The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver expert technical guidance and assistance to proactively prevent, identify, and mitigate safeguarding concerns across Mercy Corps’ East Africa programs and operations, while ensuring the implementation of robust survivor support systems.
The RSA will offer direction and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding methodology and procedures, encompassing the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. In addition, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks affecting children and adults within regional country programs and aid in the formulation and execution of mitigation strategies.
This role will contribute to critical funding proposals by ensuring safeguarding risks are evaluated, and essential activities are adequately funded. The RSA will deliver consistent updates on regional safeguarding measures and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration with program and human resource teams will be central to this position, focusing on the development, monitoring, enhancement, and advisory functions of safeguarding systems, as well as building capacity and awareness among team members and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and other entities or individuals 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 all phases of CAR implementation.
Responsibilities include overseeing core functions, managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with policies, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. Key requirements encompass a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a minimum of three years of professional experience, and proficiency in industry-standard software tools. Additional qualifications may include certifications, problem-solving skills, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure. This role demands strong communication, leadership, and organizational capabilities to drive productivity and achieve organizational objectives.
The role focuses on designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs and awareness initiatives to enhance knowledge and skills within the organization. Responsibilities include developing educational materials, conducting workshops and sessions, and assessing the effectiveness of learning interventions. The position requires strong communication and presentation skills, along with the ability to tailor content to diverse audiences and measure impact. Familiarity with adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies is essential, and experience in change management or organizational development is a plus.
Collaborate with regional colleagues and teams to embed safeguarding prevention protocols and standards within programs and operations, ensuring timely and appropriate responses for survivors.
Adapt currently available resources and tools—whether developed internally or sourced externally—to align with the specific requirements of the regional context.
Facilitate the development and modification of training materials while designing frameworks for both virtual and in-person instructional sessions.
Provide ongoing support, guidance, and counsel to in-country safeguarding personnel—such as designated Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by delivering robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance. The aim is to heighten team members’ understanding of and adherence to safeguarding standards and expectations, thereby strengthening overall organizational capacity in this critical area.
The role provides in-country assistance to enhance safeguarding mechanisms, processes, and guidance, thereby elevating partner organizations’ awareness and capabilities regarding safeguarding standards and expectations. This includes engaging with sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily laborers to ensure comprehensive adherence to these critical safeguarding measures.
Provide expert technical advice to CAR and program teams, assisting them in ensuring communities and participants are fully informed about their rights, reporting mechanisms, and available support services. Additionally, help foster trust in response systems and survivor support initiatives through clear communication and consistent engagement.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and localized safeguarding support, facilitate training and awareness sessions for leadership at both country and regional levels, as required or feasible.
We develop, maintain, and optimize systems, processes, and tools to ensure operational efficiency, reliability, and scalability across the organization. This role requires expertise in identifying inefficiencies, designing solutions, and implementing improvements to enhance productivity and performance. Responsibilities include analyzing existing workflows, collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, and deploying innovative tools that align with business objectives. A strong background in process engineering, familiarity with project management methodologies, and proficiency in relevant software are essential. Additionally, the ability to document procedures, train end-users, and monitor system performance is critical for sustained success.
Facilitate the implementation of the Core Safeguarding Standards across the region.
Provide strategic safeguarding guidance to support country-level planning efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive safeguarding strategies that align with organizational objectives.
Working closely with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide expert technical guidance and support to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams (SMTs) to develop tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritize key activities at the country level.
In collaboration with in-country Safeguarding support, provide expert technical direction and contributions to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both country and program levels.
To advance country-level safeguarding risk mitigation, actively ensure that activities identified as high-risk are implementing robust prevention measures, such as observational checklists, enhanced supervision, targeted training, and additional safeguarding protocols.
Proactively and reactively collaborate with all departments to implement and uphold minimum mitigation measures and industry best practices.
Assist country teams in delivering guidance and resources to enable partners to strengthen their safeguarding capabilities and meet established safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to facilitate their evaluation of partners’ adherence to established safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources and regional program teams to establish and implement robust safeguarding protocols for onboarding team members, casual workers, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate closely with CAR and program teams to embed safeguarding principles within CAR systems and communications, while providing sensitization sessions and facilitating consultations with affected communities.
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on implementing safeguarding best practices and fulfilling obligations under Mercy Corps’ and donor Safeguarding policies and response frameworks.
Work collaboratively with Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to ensure adherence to safeguarding guidelines in all regional MEL activities.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in reviewing and adjusting, as well as executing corrective measures based on case reports when required.
Provide compassionate and effective assistance to individuals navigating challenging circumstances, ensuring their immediate safety, emotional well-being, and access to necessary resources. Assess situations promptly to identify urgent needs and deliver tailored interventions, including crisis counseling, practical aid, or referrals to specialized services. Maintain clear, empathetic communication with survivors, their families, and relevant support networks while adhering to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. Collaborate with community partners, healthcare providers, and social services to coordinate comprehensive care and advocate for sustainable solutions. Document interactions thoroughly and accurately to track progress, measure outcomes, and inform continuous improvement of support strategies.
Provide technical assistance and direction to Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, serving as a resource for resolving inquiries, addressing concerns, or sharing experiences related to safeguarding issues.
Facilitate collaboration with country and investigative teams to ensure a survivor-focused methodology is applied to every safeguarding concern report, in accordance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions in securing the necessary resources and refining processes to ensure survivors receive the support they need for their safety, security, and overall well-being. Collaborating with local SEA networks, conduct ongoing identification, mapping, and updates of available survivor support services in the community.
We are seeking a highly motivated Engagement professional to drive meaningful interactions and foster lasting connections with our target audience. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills and a keen understanding of customer engagement strategies. Responsibilities include developing and implementing engagement plans, analyzing customer feedback, and optimizing touchpoints to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Candidates must have a proven track record in customer-facing roles, proficiency in CRM systems, and the ability to analyze engagement metrics. A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is required, along with 3+ years of relevant experience. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset are essential.
Engage actively in sector-specific groups and coordination platforms—such as Clusters and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks—on behalf of Mercy Corps, while also facilitating the alignment and implementation of safeguarding initiatives across the designated region.
Engage as an active member of Mercy Corps’ Global Safeguarding Task Force, collaborating with pivotal stakeholders from various operational units across the organization.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ regional or cross-functional working groups, providing essential representation for safeguarding initiatives or the safeguarding team as needed.
Providing technical assistance in collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, ensure project proposals and designs align with donor requirements.
Assist nations in fostering collaboration, alignment, and, when feasible, joint working groups between the CAR, SG, and GDI initiatives and the DESI priority areas.
Supervises a team of employees, ensuring adherence to company policies and fostering a productive work environment. Assigns tasks, monitors performance, and provides guidance to enhance efficiency and meet organizational goals. Addresses employee concerns, resolves conflicts, and implements disciplinary actions when necessary. Maintains accurate records of attendance, productivity, and evaluations. Collaborates with senior management to align team objectives with broader corporate strategies.
Providing indirect supervision and a dotted line reporting structure, the role involves offering support and oversight to in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions.
We are seeking candidates who meet the following essential qualifications and possess relevant transferable skills. Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field or demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities are required. Additionally, proficiency in relevant software applications and tools is essential for success in this role. Experience in project management, team collaboration, or process improvement will be highly valued. The ideal candidate will exhibit adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. While a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field such as Humanitarian Studies, International Development, or related disciplines is strongly preferred.
Professional candidates should possess a minimum of four years of experience within the development or humanitarian sector, specifically in areas such as gender-based violence or safeguarding. This role demands a comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and survivor-centered approaches.
Proven expertise in applying donor, regulatory, and sector-wide standards, expectations, and best practices related to safeguarding.
Preferred candidates will bring prior experience in emergency response, fragile states, or other complex, high-risk environments.
A background in carrying out SEA (Safeguarding, Environment, Accountability, and Humanitarian action) or related safeguarding investigations is beneficial.
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential; proficiency in additional regional languages is highly advantageous.
Accomplished in developing and facilitating safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, such as collaborating partners.
Demonstrated capacity to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings, adjusting seamlessly to dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances as required.
Proficient in active listening, fostering strong interpersonal connections, and conveying ideas clearly through both virtual and face-to-face communication channels.
Analytical and solution-oriented professional with a strong capacity for self-reflection and the emotional intelligence to effectively incorporate constructive feedback.
Proven expertise in tailoring agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training modules, policy frameworks, awareness campaigns, 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
