Safeguarding Advisor

MSF Eastern Africa is looking for a SAFEGUARDING ADVISOR based in Nairobi (60% travel to support MSF’s programming locations)

Do your skills and experience not precisely match the requirements? MSF is an organization committed to promoting diversity and equity by providing equal access to professional opportunities. We understand that women, people of colour, indigenous individuals, members of the LGTB+ community, and other underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet all the requirements. At MSF-EA, we strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. Therefore, if you're interested in this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the selection criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other positions. 

Introduction

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to people affected by conflicts, epidemics, and natural or human-made disasters and excluded from healthcare. We provide this assistance without discrimination, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. 

About MSF Eastern Africa

MSF Eastern Africa is the regional institutional office of MSF. It focuses on representation and networking, recruiting and supporting staff from the region, communications and fundraising, as well as working on other dossiers of importance to MSF such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Data Protection, mutualization, training, medical operational support and environmental health.  

Objective of the Position

The Safeguarding Advisor is responsible for engaging with senior management on strategies to enhance Safeguarding support at programming contexts in collaboration with different MSF Operational Directorates; to assess risks and opportunities, to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure structural progress, to build capacity for programming staff on managing alerts and complaints from employees, patients and community members. The Safeguarding Advisor will also support on investigations at programming context and/or branch offices, as needed.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Contextualization of existing Safeguarding policies and procedures:

• In consultation with the HoM and EDI & Safeguarding Unit, design implementation and monitoring strategy using existing Safeguarding tools.
• Carry out Safeguarding audits, including risk assessments, to ensure appropriate and relevant design.
• Provide an agile approach, considering the need to continuously adapt implementation plan with regards to changing conditions.

Development of new Safeguarding tools

• Identify and develop supportive tools in collaboration with the EDI & Safeguarding Unit team to support the capacity building processes for programming contexts.
• Support the programming context on development of new complaint handling mechanisms.

Enhance awareness and capacity on Safeguarding practices

• Adapt existing awareness material to the identified needs of the specific context.
• Develop innovative learning material where and how needed to ensure relevant implementation based on the contextual analysis.
• Work specifically with senior management in programming context to raise awareness on providing a safe working environment for all staff members.
• Engage with the HR team on enhancing awareness around the Behavioural Commitments and other relevant Safeguarding policies.

Investigative support

• Follow up and address Safeguarding concerns and challenges as they may occur, including taking lead on administrative workplace investigations at institutional offices or programming context.
• Engage with coordination teams on enhancing capacity for key staff around investigative processes. Consider shadowing models to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure monitoring and evaluation tools are consistently applied according to the design of every implementation plan and in collaboration with the HoM and EDI & Safeguarding Unit.

Engagements and strategical support

• Contribute to the development of the Unit’s Annual Plan and support on internal monitoring of objectives set for the role.
• Support on regional networking strategies to ensure accountability through partnerships and best practices.
• Take part in relevant intersectional forums as opportunity and needs may arise
• Contribute to the development of the Unit’s Annual Plan and support on internal monitoring of objectives set for the role.
• Support on regional networking strategies to ensure accountability through partnerships and best practices.

General responsibilities

• Respectful and appropriate behavior in support of MSF Behavioral Commitments.
• Engage in on-going self-reflection and proactive approach to advance on EDI & Safeguarding related knowledge and skills.
• Integrate EDI & Safeguarding strategies and practices in area of work responsibility, while utilizing relevant available data to gain insights for informed decision making at all levels.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, social or organizational science, human rights, international development, law, education, or similar field from a recognized institution.
• Specific education/certification related to Safeguarding is a strong and added advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in safeguarding, protection or GBV.
• Proven track record in leading and conducting workplace administrative investigations in the Humanitarian sector.
• Experience in supporting on safeguarding trainings/workshops.
• Experience in conducting safeguarding audits and/or self-assessments is desirable.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding principles and capacity to use it in trainings and audits.
• Working experience from programming contexts in East or Central Africa is highly desirable.
• Ability to develop case strategies, conduct investigative interviews and deliver investigation reports of high quality within short deadlines.
• Fluency in English and French is required, and knowledge of Kiswahili and/or other language is an added advantage.

Competencies

• Commitment to MSF’s Values and Principles; to our vision and mission of promoting the rights and well-being of patients and community members at risk.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, gender-responsive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes.
• Ability to inspire and build collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive situations and confidential information diplomatically and discretely.
• Ability to work independently and take initiatives.
• Ability to manage conflict constructively and effectively.
• Excellent listening and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Results and Quality Oriented.