of awareness campaigns. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, experience in instructional design, and a passion for promoting best practices across the organization.
Collaborate with regional colleagues and teams to embed safeguarding prevention measures and standards into programs and operations while ensuring appropriate responses for survivors are maintained.
Revise existing resources and tools—whether developed in-house or sourced externally—to align with local market conditions and requirements.
Provide assistance in the development and customization of training materials, as well as design frameworks for various delivery methods, encompassing both virtual and in-person training sessions.
Provide ongoing support, guidance, and advisory services to in-country safeguarding personnel—such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by equipping them with robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance. This will enhance team members’ awareness and strengthen their capacity to uphold safeguarding standards and meet established expectations.
Provide in-country safeguarding support by implementing robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance to enhance partner organizations’ understanding and implementation of safeguarding standards and expectations, encompassing sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily laborers.
Provide expert technical advice to CAR and program teams while facilitating efforts to ensure communities and participants are fully informed about their rights and reporting mechanisms, thereby fostering trust in response systems and survivor support services.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and in-country safeguarding support, deliver training and informational sessions to leadership at either the country or regional level, as needed or when opportunities arise.
Design, implement, and maintain efficient systems, processes, and tools to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure scalability across the organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies and develop innovative solutions that align with business objectives. Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge technologies to optimize workflows, reduce operational costs, and improve overall performance. Oversee the deployment and maintenance of tools, ensuring seamless functionality, security, and compliance with industry standards. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement continuous improvements to support long-term growth and operational excellence.
Assist in implementing the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region to ensure consistent application and adherence to safeguarding protocols.
Assist in the development of country-level safeguarding strategies to ensure robust protection measures are in place.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide specialized technical guidance and expert advice to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams to develop tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritized initiatives specific to each country.
In collaboration with in-country Safeguarding support, provide expert guidance and contributions to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both the country and program levels.
We actively implement prevention measures for activities identified as having high safeguarding risks through country-level safeguarding risk mitigation efforts, which include observational checklists, supervision, training, and other necessary actions.
Engage proactively and reactively across all departments to uphold and implement essential mitigation measures and established best practices consistently.
Assist the country teams in delivering guidance and tools to help partners enhance their safeguarding capabilities and ensure adherence to safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to facilitate their evaluation of partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with regional Human Resources and program teams to establish robust safeguarding protocols for the onboarding of team members, casual workers, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate with CAR teams and program teams to embed safeguarding measures within CAR systems and communications, facilitating sensitization initiatives and fostering consultations with affected communities.
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on safeguarding best practices and compliance with Mercy Corps’ and donor safeguarding policies, as well as the organization’s response mechanisms.
Work jointly with Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation teams to implement safeguarding guidelines for MEL initiatives across the region.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in evaluating and refining corrective measures, implementing necessary adjustments as directed following case reports.
As a Survivor Response and Support Specialist, you will deliver critical assistance to individuals navigating trauma and distress, ensuring they receive compassionate care and resources. Your role involves assessing needs, coordinating interventions, and providing ongoing emotional support to foster recovery and resilience. You must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion. Prior experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or a related field is essential, along with proficiency in trauma-informed practices. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, you will advocate for survivor rights and connect them with appropriate services. Your commitment to empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism will be paramount in this vital position.
Provide technical support and guidance to safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, assisting them in fulfilling their responsibilities as primary reporting channels for safeguarding concerns, issues, or experiences.
Assist both country and investigative teams in implementing a survivor-centered methodology for every report concerning safeguarding issues, ensuring full alignment with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions in establishing and maintaining robust resource mapping and streamlined processes to guarantee survivors receive the necessary support for their safety, security, and overall well-being. Collaborate with local Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks to systematically identify, document, and consistently refresh records of available local support services tailored to survivors’ needs.
We seek a highly motivated Engagement professional to drive meaningful connections and foster lasting partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, a proven track record of building relationships, and the ability to develop and execute strategic engagement plans. Responsibilities include overseeing client interactions, analyzing engagement metrics to refine strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance overall satisfaction and retention. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, along with strong proficiency in CRM tools and data-driven decision-making. This role requires a results-oriented mindset, adaptability, and a passion for cultivating long-term customer loyalty.
Engage actively in sectoral forums, coordination platforms, and partnership networks—such as Clusters and SEA networks—while representing Mercy Corps, and provide assistance in harmonizing safeguarding initiatives across the region.
Engage collaboratively with Mercy Corps’ Global Safeguarding Task Force, contributing alongside key personnel from various departments across the organization.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ regional or cross-functional working groups, contributing your expertise to safeguarding initiatives or representing the safeguarding team as needed.
Under the guidance of the Global Safeguarding Team, deliver specialized technical assistance to meet donor specifications for project proposals and design.
Provide assistance to nations in fostering collaboration, alignment, and, where feasible, collaborative task forces that bridge the CAR, SG, and GDI initiatives with DESI priorities.
Overseeing a team of professionals, this role involves delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring project deadlines are met. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record in team management. Responsibilities include conducting performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Additionally, the position requires adherence to company policies, maintaining high standards of productivity, and addressing any operational challenges that may arise.
Provides oversight and dotted-line support to in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions without direct supervision.
Minimum Qualifications and Transferable Skills include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, finance, or accounting. Candidates should possess at least three years of progressive professional experience in a related role, demonstrating strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is essential, along with excellent communication skills for collaborating across teams. Prior experience with financial reporting, budget management, or data analysis is highly advantageous. The ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is required.
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field such as Humanitarian Studies, International Development, or related disciplines is strongly preferred.
Professionals should possess a minimum of four years of relevant experience in the development or humanitarian sector, with a focus on gender-based violence and/or safeguarding; additionally, they must demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of safeguarding protocols and survivor-centered approaches.
Demonstrates extensive expertise in donor, regulatory, and sector-wide safeguarding standards, expectations, and best practices, supported by hands-on experience in their application.
Preferred candidates should possess prior experience in emergency response, fragile state environments, or other intricate, high-risk scenarios.
Proficiency in conducting SEA (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) and safeguarding investigations is strongly preferred.
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential, with additional proficiency in regional languages being advantageous.
Redrafted:
Proven expertise in developing and facilitating safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, including external collaborators.
Proven capability to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings while demonstrating agility in adjusting to dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances.
Individuals should demonstrate exceptional listening abilities, strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as well-developed networking capabilities, whether working remotely or on-site.
Analytical professional with a strong problem-solving aptitude, complemented by a high degree of self-awareness and the emotional intelligence to effectively process and act upon constructive feedback.
A proven track record in customizing agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training programs, policies, awareness initiatives, and communication tools—for deployment by partner organizations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications—including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
