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’ programs and operations in East Africa. Additionally, the role will ensure the establishment and implementation of effective survivor support mechanisms throughout the region.
The RSA will deliver guidance and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding framework and methodologies, encompassing the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. Additionally, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks pertaining to children and adults within affected populations across regional country programs, while aiding in the formulation and implementation of mitigation strategies.
This role will contribute to the development of critical funding proposals, ensuring safeguarding risks are evaluated, and essential activities are adequately resourced. The RSA will deliver consistent updates on regional safeguarding measures and promptly elevate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration will be central to this position, as it will engage with program and human resource teams to assess, monitor, support, advise on, and enhance safeguarding systems, capabilities, and awareness among team members and partners. This includes sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and other entities or individuals acting on behalf of or under the direction of Mercy Corps.
The RSA will collaborate intimately with Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CAR) teams to integrate safeguarding principles comprehensively throughout the implementation of CAR.
Oversee the completion of critical tasks that drive organizational success, ensuring adherence to established standards and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategic solutions that enhance productivity. Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation to track progress, measure outcomes, and support informed decision-making. Serve as a key liaison between departments, facilitating clear communication and alignment on project objectives and deliverables. Lead initiatives that foster innovation, operational efficiency, and continuous growth while upholding compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to develop and implement comprehensive training programs and awareness initiatives. The ideal candidate will design engaging materials, deliver sessions, and evaluate effectiveness to ensure organizational compliance and competency. Responsibilities include identifying knowledge gaps, collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences. Experience in instructional design, adult learning principles, or related fields is preferred.
Collaborate with individuals and teams across the region to ensure programs and operations incorporate safeguarding prevention measures and standards, while appropriately addressing responses for survivors.
Customize current resources and tools—whether internally or externally sourced—to align with the specific needs of the regional environment.
Provide assistance in crafting and refining training materials while designing effective delivery models, encompassing both virtual and in-person instruction.
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, clear processes, and comprehensive guidance. This will enhance team members’ awareness and strengthen their capacity to meet safeguarding standards and expectations effectively.
Provide in-country safeguarding assistance by implementing robust systems, processes, and clear guidance to enhance partner awareness and capability regarding safeguarding standards and expectations. This includes engaging with sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily workers to ensure comprehensive adherence to established safeguarding protocols.
Provide expert technical direction to CAR and program teams, facilitating efforts to ensure communities and participants are aware of their rights and available reporting mechanisms, while also fostering trust in response systems and survivor support services.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and local safeguarding support, deliver training and informational sessions to leadership at the country or regional level, as requested or feasible.
We design, implement, and optimize systems, processes, and tools to enhance operational efficiency, support business objectives, and drive continuous improvement across the organization. These solutions must align with industry best practices while addressing evolving technological needs and scalability requirements. The role involves evaluating current frameworks, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing data-driven enhancements to streamline workflows and improve decision-making. Proficiency in systems analysis, process modeling, and tool integration is essential, along with a strong understanding of workflow automation and performance metrics. Collaboration with stakeholders ensures solutions meet user needs and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
Facilitate the implementation of the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region.
Play a key role in developing and executing country-level strategic plans focused on safeguarding initiatives.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide expert technical guidance and recommendations to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams to develop tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritized initiatives specific to each country.
Under the guidance of in-country Safeguarding support, provide specialized technical expertise and contributions to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses conducted at both the country and program levels.
To enhance safeguarding risk mitigation at the country level, the role involves ensuring that activities identified as high-risk in safeguarding are proactively implementing preventive measures, such as observational checklists, enhanced supervision, targeted training, and additional appropriate actions.
Proactively and reactively collaborate with all departments to ensure the implementation of minimum mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
To assist country teams, provide guidance and tools that enable partners to enhance their safeguarding capabilities and adhere to established safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to evaluate partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources and regional program teams to establish comprehensive safeguarding protocols for onboarding team members, casual workers, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate with CAR and program teams to embed safeguarding measures within CAR systems and communications, ensuring sensitization and engagement with affected communities.
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on implementing safeguarding best practices and fulfilling Mercy Corps’ and donor safeguarding policy obligations, including response protocols.
Work collaboratively with Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation teams to ensure adherence to safeguarding guidelines for all MEL activities conducted in the region.
Working collaboratively with the investigations team, assist in evaluating findings and determining necessary improvements, facilitating the implementation of corrective measures as needed based on case reports.
The position involves providing essential support and assistance to survivors, ensuring their needs are addressed with compassion and efficiency. Responsibilities include delivering direct aid, coordinating resources, and maintaining open communication to facilitate recovery. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Experience in social services, crisis intervention, or related fields is highly preferred, along with the ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced environments. A thorough understanding of survivor-centered approaches and ethical standards is required to uphold the integrity of the role.
Provide technical assistance and direction to Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities as key reporting channels for safeguarding-related issues, concerns, or experiences.
Professional Rewrite:
Collaborate with country and investigative teams to implement a survivor-centered methodology for addressing all safeguarding concerns, in accordance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Facilitate collaboration with designated focal points and champions to guarantee comprehensive resource mapping and streamlined processes for survivors, thereby safeguarding their safety, security, and overall well-being. In partnership with local Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks, systematically identify, document, and maintain up-to-date records of available support services for survivors.
We’re seeking a dynamic Engagement professional to foster meaningful connections and drive participation across our initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in community engagement, stakeholder relations, or a similar field, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include designing and implementing engagement strategies, cultivating partnerships, and measuring impact through data analysis. Proficiency in CRM tools, event coordination, and social media management is essential, along with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related discipline is required, and prior experience in a similar role is preferred.
Engage actively in sector-based forums and coordination platforms—such as Clusters and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks—on behalf of Mercy Corps, while simultaneously facilitating the alignment of safeguarding initiatives across the regional landscape.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ cross-functional Global Safeguarding Task Force alongside pivotal team members from across the organization.
Engage in Mercy Corps’ regional working groups or cross-functional teams, providing representation for safeguarding initiatives or the safeguarding team as needed.
Under the guidance of the Global Safeguarding Team, deliver specialized technical assistance concerning donor stipulations for project proposals and design.
Assist countries in identifying synergies and enhancing coordination, and where feasible, establishing collaborative working groups that bridge CARM, SG, and GDI with GESI priority areas.
Overseeing a team of professionals, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational goals, and fostering a productive work environment are key aspects of this position. This role involves delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and providing constructive feedback to enhance team effectiveness. Additionally, the supervisor is responsible for addressing any performance issues, resolving conflicts, and supporting professional development among team members. Strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate others are essential requirements for success in this role.
Provides oversight and support through a dotted-line relationship to in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions, while operating with minimal direct supervision.
Minimum qualifications and relevant competencies include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, along with a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-standard software, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and strong interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates must demonstrate adaptability, attention to detail, and the capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting.
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field related to humanitarian or international development—or in a closely aligned discipline—is strongly preferred.
Professional experience of at least four years in the development or humanitarian sector is required, with a focus on gender-based violence, safeguarding, or related fields. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of safeguarding principles and survivor-centered approaches.
Proven expertise in adhering to donor, regulatory, and sector-specific standards, expectations, and best practices related to safeguarding.
Preferred candidates have prior experience in emergency settings, fragile states, or other intricate, high-risk environments.
Proficiency in conducting SEA (Safeguarding from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment) investigations is desirable.
Proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential; additional fluency in regional languages is strongly preferred.
Experienced in developing and providing safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, including partners.
Proven capability to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings, demonstrating flexibility and resilience when addressing dynamic and rapidly changing situations.
Exceptional proficiency in active listening, fostering strong interpersonal connections, and conveying ideas clearly is essential, whether engaging remotely or in person. Robust communication and networking abilities are also required to thrive in diverse professional settings.
Analytical professional with a strong problem-solving aptitude, complemented by a keen level of self-awareness and the emotional intelligence to effectively process and act upon constructive feedback.
Proven expertise in customizing agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training programs, policies, awareness campaigns, and communication tools—for implementation by partner agencies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is a mandatory requirement for this role.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
