Safeguarding Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose

• In collaboration with the Project Coordinator and under the technical supervision of the Safeguarding Supervisor / Safeguarding (SG) Coordinator, the Safeguarding Officer supports the implementation of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)’s Safeguarding framework and Behavioural Commitments at the project level.
• The role contributes to abuse prevention and the promotion of ethical conduct through awareness activities, context analysis, identification of risks and barriers to reporting, and strengthening of safe and accessible feedback and complaint mechanisms.
• The Safeguarding Officer promotes a safe environment for staff, patients, partners, and communities in line with MSF values and principles.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Prevention & Awareness:

• Conduct awareness sessions for MSF staff (national and international), Ministry of Health (MoH) staff, and suppliers on:
  • MSF Behavioural Commitments
  • Abuse prevention (sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, discrimination, power abuse)
  • Individual and institutional responsibilities
  • Reporting procedures and available complaint mechanisms
• Sensitize patients, caretakers, and community representatives on:
  • Their rights and expected behaviour when accessing MSF services
  • Expected behaviour of MSF and MoH staff
  • How and where to safely raise concerns

Context & Risk Analysis:

• Analyse existing sensitivities, knowledge gaps, cultural barriers, and fears related to feedback and complaint mechanisms.
• Support safeguarding risk analysis at the project level and contribute to mitigation planning.
• Identify obstacles preventing reporting and propose practical improvements.
• Map local NGOs or associations working on abuse prevention or sexual harassment (where relevant), in collaboration with the Safeguarding Supervisor/Coordinator.

Reporting & Complaint Mechanisms:

• Support the establishment and monitoring of safe, confidential, and accessible complaint channels.
• Raise awareness on how to receive complaints in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Ensure staff understand referral pathways without directly handling case management (unless formally mandated).
• Provide regular feedback to the Safeguarding Coordinator on gaps or weaknesses in reporting systems.

Capacity Building:

• Facilitate workshops and participatory sessions adapted to project realities.
• Contribute to building a culture of respectful and accountable behaviour within the project.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Conduct regular follow-up of safeguarding activities within the project.
• Produce monthly activity reports covering:
  • Awareness sessions conducted
  • Key themes and concerns raised
  • Identified risks and barriers
  • Status of complaint mechanisms
  • Recommendations for improvement

Collaboration:

• Work closely with:
  • Project Coordinator and Project Medical Referent
  • HR Team
  • Community Engagement Teams
  • MoH counterparts (where relevant)
  • Safeguarding Officer / Safeguarding Team

Minimum Required Skills and Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Law, Education, Social Communication, Psychology, or a related field (desirable).

Experience:

• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in:
  • Social work, community engagement, safeguarding, or rights-based organizations
  • Abuse prevention or gender-based violence programming (asset)
  • Facilitating group discussions or awareness sessions
• Humanitarian experience is an asset

Language:

• Proficiency in English and Igbo
• Knowledge of local languages spoken within the project context is mandatory

Competencies:

• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive topics confidentially
• Cultural sensitivity and high ethical standards
• Ability to work independently and maintain neutrality
• Capacity to build trust with staff and communities

Additional Requirements:

• Commitment to the values and principles of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• Ability to travel within the project area if required
• Preferably, experience working with women’s groups or vulnerable communities (where contextually relevant).