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 survivor support systems are effectively implemented.
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will offer direction and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding framework and procedures, particularly the implementation of the Safeguarding Core Standards. This role will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks affecting children and adults within regional country programs, while also supporting the creation and implementation of mitigation strategies to address these risks.
The incumbent will contribute to critical funding proposals to ensure safeguarding risks are evaluated and that key safeguarding initiatives receive adequate resource allocation. This role will provide consistent reporting on regional safeguarding developments and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration with program and human resource teams will be essential to strengthen, monitor, and enhance safeguarding frameworks, build organizational capacity, and raise awareness among staff and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and any entities or individuals acting on behalf of Mercy Corps.
The RSA will collaborate extensively with the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CAR) teams to integrate safeguarding principles throughout the CAR implementation process.
Overseeing a comprehensive range of core duties, the position entails managing key operational tasks, ensuring adherence to established protocols, and maintaining high standards of performance across all assigned functions. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. Candidates must possess a proven track record of success in similar roles, along with strong analytical skills and proficiency in relevant software applications. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership qualities, adaptability to evolving priorities, and a commitment to continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
The position involves developing and implementing training programs while fostering organizational awareness initiatives to enhance workforce knowledge and compliance. Responsibilities include designing educational materials, conducting workshops, and measuring the effectiveness of awareness campaigns. The role requires strong communication skills, a solid understanding of adult learning principles, and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Prior experience in instructional design, training delivery, or related fields is essential, along with proficiency in assessing learning outcomes and adapting programs as needed.
Collaborate with regional teams and stakeholders to embed safeguarding prevention protocols and standards within programs and operations, while ensuring robust responses for survivors.
Adapt current resources and tools—whether internal or external—to align with the regional framework and requirements.
Facilitate the development and refinement of training materials, as well as design models for delivery that encompass both remote and in-person formats.
Provide specialized assistance, direction, and counsel to in-country safeguarding personnel—such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions—by equipping them with established systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance. This support aims to enhance team members’ understanding of and adherence to safeguarding standards and expectations, ultimately strengthening their awareness and operational capacity.
Provide in-country safeguarding support by implementing robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance to enhance partner awareness and build capacity around safeguarding standards and expectations, encompassing sub-grantees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, money transfer agencies, and daily laborers.
Provide expert technical guidance to CAR and program teams, facilitating their efforts to ensure communities and participants are fully aware of their rights and available reporting mechanisms while fostering confidence in response systems and survivor support services.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and in-country safeguarding support, conduct training and informational sessions for leadership at the country or regional level, as requested or available.
We design, implement, and optimize systems, processes, and tools to drive operational efficiency and support business objectives. Responsibilities include analyzing current workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and developing scalable solutions to enhance productivity. Proficiency in process mapping, workflow automation, and tool integration is required, along with strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and refine existing frameworks. Collaboration with cross-functional teams ensures seamless adoption and alignment with strategic goals.
Facilitate the implementation of the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region, ensuring adherence to established protocols and procedures.
Facilitate strategic safeguarding planning initiatives at the country level to ensure robust protection measures are effectively integrated into overall organizational strategies.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, you will provide expert technical guidance and advice to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams (SMTs) to develop tailored safeguarding strategies and prioritize key activities specific to each country.
In collaboration with in-country Safeguarding support, provide specialized technical expertise and contribute to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both the country and program levels.
To enhance safeguarding at the country level, we will actively mitigate risks by ensuring that high-risk activities implement robust prevention measures, including observational checklists, regular supervision, targeted training, and additional safeguarding protocols.
Proactively and reactively collaborate with all departments to ensure the implementation of essential mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
The role involves assisting country teams by offering direction and resources to aid partners in strengthening their safeguarding capabilities and adhering to safeguarding standards.
Provide guidance and support to program teams to evaluate partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with regional Human Resources and program teams to establish 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, while also facilitating sensitization initiatives and community consultations.
Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on implementing safeguarding best practices and fulfilling obligations outlined in Mercy Corps’ and donor Safeguarding policies and response mechanisms.
Work collaboratively with Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to develop and implement safeguarding guidelines for MEL activities across the region.
In collaboration with the investigations team, assist in assessing outcomes and refining, as well as executing corrective measures based on case reports when required.
The position involves managing survivor response and support initiatives, ensuring comprehensive assistance and care for individuals affected by crises or traumatic events. Responsibilities include coordinating response efforts, providing emotional and practical support, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to facilitate recovery. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion. Experience in crisis intervention, counseling, or related fields is required, along with a commitment to upholding ethical standards and confidentiality.
Provide technical assistance and direction to Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities as key reporting channels for safeguarding issues, concerns, or experiences.
Assist country and investigative teams in implementing a survivor-centered methodology for all safeguarding concern reports, in accordance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions by collaborating to appropriately allocate resources and establish streamlined processes, ensuring survivors receive the necessary support to safeguard their safety, security, and overall well-being. Additionally, 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 seek a highly motivated Engagement professional to foster meaningful connections and drive sustained involvement through strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will develop and implement tailored engagement strategies to enhance participant retention and satisfaction, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Responsibilities include analyzing engagement metrics, identifying trends, and recommending data-driven improvements to optimize outcomes. Requirements encompass a minimum of three years of experience in engagement, marketing, or a related field, along with proficiency in CRM tools and data analytics. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential to cultivate strong relationships and deliver impactful results.
Engage actively in sectoral groups and coordination platforms pertinent to Mercy Corps, such as Clusters and SEA networks, 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 units across the organization.
Engage with 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 requirements for project proposals and design.
Facilitate collaboration among countries to build synergies, enhance coordination, and establish, where feasible, working groups that bridge CAR/SG/GDI and DESI priority areas.
Oversee the coordination and performance of team members, ensuring adherence to established protocols and objectives. Responsibility includes delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and providing guidance to enhance productivity and maintain high standards. Additionally, the role involves evaluating employee performance, identifying development opportunities, and addressing any operational challenges to foster a productive work environment.
Providing indirect supervision alongside dotted-line oversight, the role involves guiding and monitoring in-country safeguarding managers, designated focal points, and champions.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with demonstrated proficiency in transferable skills, is required for consideration. Candidates must possess strong analytical abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to collaborate across teams. Problem-solving expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are also essential. Prior experience in a similar role or industry, though not mandatory, may enhance qualifications. Attention to detail, organizational proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are highly valued.
A bachelor’s degree is required, with preference given to candidates holding a master’s degree or equivalent in a field closely related to Humanitarian or International Development.
With a minimum of four years of professional experience in the development or humanitarian sector—specifically focusing on gender-based violence, safeguarding, or survivor-centered approaches—you possess a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding principles and best practices.
Demonstrates extensive expertise in donor, regulatory, and sector-wide safeguarding standards, expectations, and best practices, combined with hands-on experience in their application.
Preferred candidates will have prior experience in emergency response, fragile states, or other complex, high-risk environments.
Proficiency in conducting SEA (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) and safeguarding investigations is highly desirable.
Strong proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential, with fluency in additional regional languages considered a valuable asset.
Seasoned in designing and facilitating safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, including strategic partners.
Capable of thriving in a high-pressure emergency response setting while effectively adjusting to dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances as needed.
Proficient in active listening, relationship-building, and clear communication in both remote and face-to-face settings, with a strong ability to foster professional connections and collaborate effectively across diverse environments.
Analytical and skilled in problem-solving, this candidate demonstrates a strong capacity for self-assessment and possesses the emotional maturity to effectively receive and act upon constructive feedback.
Experienced in tailoring agency-specific safeguarding materials—such as training programs, policies, awareness initiatives, and communication tools—for seamless integration by partner organizations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications is essential, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
4 years
