Safeguarding Officer at Nigerian Red Cross Society

JOB PURPOSE

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) Safeguarding Officer will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, including children, adults, and communities, in Red Cross programs and activities. The officer will work closely with the Protection Department to implement safeguarding measures, conduct risk assessments, and provide support to vulnerable individuals as directed by the Director Protection and Gender Inclusion + Education PGIE. This position is supported by the British Red Cross.

 JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Safeguarding officer has the following responsibilities:

• Implementing safeguarding policies and procedures in line with Red Cross\'s mandate and international best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to prevent harm to vulnerable individuals.
• Provide training and capacity-building support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant authorities, organizations, and communities to promote safeguarding.
• Monitor and report on safeguarding activities, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Support branches in mainstreaming PGI and safeguarding into programs and projects, providing technical guidance and capacity-building support.
• Establish and ensure staff and volunteers sign a Code of Conduct that clearly prohibits SEA, obliges reporting of such acts, and enforces these clauses when breached.
• Develop and monitor a Work Plan to mainstream PSEA throughout NRCS programming, informed by community engagement and SEA trends in accordance with global and/or regional PSEA standard.
• Support refresher training of staff both at NHQ and Branches on PSEA and NRCS Code of Conduct and mechanisms for reporting SEA.
• Limit sharing of sensitive complaint information to a “need to know” basis, in line with the NRCS data protection policy and a survivor-centered approach.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor or management that align with the role and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Educational Qualification

• Degree in Law, Psychology, Sociology, Post - graduate degree in Social Works or related Social Sciences.

Added advantage includes;

• Prior knowledge on either PGI, PSEA or SGBV 
• Completion of online PGI, Safeguarding and PSEA training via the IFRC e-learning platform.

Professional experience required

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in the development/humanitarian sector on issues related to protection or safeguarding.
• Identify and engage with local networks on safeguarding and Protection Gender and Inclusion PGI issues.
• Engage with relevant organizations for referrals, knowledge-sharing, joint awareness raising, training, and contacting local communities.
• Support the Branch Protection Gender Inclusion PGI focal points in delivering their day-to-day programs.
• Deliver safeguarding training, Protection Gender Inclusion PGI to Branch focal points, and support with step-down training to volunteers; 
• Support a collaborative approach to protection and safeguarding with other program departments and units e.g. HR, NSD, CEA, Program staff and the legal staff.
• Establish referral procedures for Child Protection, Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV, counseling, and MHPSS at a minimum.
• Strong knowledge of the local context and norms related to sex and gender.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of NRCS institutional approach on PSEA and related strategies, policies, rules and regulations.
• Compatibility of the Branch PGI/PSEA/SGBV Focal Point function with his/her assigned position and workload.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with local communities.
• Familiarity with data protection and confidentiality measures and protocols.

Skills

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Well organized, with very good planning and time management skills
• Self-supporting in computers (Email, Internet, spread sheets or excel, word-processing, powerpoint etc.) 
• Excellent networking skills.
• Professionalism (proven integrity, objectivity, and professional competence)
• Embracing cultural diversity 
• Sensitivity to gender issues
• Ability to interact in a sensitive manner with victims
• Ability to work in a stressful environment 
• Maintenance of strict moral confidentiality and non-disclosure of any confidential or sensitive information.
• Organize archives of all reports and documents and treat them as confidential. 

BEHAVIOURAL REQUIREMENTS

• The NRCS is committed to the protection of everyone from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of exploitation or abuse. All personnel are expected to adhere strictly to the National Society PSEA policy and code of conduct, which outlines expected conduct and reporting mechanisms. Candidates will be assessed on their understanding and commitment to PSEA during the interview process.
• Embracing cultural diversity 
• Sensitivity to gender issues
• Ability to interact in a sensitive manner with victims
• Ability to work in a stressful environment 
• Maintenance of strict moral confidentiality and non-disclosure of any confidential or sensitive information.
• Organize archives of all reports and documents and treat them as confidential.