Safeguards Officer - REAP

About the role

The Safeguards Officer supports the implementation of the REAP Safeguarding Strategy and sits in the Ethics and Business Conduct function, reporting to the Senior Manager, Ethics and Business Conduct. The role supports country safeguarding structures and partners, coordinates follow-up on safeguarding concerns and provides investigation support when formally assigned; decisions on findings, disciplinary action and donor notification remain with the authorised ILRI functions.

Key responsibilities

• Risk management: coordinate safeguarding risk assessments with country teams, help prepare and update country safeguarding action plans, and embed safeguarding measures in programme design, field activities, research, travel, events, digital activities, photography and use of personal information.
• Recruitment and screening: work with People and Culture and Supply Chain on safe recruitment, screening, codes of conduct and safeguarding requirements for staff, consultants, partners, contractors and service providers.
• Reporting and response: support safe, confidential reporting channels, document concerns, identify immediate safety needs and escalate them promptly, and support survivor-centred, trauma-informed referral to health, psychosocial, legal or protection services.
• Records and investigations: keep secure safeguarding records, track actions and referrals, provide information for institutional, country and donor reporting, and support investigations when formally assigned.
• Training and awareness: deliver safeguarding induction and refresher training, support focal points, and develop safeguarding materials for participants, communities and partners.
• Monitoring and compliance: monitor safeguarding requirements of partners, contractors and service providers, run monitoring visits and feedback sessions, keep quarterly logs, and contribute to annual safeguarding reviews and donor compliance reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, gender studies, human rights, law, social work, development studies, public health or a related field.
• Relevant professional training in safeguarding, PSEAH, child and youth protection, GBV or survivor-centred response; a postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in safeguarding, PSEAH, child or youth protection, GBV prevention and response, accountability or ethics; the minimum years will be confirmed through job evaluation.
• Experience with safeguarding risk assessments, mitigation plans, training, confidential reporting and partner compliance monitoring.
• Experience in donor-funded or multi-partner programmes is an advantage.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of survivor-centred and trauma-informed safeguarding practice.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, and the ability to explain safeguarding requirements clearly.
• Strong written documentation, monitoring and follow-up skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion and a strong commitment to confidentiality and protection from retaliation.