The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver expert technical guidance and assistance to mitigate, identify, and prevent safeguarding concerns across Mercy Corps’ East Africa programs and operations while ensuring robust mechanisms for survivor support are established and maintained.
The RSA will offer direction and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding framework and procedures, particularly the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. Additionally, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks affecting children and adults in crisis-affected populations within regional Country programs. They will also aid in designing and carrying out mitigation strategies to address these identified risks.
This role will contribute to critical funding proposals by ensuring safeguarding risks are evaluated, and essential safeguarding initiatives receive adequate resourcing. The RSA will deliver consistent updates on regional safeguarding developments and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration will be central to this position, as the individual will engage with program and human resource teams to strengthen systems, monitor progress, support implementation, and enhance safeguarding capacity and awareness among staff and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and other entities acting on Mercy Corps’ behalf or under its direction.
The RSA will collaborate closely with the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CAR) teams to integrate safeguarding considerations into every phase of CAR implementation.
Essential responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines. Key duties encompass developing and executing strategic initiatives, monitoring performance metrics, and providing actionable insights to senior leadership. Additionally, the role requires fostering collaboration across departments, mentoring team members, and resolving complex challenges to drive operational efficiency. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in industry-specific tools, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results in fast-paced environments. Exceptional communication and leadership abilities are required to effectively guide teams and stakeholders toward shared objectives.
We are seeking an individual to develop and implement comprehensive training programs aimed at enhancing organizational knowledge and fostering a culture of awareness across all levels. The role involves designing engaging educational materials, delivering interactive sessions, and measuring the effectiveness of training initiatives to ensure continuous improvement. Additionally, the position requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify knowledge gaps, tailor content to specific audiences, and promote best practices throughout the organization. Strong communication skills, expertise in instructional design, and a commitment to professional development are essential for success in this role.
Collaborate closely with regional colleagues and cross-functional teams to embed safeguarding prevention measures and standards into programs and operations, while also ensuring appropriate responses to survivors.
Adapt existing internal and external resources and tools to align with the regional context, ensuring they meet local needs and specifications.
Facilitate the development and customization of training materials while designing frameworks for both remote and in-person instructional delivery.
Provide ongoing assistance, guidance, and advisory services to in-country safeguarding support roles—such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by implementing robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance. This initiative aims to enhance team members’ awareness and strengthen their ability to uphold safeguarding standards and meet expectations effectively.
Provide in-country safeguarding support by implementing systems, processes, and guidance to enhance partner awareness and capacity regarding safeguarding standards and expectations, including those applicable to sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily workers.
Provide expert technical advice to CAR and program teams to facilitate understanding of rights and reporting mechanisms among communities and participants, thereby fostering confidence 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 requested or feasible.
We are seeking a candidate to oversee, optimize, and maintain our systems, processes, and tools to ensure operational efficiency and reliability. The ideal applicant will possess expertise in evaluating current workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing structured solutions to enhance productivity. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to integrate and deploy new tools. Proficiency in relevant software, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for this role.
Assist in implementing the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region.
Facilitate the development of country-level strategic plans focused on safeguarding initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and regulatory requirements.
Collaborating with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide specialized technical guidance and recommendations to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams to develop tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritized action plans for each country.
Under the guidance of in-country Safeguarding support, provide expert technical input and recommendations for safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both country and program levels.
To facilitate country-level safeguarding risk mitigation, the role will focus on ensuring that activities identified as high-risk actively implement preventive measures, such as observational checklists, supervisory oversight, targeted training, and other relevant interventions.
Engage proactively and reactively with all departments to ensure the implementation of minimum mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
The role involves collaborating with country teams to deliver guidance and resources that empower partners in building safeguarding capabilities and ensuring adherence to safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to facilitate their evaluation of partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources and regional program teams to establish comprehensive safeguarding protocols governing the onboarding process for employees, temporary staff, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate with CAR and program teams to embed safeguarding measures within CAR systems and communications, which encompasses conducting sensitization initiatives and engaging with communities for input.
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on safeguarding best practices and compliance with Mercy Corps’ and donor Safeguarding policies, as well as response mechanisms.
Partner with Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to ensure adherence to safeguarding guidelines in regional MEL activities.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in evaluating and refining, as well as executing corrective measures based on case reports, as needed.
Our role involves providing critical response and support services to survivors, ensuring they receive comprehensive assistance during their recovery journey. Key responsibilities include assessing individual needs, offering emotional and practical support, and connecting survivors with necessary resources to facilitate healing and empowerment. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism. Proficiency in crisis intervention techniques and a deep understanding of survivor-centered approaches are essential. Additionally, familiarity with relevant legal and community resources is required to effectively navigate the support process.
Provide expert technical assistance and direction to safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, ensuring their effectiveness as primary reporting channels for safeguarding-related issues, concerns, or experiences.
Assist national and investigative colleagues in implementing a survivor-focused methodology for all reported safeguarding issues, in accordance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions in verifying that resources and processes are sufficiently mapped and implemented to assist survivors in maintaining their safety, security, and overall well-being. Collaborate with local SEA networks to identify, document, and consistently update the availability of support services for survivors.
We seek a dynamic Engagement professional to cultivate and sustain meaningful connections with our stakeholders. The ideal candidate will drive initiatives to enhance interaction, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering long-term partnerships. Responsibilities include developing and executing engagement strategies, analyzing feedback to refine approaches, and collaborating across departments to implement improvements. A proven track record in stakeholder management and a keen understanding of relationship-building principles are essential. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and excellent communication skills are required to effectively convey insights and drive engagement efforts forward.
Engage actively in sector-specific working groups and coordination platforms, such as Clusters and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks, while representing Mercy Corps. Additionally, play a key role in facilitating and aligning safeguarding initiatives across the designated region.
Join the Mercy Corps’ Global Safeguarding Task Force, collaborating with pivotal team members from diverse operational units across the organization to advance safeguarding initiatives.
Engage in Mercy Corps’ regional or cross-functional working groups, providing representation for safeguarding initiatives or the safeguarding team as needed.
Under the guidance of the Global Safeguarding Team, deliver specialized guidance on donor mandates pertaining to project proposals and design.
Facilitate collaboration across countries to build synergies, enhance coordination, and, where feasible, establish working groups that bridge the focus areas of CAR, SG, GDI, and DESI.
Overseeing a team of employees, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational goals, and fostering a productive work environment through effective leadership and guidance.
Provides indirect supervision and dotted-line oversight to in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions without direct supervision.
The candidate must possess the foundational qualifications and relevant competencies necessary for the role. Essential requirements include a combination of formal education, professional experience, and adaptable skills that align with the position’s demands. Additionally, the ability to apply prior knowledge effectively and transfer expertise across varying contexts is critical. Proficiency in key areas, along with a demonstrated capacity to learn and grow within the role, will be highly valued.
A bachelor’s degree is essential for this position. While a master’s degree or its equivalent in Humanitarian Studies, International Development, or related disciplines is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in the development or humanitarian sector, with a focus on gender-based violence and/or safeguarding, is required. This includes a comprehensive grasp of safeguarding frameworks and survivor-centered approaches.
Proven expertise in donor, regulatory, and sector-wide standards, expectations, and best practices related to safeguarding, combined with hands-on experience in their application.
Preferred candidates will possess prior experience in emergency response, fragile states, or other complex and high-risk environments.
Proficiency in conducting SEA (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) and safeguarding investigations is highly desirable.
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential, with proficiency in other regional languages considered advantageous.
We have a strong background in developing and delivering safeguarding training programs tailored to a wide range of audiences, including external partners.
Proven capacity to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings, adjusting promptly to dynamic and rapidly shifting conditions as required.
Proven ability to listen effectively, engage in meaningful interpersonal interactions, and communicate clearly, whether working remotely or on-site, while fostering strong professional relationships through active networking.
Analytical professional with strong problem-solving abilities, self-awareness, and the maturity to effectively process and implement constructive feedback.
Experienced in customizing agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training modules, policies, awareness initiatives, and communication tools—for integration and application 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
