Safeguards Officer - REAP Programme

About the role

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is recruiting a Safeguards Officer to support the implementation of the Rural Employment through Animal Feed production (REAP) programme, which aims to create work opportunities for 1 million young people across seven countries. The officer is responsible for prevention, risk management, training, monitoring, accessible reporting and safeguarding response, and reports to the Senior Manager, Ethics and Business Conduct.

The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, at job level HG15, and is open only to Kenyan nationals. It is a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding, with a competitive salary and benefits including pension, medical and other insurances.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate safeguarding risk assessments with country teams, support safeguarding action plans and embed safeguarding measures in programme design, field activities, research, travel, events, digital activities and use of personal information.
• Work with People and Culture, Supply Chain and programme teams on safe recruitment, screening, codes of conduct and safeguarding requirements for staff, consultants, partners, contractors and service providers.
• Maintain safeguarding guidance, referral information and tools, and keep secure safeguarding records while tracking actions and referrals.
• Support safe, accessible and confidential reporting channels, including anonymous options, and receive and document safeguarding concerns, escalating them promptly through the approved process.
• Support survivor-centred, trauma-informed referral arrangements and provide information for institutional, country and donor reporting.
• Support investigations when formally assigned, including logistics, document collection, interview coordination and evidence preservation.
• Coordinate safeguarding induction, refresher training and awareness, and develop safeguarding materials for participants, communities and partners.
• Monitor safeguarding requirements of implementing partners, contractors and service providers, run monitoring visits and feedback sessions, and maintain quarterly safeguarding monitoring logs.
• Contribute to annual safeguarding reviews, prepare draft inputs for internal updates and donor compliance reports, and follow up agreed actions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, gender studies, human rights, law, social work, development studies, public health or another relevant 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 professional experience in safeguarding, PSEAH, child or youth protection, GBV prevention and response, accountability, ethics or a closely related area.
• Experience with safeguarding risk assessments, mitigation plans, training and programme implementation, and with handling sensitive information and confidential reporting.
• Experience monitoring partner compliance and following up corrective actions; 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 in practical language.
• Strong written documentation, monitoring and follow-up skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion and a strong commitment to confidentiality and protection from retaliation.

To apply, send a cover letter and CV with the names and contact details of three referees through the ILRI recruitment portal by 17 November 2026, marking the subject line with the position title and reference number REAP/04/2026.