The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver specialized technical guidance and assistance to proactively mitigate, identify, and address safeguarding concerns across Mercy Corps’ East Africa programs and operations, while ensuring robust survivor support systems are implemented.
The RSA will offer direction and assistance to regional Country Teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding framework and procedures, encompassing the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. Additionally, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks affecting children and adults within impacted populations across regional Country Programs. They will also aid in crafting and executing mitigation strategies to address these risks.
This role will contribute to critical funding proposals, ensuring safeguarding risks are evaluated, and essential safeguarding measures are adequately funded. 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 focus on strengthening safeguarding systems, enhancing capacity, and fostering awareness among team members and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and external organizations acting under Mercy Corps’ authority or direction.
The RSA will collaborate closely with the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CAR) teams to integrate safeguarding considerations into all phases of CAR implementation.
Responsibilities include overseeing core tasks, ensuring project completion, and maintaining operational efficiency. Key duties involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing deliverables, and adhering to established deadlines. Additionally, the role requires adherence to company policies, participation in strategic planning, and fostering a productive work environment. Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies is necessary to execute responsibilities effectively.
The role involves designing, implementing, and delivering training programs and initiatives to enhance organizational knowledge and foster a culture of awareness. Responsibilities include developing educational materials, conducting workshops, and evaluating the effectiveness of training efforts to ensure continuous improvement. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, proficiency in instructional design, and experience in adult learning methodologies. Additionally, the ideal applicant will demonstrate the ability to engage diverse audiences, measure learning outcomes, and adapt training approaches to meet evolving organizational needs.
Collaborate with local individuals and teams across the region to integrate safeguarding prevention measures and standards into programs and operations, while ensuring an appropriate and responsive approach to survivors.
Tailor existing internal and external resources and tools to suit the specific requirements of the regional environment.
Facilitate the development and refinement of training materials while creating adaptable delivery frameworks to accommodate both remote and in-person instructional formats.
Provide support, direction, and expert counsel to in-country safeguarding support roles—such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by equipping them with the necessary systems, processes, and guidance to enhance team members’ understanding and capacity regarding safeguarding standards and expectations.
Provide in-country safeguarding assistance by implementing and strengthening systems, processes, and guidance to enhance partner awareness and capabilities regarding safeguarding standards and expectations. This includes engaging with sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily workers to ensure compliance and foster a culture of safeguarding.
Provide expert technical advice to CAR and program teams to facilitate their efforts in ensuring communities and participants are fully informed about their rights and available reporting options. Additionally, assist in establishing trust in response systems and survivor support mechanisms through collaborative and supportive actions.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and local safeguarding support units, deliver training and awareness sessions to leadership teams at country or regional levels, as requested or feasible.
We are seeking a candidate to develop, implement, and optimize systems, processes, and tools to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing scalable solutions, automating workflows, and integrating advanced technologies to streamline business functions. Responsibilities include evaluating current systems, identifying areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deploy innovative tools. Proficiency in relevant software, analytical skills, and a results-driven mindset are essential requirements for this role.
Facilitate the implementation of the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region.
Country-level strategic planning efforts concerning safeguarding will be supported by the role, ensuring alignment with overarching objectives and frameworks. This position will contribute to the development and implementation of safeguarding strategies tailored to local contexts while adhering to established policies and standards. Responsibilities include collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing risks, and recommending measures to enhance protection protocols. The incumbent will also monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and provide recommendations to refine strategies as needed.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide expert technical guidance and recommendations to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams to help them determine tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritized actions specific to each country.
In collaboration with in-country Safeguarding support, provide expert technical guidance and valuable input to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses conducted at both the country and program levels.
Support country-level safeguarding risk mitigation by ensuring activities identified as having high safeguarding risks are actively implementing preventive measures, such as observational checklists, enhanced supervision, targeted training, and additional safeguarding protocols.
Engage proactively and reactively across all departments to guarantee the adoption of essential mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
Assist country teams by equipping them with the necessary guidance and resources to strengthen partners’ safeguarding capabilities and ensure adherence to safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to facilitate the 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 full-time employees, temporary staff, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate with CAR and program teams to embed safeguarding principles within CAR systems and communications, ensuring sensitization efforts and community consultations are effectively integrated.
Serve as a key advisor to senior management on safeguarding best practices and compliance requirements, ensuring alignment with Mercy Corps’ and donor safeguarding policies as well as established response mechanisms.
Collaborate with the Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to establish and enforce safeguarding protocols for all MEL initiatives across the region.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in reviewing and refining corrective measures as well as their implementation following case reports, upon request.
Ensuring the well-being and safety of survivors, this role involves delivering compassionate care and critical assistance to individuals impacted by trauma or crisis. Responsibilities include providing immediate support, coordinating resources, and facilitating access to essential services such as counseling, legal aid, or housing solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. Experience in crisis intervention, case management, or a related field is highly preferred. Additionally, familiarity with survivor-centered approaches and trauma-informed care is essential to effectively address the unique needs of those affected.
Provide technical assistance and expert advice to designated Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, ensuring they are fully equipped to serve as reliable reporting channels for Safeguarding concerns, issues, or incidents.
Support country and investigative teams in implementing a survivor-centered methodology for addressing safeguarding concerns, in accordance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Focal Points and Champions will be supported to facilitate the mapping of adequate resources and processes, thereby ensuring survivors’ safety, security, and overall well-being. In collaboration with local SEA networks, support services available to survivors will be identified, mapped, and routinely updated.
We are seeking a highly motivated Engagement professional to cultivate and sustain meaningful connections with our stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a talent for building rapport, and a proven ability to drive engagement through strategic initiatives. Key responsibilities include developing tailored engagement plans, executing targeted outreach campaigns, and analyzing engagement metrics to refine strategies. Qualified applicants must demonstrate prior experience in stakeholder management, strong communication abilities, and proficiency in engagement tools and platforms. This role demands adaptability, a results-driven mindset, and a commitment to fostering lasting relationships.
Engage actively in sectoral forums, coordination mechanisms, and relevant networks—such as Clusters and SEA groups—to represent Mercy Corps and advance its strategic priorities. Additionally, assist in the regional oversight and alignment of safeguarding initiatives to ensure consistent implementation and adherence to organizational standards.
Engage collaboratively with key personnel from across the organization as part of Mercy Corps’ cross-functional Global Safeguarding Task Force.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ regional or cross-functional working groups, contributing to discussions and strategic initiatives as a representative for safeguarding requirements or the safeguarding team’s interests.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, deliver specialized technical guidance to ensure alignment with donor requirements for project proposals and design.
Facilitate collaboration between countries to enhance synergies, coordination, and, when feasible, establish joint working groups aligned with CAR/SG/GDI and DESI priority areas.
Overseeing and managing a team of employees or subordinates, as well as delegating tasks and ensuring productivity and efficiency are maintained within the designated team or department.
Providing guidance and oversight without direct supervision, this role maintains a dotted-line relationship with in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions.
Candidates must meet the following baseline qualifications and possess relevant transferable skills to be considered for this position.
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. A master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to Humanitarian or International Development, or in a relevant discipline, is preferred.
With a minimum of four years of professional experience within the development or humanitarian sector—particularly in areas related to gender-based violence or safeguarding—you should possess a strong grasp of safeguarding frameworks and survivor-centered approaches.
An extensive background in and practical application of donor, regulatory, and sector-wide standards, expectations, and best practices related to safeguarding are essential.
Preferred candidates will bring prior experience in emergency response, fragile states, or other intricate, high-risk environments.
Proficiency in conducting SEA (Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment) and safeguarding investigations is advantageous.
Fluency in both spoken and written English is essential, with proficiency in additional regional languages considered a strong advantage.
Seasoned in developing and facilitating safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, including external partners.
Thrive in a dynamic emergency response setting while demonstrating adaptability to swiftly changing circumstances as required.
Proven ability to listen effectively, engage in meaningful interpersonal interactions, and communicate clearly, whether collaborating remotely or working on-site. Demonstrates strong skills in building and maintaining professional relationships and networks across diverse settings.
Analytical and solutions-oriented, this individual demonstrates strong self-awareness and the emotional maturity necessary to effectively process and act upon constructive feedback.
Proven expertise in tailoring agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training programs, policy documents, awareness campaigns, and communication tools—for deployment by partner agencies.
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
