The Position
The Regional Safeguarding Advisor (RSA) will deliver specialized technical guidance and assistance to proactively prevent, identify, and mitigate safeguarding concerns across Mercy Corps’ programs and operations in East Africa, while ensuring the establishment of robust survivor support systems.
The RSA will offer guidance and assistance to regional country teams regarding Mercy Corps’ safeguarding approach and processes, encompassing the implementation of Safeguarding Core Standards. Additionally, the RSA will facilitate the evaluation and identification of safeguarding risks for children and adults within affected populations across regional Country programs. Furthermore, the RSA will help develop and implement strategies to mitigate these identified risks.
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 updates on regional safeguarding developments and promptly escalate any concerns to the Global Safeguarding/Ethics team. Collaboration with program and human resource teams will be central to their duties, focusing on the development, monitoring, enhancement, and support of safeguarding frameworks, capacities, and awareness among staff and partners—including sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, and external entities acting on behalf of or under the direction of Mercy Corps.
The RSA will collaborate closely with the Community Accountability and Reporting Mechanism (CARM) teams to integrate safeguarding principles into every stage of CARM execution.
Oversee and execute core duties involving strategic planning, operational management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive organizational objectives. Ensure adherence to industry standards, regulatory compliance, and company policies while maintaining high performance and efficiency. Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement initiatives that enhance productivity, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze data trends, and provide actionable insights to optimize processes and decision-making. Lead teams through clear communication, mentorship, and accountability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
We develop and deliver training programs and awareness campaigns to educate staff and stakeholders on critical issues such as compliance, safety protocols, and organizational policies. This role requires a strong understanding of instructional design principles, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to create engaging content tailored to diverse audiences. Responsibilities include assessing training needs, designing curriculum, facilitating workshops, and evaluating program effectiveness to ensure measurable impact. Candidates must possess prior experience in adult learning methodologies, proficiency in using learning management systems, and a proven track record of driving behavioral change through education.
Collaborate with regional teams and individuals to embed safeguarding prevention measures and standards into programs and operations, while ensuring appropriate responses to survivors.
Adapt existing resources and tools—whether internal or external—to align with the regional context.
Facilitate the development and customization of training materials while designing delivery frameworks tailored to both remote and in-person formats.
Provide guidance, direction, and advisory services to in-country safeguarding support roles, such as Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, by offering robust systems, streamlined processes, and clear guidance to enhance team members’ understanding and operational capacity regarding safeguarding standards and expectations.
Provide in-country safeguarding assistance by implementing robust 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 direction to CAR and program teams, facilitating efforts to ensure communities and participants are fully informed about their rights, reporting mechanisms, and available support services while fostering confidence in response systems and survivor assistance programs.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team and local safeguarding support, deliver training sessions and informational briefings to leadership at country-specific or regional levels, as required or when opportunities arise.
We are seeking a detail-oriented professional to oversee, refine, and optimize systems, processes, and tools to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing scalable solutions to streamline daily operations. Responsibilities include evaluating current systems, designing and deploying process improvements, and ensuring seamless integration of new tools to meet organizational objectives. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and familiarity with industry-standard methodologies are essential, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Prior experience in process automation, workflow optimization, or related fields is highly desirable.
Assist in the implementation of the Core Safeguarding Standards across the designated region.
Provide strategic leadership in safeguarding initiatives at the country level, contributing to the development and implementation of comprehensive national plans and frameworks.
In collaboration with the Global Safeguarding Team, provide expert technical guidance and recommendations to Country Directors and Senior Management Teams, assisting them in developing tailored safeguarding strategies and identifying key priority activities specific to each country.
In collaboration with in-country Safeguarding support, provide specialized technical guidance and contributions to safeguarding risk assessments and analyses at both the country and program levels.
To uphold safeguarding standards at the country level, the role involves identifying and mitigating high-risk activities by enforcing comprehensive prevention strategies, such as observational checklists, regular supervision, targeted training, and additional protective measures.
Proactively and reactively collaborate with all departments to ensure the implementation of essential mitigation measures and adherence to best practices.
Assist country teams in delivering the necessary guidance and resources to empower partners to enhance their safeguarding capabilities and ensure adherence to safeguarding standards.
Support program teams by offering guidance and expertise to evaluate partners’ adherence to essential safeguarding standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources and regional program teams to establish and implement safeguarding protocols for onboarding team members, casual workers, day laborers, consultants, and volunteers.
Collaborate closely with CAR and program teams to embed safeguarding measures within CAR systems and communications, while providing sensitization and consultation to affected communities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on implementing safeguarding best practices and fulfilling obligations under Mercy Corps’ and donor safeguarding policies, as well as response mechanisms.
Partner with Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation teams to ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines for all regional MEL activities.
Working in collaboration with the investigations team, assist in evaluating and refining, as well as executing corrective measures based on case reports upon request.
Provide compassionate survivor response and holistic support services, ensuring sensitive and efficient assistance tailored to individual needs. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address immediate safety concerns and long-term recovery plans. Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all ethical guidelines while empowering survivors through advocacy and resource navigation. Demonstrate cultural competency, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to trauma-informed care in all interactions.
Provide technical assistance and direction to Safeguarding Focal Points and Champions, serving as a key resource for escalating safeguarding-related issues, concerns, or experiences.
Assist both country and investigative teams in implementing a survivor-centered methodology for addressing all safeguarding concerns, ensuring full compliance with Mercy Corps’ established investigative protocols.
Support Focal Points and Champions in verifying that resources and processes are appropriately allocated to survivors, thereby safeguarding their safety, security, and overall welfare. Collaborate with local Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) networks to systematically identify, document, and maintain up-to-date records of available support services for survivors.
We are seeking a highly motivated Engagement professional to drive meaningful connections and foster lasting relationships. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a proven track record in client engagement, and the ability to strategically align initiatives with business objectives. Key responsibilities include developing and executing engagement plans, measuring success through KPIs, and ensuring seamless collaboration across teams. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of relevant experience, strong problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in CRM tools. This role requires adaptability, a results-driven mindset, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Engage collaboratively in sector-specific forums and coordination platforms—such as Clusters and SEA networks—on behalf of Mercy Corps, while facilitating and strengthening cross-regional safeguarding efforts.
Join Mercy Corps’ Global Safeguarding Task Force, collaborating closely with essential team members from various departments across the organization to advance safeguarding initiatives.
Engage actively in Mercy Corps’ regional working groups or cross-functional teams, providing representation for safeguarding initiatives or the safeguarding team as required.
Providing technical assistance in alignment with the Global Safeguarding Team’s guidelines, ensure donor requirements are met for project proposals and designs.
Facilitate collaboration among countries to foster synergies and alignment between CAR, SG, GDI, and DESI focus areas, and establish working groups where feasible.
Overseeing a team of professionals, this role involves directing workflows, delegating tasks, and ensuring project deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of performance. The position requires strong leadership skills to guide, mentor, and evaluate team members, fostering both individual growth and collective success. Accountability for team outcomes, operational efficiency, and adherence to company policies is central to this responsibility. Additionally, the supervisor must effectively communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts to sustain a productive and collaborative work environment.
Providing indirect supervision, with a dotted line oversight roll over in-country safeguarding managers, focal points, and champions.
Applicants must meet the following essential qualifications and possess relevant transferable competencies. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, along with at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Demonstrated proficiency in project management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving is essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to convey complex ideas clearly. Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, are also required. Candidates should exhibit adaptability, leadership potential, and a results-driven mindset to thrive in this dynamic environment.
A bachelor’s degree is mandatory for this position. While a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field such as Humanitarian Studies, International Development, or a closely related discipline is strongly favored, it is not obligatory.
With a minimum of four years of professional experience in the development or humanitarian sector—specifically within gender-based violence or safeguarding—you possess a thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and survivor-centered approaches.
Proven expertise in donor, regulatory, and sector-wide safeguarding standards, expectations, and best practices is required.
Preferred candidates will have prior experience working in emergency settings, fragile states, or other intricate, high-risk environments.
Professional experience in the conduct of safeguarding and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEA) investigations is desirable.
Fluency in both spoken and written English is essential, and proficiency in additional regional languages is highly advantageous.
With a strong background in developing and facilitating safeguarding training programs tailored to varied audiences, including external partners, you bring valuable expertise to ensure comprehensive understanding and implementation of safeguarding principles.
Proven capability to thrive in high-pressure emergency response settings and adjust seamlessly to dynamic, rapidly changing conditions as required.
Proven ability to listen actively, engage effectively with others, and communicate clearly in both virtual and face-to-face settings.
Analytical professional with a strong problem-solving aptitude, complemented by a high degree of self-awareness and the capacity to effectively process and implement constructive feedback.
Proven expertise in tailoring agency-specific safeguarding resources—such as training programs, policies, awareness initiatives, and communication materials—for seamless integration 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
