Job Profile
The
Safeguarding Advisor plays a vital role in strengthening
safeguarding across CAFOD and partner organisations in line with our global
commitment to create an environment where all individuals, especially children,
vulnerable adults and other programme participants are protected from any harm
resulting from engagement with us. The post holder plays a key role in
supporting CAFOD’s country programmes to ensure that safeguarding is
systematically embedded into country operations and programme design, delivery
and monitoring.
The
Safeguarding Advisor will work closely with staff, safeguarding/SADI focal
points, partners, and Catholic Church networks to integrate safeguarding, build
capacity, ensure compliance with global standards, and strengthen our safe
culture across all aspects of work.
The post holder will report to the Head of Safeguarding (London), with matrix management by the Country Representative for the given location. The post sits within the People, Culture and Change team.
This
role requires international travel (e.g. for country office support, training
and investigations), occasionally at short notice.
Key Responsibilities
Development
and implementation of the safeguarding framework & action plan
- Promote deep understanding of CAFOD’s safeguarding framework and
associated policies and procedures among staff, supporting them to apply
these standards consistently.
- Lead the integration of safeguarding into all programmes through the
CAFOD’s Safe, Accessible, Dignified and Inclusive (SADI) programming
framework, ensuring that safeguarding risks and SADI principles are
incorporated into assessments, design, implementation and monitoring.
- Develop and deliver tailored safeguarding and SADI-related training
packages for staff and partners.
- Work with the Head of Safeguarding and governance structures to
monitor systems, policies and procedures, ensuring continual learning and
improvement.
- Provide technical input on emerging safeguarding initiatives,
legislation and donor requirements.
- Continue to build the SADI network as a strong resource for
coordination, advice and support, especially through mentoring focal
points.
Support
and advice to CAFOD Staff
- Provide expert safeguarding and safe programming advice during
programme development (including funding proposals) and implementation.
- Promote and advise on organisational culture change to foster safe,
respectful, inclusive and zero-tolerance environments.
- Provide managers with the resources to ensure that staff and
volunteers are clear on their rights and responsibilities under CAFOD’s
safeguarding policies, and are equipped and supported to promote these and
to report or understand how to deal with any concerns or allegations
- Deliver safeguarding case management support in line with
organisational policies, maintaining high standards of documentation and
confidentiality.
- Lead or support safeguarding investigations as required, using
recognised PSEAH investigation standards and trauma-informed approaches.
Supporting
CAFOD’s partners
- Strengthen partners’ safeguarding systems and practices, especially
those working with children or vulnerable adults, through training, policy
development and technical accompaniment.
- Respond to requests to support Bishops’ Conferences and other Church
bodies in the development and implementation of their policies and
training programmes.
- Support south-south learning and capacity strengthening among
partner organisations and safeguarding focal points.
- Provide structured assessment, monitoring and follow up of partners’
safeguarding practice and compliance with CAFOD’s minimum standards.
- Promote safer programming approaches (including SADI) within partner
project cycles and community-based initiatives.
Networking,
Communications and Information-Sharing
- Engage in global and regional safeguarding networks, sharing
learning and contributing to sector wide initiatives.
- Participate in donor-driven safeguarding initiatives to strengthen
compliance and best practice.
- Share learning with Caritas, CIDSE and wider Church networks,
promoting opportunities for joint training, collaboration and resource
development.
- Ensure visibility of safeguarding and related SADI programming
commitments across all platforms, documentation and processes.
Safeguarding
All
CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding
culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their
role and responsibilities.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, protection or Protection
from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (SEAH) roles, including
significant case management experience.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, standards and best
practice.
- Experience carrying out safeguarding investigations and producing
high-quality reports
- Experience supporting safeguarding in international development or
humanitarian contexts.
- Experience building safeguarding capacity across diverse cultural
contexts, including facilitation and training.
- Ability to influence, advise and support managers and partners in
complex and sensitive situations.
- Strong communication skills, record-keeping abilities, and
discretion in handling confidential information.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in Catholic or faith-based organisational settings.
- Additional languages (French, Spanish or Portuguese).
- Qualification or formal training as a PSEAH investigator.
How to Apply
