The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver specialized technical guidance and assistance to proactively prevent, identify, and mitigate safeguarding concerns within 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 methodology 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 within regional country programs and aid in the creation and execution of mitigation strategies.
This role will contribute to critical funding proposals by ensuring safeguarding risks are evaluated, and essential safeguarding measures are adequately funded. The RSA will deliver consistent reports on regional safeguarding developments and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration with program and human resources teams will be essential to review, monitor, enhance, and support safeguarding systems, strengthen organizational capacity, and raise awareness among staff and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and other entities acting on behalf of or under the direction of Mercy Corps.
The RSA will collaborate extensively with the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CAR) teams to integrate safeguarding principles into every stage of CAR deployment.
Overseeing all essential responsibilities, the position demands meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to daily tasks. Key duties include ensuring compliance with established protocols, managing project timelines efficiently, and maintaining accurate documentation. The role requires strong organizational skills to coordinate workflows and prioritize assignments effectively. Additionally, the incumbent must collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve departmental objectives and meet performance benchmarks. Proficiency in relevant software systems and adherence to company policies are mandatory to execute responsibilities with precision.
The position involves developing and implementing comprehensive training programs designed to enhance organizational knowledge and promote heightened awareness across key areas. Responsibilities include assessing training needs, designing engaging educational materials, and delivering sessions to diverse audiences. The role also entails measuring the effectiveness of initiatives and adjusting strategies to maximize impact. Strong communication skills and the ability to tailor content for various learning styles are essential. Experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or related fields is preferred.
Collaborate with regional teams and individuals to integrate safeguarding prevention measures and standards into programs and operations, ensuring an appropriate response to survivors.
Adapt currently available resources and tools—including both internal systems and external solutions—to align with the regional context.
Assist in the development and modification of training materials and design frameworks for various delivery methods, encompassing both remote and in-person training sessions.
Provide ongoing assistance, direction, and counsel to in-country safeguarding support roles—such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by equipping them with robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance. This will enhance team members’ understanding of safeguarding standards and elevate their ability to meet established expectations.
Provide in-country safeguarding support by establishing and reinforcing systems, procedures, and guidance to enhance partner awareness and capabilities 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, facilitating efforts to ensure communities and participants are fully informed about their rights and available reporting mechanisms while 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 both country and regional levels, as requested or when opportunities arise.
We design, develop, implement, and maintain efficient systems, processes, and tools to drive operational excellence and support organizational goals. This role requires expertise in analyzing workflow inefficiencies, identifying automation opportunities, and optimizing performance through strategic solutions. Responsibilities include evaluating current technologies, recommending enhancements, and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructures. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to align systems with business objectives while maintaining scalability, reliability, and security standards. Proficiency in relevant methodologies (e.g., Agile, Lean) and tools (e.g., JIRA, ServiceNow) is required, along with strong problem-solving and project management skills.
Assist in implementing the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region.
Craft and implement country-level strategic initiatives focused on safeguarding to ensure robust protection measures are established and maintained.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide expert technical guidance and counsel to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams, assisting them in developing tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritized initiatives specific to each country’s context.
Providing expert technical advice and contributions, collaborate with in-country Safeguarding support to conduct thorough safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both country and program levels.
Ensure country-level safeguarding risk mitigation by actively implementing prevention measures for activities identified as high-risk, including observational checklists, supervision, training, and additional safeguards.
Engage proactively and reactively with all departments to ensure the implementation of essential mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
We collaborate with country teams to equip partners with guidance and resources aimed at enhancing safeguarding capabilities and ensuring adherence to safeguarding standards.
Assist program teams by providing guidance and support to evaluate partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources and regional program teams to establish and implement 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 principles within CAR systems and communications, facilitating sensitization initiatives and engaging in community consultations.
Serve as a key advisor to senior management on safeguarding best practices and compliance with Mercy Corps’ and donor Safeguarding policies, as well as related response mechanisms.
Partner with Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to establish and implement safeguarding protocols for all MEL-related activities across the region.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in assessing findings and implementing necessary adjustments and corrective measures as outlined in case reports upon request.
The role involves delivering compassionate survivor response and providing essential support services to those affected by traumatic events. Key responsibilities include conducting initial assessments, coordinating with relevant agencies, and ensuring access to necessary resources. Applicants must possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Experience in crisis intervention or victim advocacy is preferred, along with a commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The position requires the capacity to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in high-pressure environments.
Provide technical support and guidance to Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, assisting them in fulfilling their responsibilities as primary channels for reporting safeguarding issues, concerns, or incidents.
Provide assistance to both country and investigative teams by implementing a survivor-centered methodology for every safeguarding concern reported, strictly adhering to Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions in maintaining comprehensive resource mapping and streamlined processes to facilitate survivors’ access to essential services, thereby safeguarding their safety, security, and overall well-being. Collaborate with local SEA networks to systematically identify, document, and periodically review available support services for survivors.
We are seeking a dynamic Engagement professional to drive meaningful interactions and foster lasting relationships with our audience. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and executing engagement strategies, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Key responsibilities include creating compelling content, managing community interactions, and analyzing engagement metrics to refine approaches. Experience in social media management, customer relationship management, or related fields is essential, as is proficiency in analytics tools. The role demands creativity, adaptability, and a passion for connecting with people to enhance brand loyalty and awareness.
Engage actively in sector groups and coordination mechanisms, such as Clusters and SEA networks, on behalf of Mercy Corps, while also facilitating the alignment of safeguarding initiatives throughout the region.
Engage collaboratively with Mercy Corps’ Global Safeguarding Task Force, collaborating with essential team members from diverse operational departments across the organization.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ regional working groups and cross-operational teams, providing essential representation for safeguarding initiatives or the safeguarding team as needed.
Under the guidance of the Global Safeguarding Team, deliver specialized technical assistance concerning donor prerequisites for project proposals and their development.
Facilitate collaboration between countries to strengthen synergies, enhance coordination, and, when feasible, establish joint working groups that bridge CAR/SG/GDI initiatives with DESI priority areas.
Responsible for overseeing and guiding a team of employees, ensuring their performance aligns with organizational objectives while maintaining productivity and professional standards. This role involves delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and providing constructive feedback to foster employee development and operational efficiency. The position demands strong leadership skills, the ability to make informed decisions, and a commitment to upholding company policies and workplace regulations.
While providing dotted-line support and oversight, this role involves no direct supervision of in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with demonstrated proficiency in [specific skill or area, e.g., project management, data analysis, or customer service]. Candidates should possess at least [X] years of experience in a comparable role, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Familiarity with [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is preferred, and prior experience in [industry-specific context, if applicable] is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and innovation in their professional approach.
A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to humanitarian or international development—or in a relevant discipline—strongly preferred.
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 should include a comprehensive grasp of safeguarding principles and survivor-centered approaches.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of and hands-on experience with donor, regulatory, and sector-wide safeguarding standards, expectations, and best practices.
Preferred candidates will ideally 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 desirable.
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential; proficiency in other regional languages is highly advantageous.
Professionals with expertise in developing and facilitating safeguarding training programs for varied audiences, including external collaborators, are sought after.
Proven capacity to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings while demonstrating flexibility to adjust seamlessly to dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances as required.
Proven ability to actively listen, engage effectively with others, and communicate clearly in both virtual and face-to-face settings. Strong interpersonal and networking skills demonstrated across diverse professional environments.
Analytical professional with a strong problem-solving aptitude, complemented by a high degree of self-awareness and the emotional maturity to effectively process and act upon constructive feedback.
Proven expertise in customizing agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training programs, policies, awareness initiatives, and communication tools—to meet the needs of partnering organizations.
A strong command of Microsoft Office applications—including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—is essential for this role.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
