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Job Title:  Safeguarding Manager, Africa

Organisation: Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

About the Company:

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, not-for-profit, non-denominational international development agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). AKF works in collaboration with partners to develop and promote innovative solutions that help improve the quality of life of communities in areas we work. This is achieved through a systemic and Multi-Input Area Development programming approach that responds to the opportunities and priorities of a given area with long-term and synergised interventions. Specifically in Uganda, AKF currently supports programming in education, early childhood development (ECD) and strengthening civil society.

Job Summary:   The purpose of this role is to lead the regional safeguarding practice to ensure that safeguarding is prioritised, of high quality and embedded in a culture of prevention, awareness, reporting and response. The ultimate purpose of the role is to ensure that AKF safeguards its staff, partners, volunteers, associates, and children and adults in the communities where AKF works in the respective region. The Regional Safeguarding Manager for Africa role will include coordinating capacity building, promoting safe programming, enhancing safe partnerships, delivering training, establishing metrics, meeting donor compliance, managing risks, and supporting the mainstreaming of safeguarding throughout operations, especially when engaging directly with communities and through partners.

Additionally, this role will focus on global capability enhancement through working closely with the global safeguarding team to develop systems/procedures and enhance standards.

This role has an administrative reporting line to the AKF EA CEO and the AKF Mozambique CEO, works closely with the local leadership and the respective Safeguarding Focal Points in each entity and has a direct technical reporting line to the Global Safeguarding Lead.

This local hire position can be based in one of the regional countries of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, or Mozambique.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Be the safeguarding advisor:

• Lead the integration of safeguarding standards into organisational culture, workplace, and programmes, promoting an equitable, diverse, and safe environment where misconduct is not tolerated.
• Raise awareness of AKF’s zero-tolerance policy on safeguarding misconduct by collaborating with HR to conduct briefings and training for staff, volunteers, and representatives on AKF’s Safeguarding Policy, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), and Code of Conduct.
• Provide accessible advice and guidance to managers and staff, ensuring safeguarding measures are integrated into operations.
• Act as a reporting avenue for safeguarding concerns in line with AKF’s Safeguarding Policy.

Lead capacity-building efforts on safeguarding:

• Create, support, and nurture a network of safeguarding focal points and trusted individuals in each of the countries.
• Partner with the programme and MERL teams to enhance safeguarding awareness in communities where AKF and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) operate, supporting the development and implementation of community reporting mechanisms.
• Support programme teams in building partner capacity in safeguarding and plan and conduct training for staff on safeguarding topics.
• Provide support and contribute to the development of global safeguarding systems and procedures.

Ensure safeguarding standards are applied throughout the region:

• Establish a safeguarding implementation plan for the region addressing gaps identified by the external audit and monitor progress against the plan.
• Undertake the review and adaptation of safeguarding procedures in line with the mapping of the local external environment and global AKF guidelines.

Partner with project and proposal development teams:

• Operate as a technical partner on safeguarding matters related to programme design, proposal formulation, and donor compliance.
• Ensure proposals include actions and budgets to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and other safeguarding matters.
• Review referral pathways and support services annually.
• Work with HR to strengthen recruitment processes to safeguard communities and colleagues.
• Collaborate with MERL and programme teams to establish community-based reporting mechanisms and assess the impact of safeguarding protocols.

Participate in handling safeguarding cases:

• Lead and manage safeguarding cases, providing advice on case assessments, and supporting investigation teams as needed.
• Deliver quality reports, document decision-making processes, monitor ongoing investigations, and track the implementation of recommendations.
• Act as custodian of the safeguarding case register, preparing reports for leadership and stakeholders, enabling transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in relevant fields such as law, child rights, gender, child protection, or counselling, with deep knowledge in safeguarding and behavioural change.
• Track record safeguarding or related fields such as child protection or gender-based violence, preferably in international non-profit organisations.
• Experience working in multicultural environments and building trust across all levels of an organisation.
• Experience in safeguarding investigations, with a proven ability to manage sensitive, confidential matters discreetly and effectively.
• Excellent verbal communication, training, and report writing skills in English and Portuguese or Swahili.
• Experience working in the region (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, or Mozambique) with a solid understanding of local culture and customs.
• Demonstrates integrity, equity, and respect for diversity with a proactive, self-motivated, and collaborative work style.

How to Apply:

All candidates should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 1st December 2024

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