HR/Safeguarding Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), is an International Catholic Organization working across 58 countries whose mission is to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and IDPs in conflict zones, detention centers, and remote borders.

Job summary/overview

JRS is seeking to build a culture of prevention of safeguarding violations in the workplace and her programs - as well as a safe environment for reporting. We are determined to protect our beneficiaries from safeguarding violations through the prevention of, and where safeguarding is alleged, to address it.

The Officer shall be responsible for developing and implementing safeguarding policies, managing feedback and accountability mechanisms, and building capacity within the organization to ensure the protection and empowerment of all community members, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups. This role involves conducting training sessions, monitoring safeguarding measures, analyzing feedback, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen safeguarding practices. 

Additionally, the officer supports inclusive recruitment processes and promotes a diverse workplace culture, aligning with the organization's commitment to gender equality, safeguarding, and inclusivity.  

Responsibilities:

1. Safeguarding Implementation:

• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures with an inclusive approach, ensuring they address the needs of all community members, including marginalized, vulnerable groups and project target persons.
• Conduct inclusive training sessions on safeguarding principles, ensuring all staff, partners and volunteers understand and commit to these principles.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding measures, incorporating feedback from diverse community members, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate actions are taken in line with organizational policies and legal requirements, while maintaining the dignity and respect of all parties involved.

2. Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms:

• Establish and manage inclusive feedback and accountability mechanisms that ensure the voices of all project beneficiaries, especially women, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities, are heard and integrated into project implementation.
• Design and implement accessible surveys, focus group discussions, and other participatory methods to gather feedback from a diverse range of beneficiaries.
• Analyze feedback data to identify trends, concerns, and suggestions for project improvement, ensuring the inclusion of perspectives from all community members.
• Facilitate regular, inclusive meetings with community members and stakeholders to discuss feedback outcomes and ensure transparency in decision-making processes.
• Build the capacity of project staff and partners on feedback and accountability principles and practices, with an emphasis on inclusivity.
• Conduct inclusive training sessions on gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches to feedback collection and analysis.
• Provide technical support to ensure that gender and inclusivity considerations are integrated into all aspects of feedback mechanisms.

3. Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports on safeguarding incidents, feedback received, and actions taken, ensuring they reflect the perspectives of all community members.
• Maintain accurate and inclusive records and documentation related to safeguarding and feedback activities.
• Contribute to donor reports and proposal development including providing data and analysis related to safeguarding and feedback mechanisms, highlighting inclusivity efforts.
• The Officer will be directly under the supervision of the Project Director and under the technical supervision of the National HR Manager. 

4. Coordination and Networking:

• Coordinate with other project teams and stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and inclusive approach to safeguarding and feedback.
• Represent the organization in relevant networks, forums, and working groups related to safeguarding, accountability, and inclusivity in projects.
• Foster partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and groups representing marginalized populations to strengthen feedback mechanisms and safeguarding practices.

5. Other Roles Assigned

Internal functions

Human Resources Focal Point:

• Assist in the recruitment process for project staff, ensuring inclusivity in job descriptions, screening applications, and conducting interviews.
• Oversee onboarding and orientation programs for new staff, ensuring they are familiar with safeguarding and feedback mechanisms. 
• Support performance management processes, including setting inclusive objectives, conducting appraisals, and providing feedback to staff.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, including maintaining accurate employee records and handling employee relations with support from the Country Office.
• Facilitate staff training and professional development opportunities related to safeguarding, ethics, feedback, gender sensitivity, and inclusivity.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and diverse workplace culture that aligns with the organization’s values and commitment to gender equality, safeguarding, and inclusivity.