Safeguarding Lead at Pan-Atlantic University

ROLE OVERVIEW

• The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the NiWEMA programme's safeguarding framework across its full operational scope, 750,000 participants over five years, engaged through both an online LMS-based cohort model and physical training delivered by EDC and implementing partners across multiple Nigerian states. The physical delivery component representing 450,000 of the 750,000 participants, significantly expands the safeguarding risk profile compared to an online-only programme, introducing risks associated with field venues, trainer conduct, travel, implementing partner compliance, and community-based cluster dynamics. The Safeguarding Lead ensures robust, context-sensitive safeguarding systems are in place and operational at every level of programme delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and regularly review a comprehensive NiWEMA Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures, covering both online and physical delivery environments and both individual and cluster participation models.
• Design and implement differentiated safeguarding risk frameworks for the online delivery stream and the physical training stream; recognising that the risk profile, exposure points, and mitigation requirements differ significantly between the two.
• Establish and manage a clear, accessible, confidential, and multi-channel safeguarding reporting and response mechanism for programme participants, staff, facilitators, trainers, and implementing partners.
• Conduct safeguarding due diligence on all implementing partners before engagement and embed safeguarding standards as binding requirements in all implementing partner agreements.
• Monitor implementing partner safeguarding compliance throughout the programme, conducting field-based safeguarding audits and reviews at physical training sites.
• Design and deliver mandatory safeguarding training and induction for all project staff, online facilitators, physical trainers, implementing partner staff, and cluster coordinators tailored to each role's specific risk exposure.
• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments for all physical training events, field visits, cluster engagements, and community-based activities, implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Receive, document, and manage safeguarding concerns and incidents in line with established protocols, ensuring timely referral to appropriate authorities including law enforcement, child protection services, or gender-based violence response networks, where necessary.
• Ensure safeguarding principles are embedded in all programme communications, LMS content, physical training materials, and cluster-facing documentation.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all safeguarding cases and produce safeguarding reports for the Project Director and funder.
• Collaborate with the Gender Lead to ensure safeguarding and gender approaches are integrated and mutually reinforcing across all delivery channels.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6–8 years' experience in safeguarding, child protection, gender-based violence prevention, or related fields, with demonstrable experience in large-scale field-based programme delivery.
• Experience developing and implementing safeguarding frameworks for programmes delivered through implementing partner networks is required.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Nigerian safeguarding laws, regulations, gender-based violence referral pathways, and child protection frameworks.
• Safeguarding or child protection certification from a recognised institution is required.
• Experience conducting field-based safeguarding assessments and audits.
• Strong ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, confidentiality, and professional judgment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Dual-modality safeguarding framework development
• Implementing partner safeguarding compliance
• Incident management and case response
• Training design across diverse delivery contexts
• Discretion, integrity, and professional judgment