Join Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as a Safeguarding Officer: Help Build a Culture of Protection and Accountability. Apply before 22 May 2025

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Officer to support the development of its Safeguarding Unit within the Operational Centre Brussels (OCB). This role is pivotal in ensuring that MSF’s humanitarian operations uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, safeguarding, and protection for both staff and the communities served.

Context and Organizational Evolution

In 2023, MSF OCB initiated a strategic transformation to enhance its safeguarding mechanisms. This transition, formalized in the “Review of OCB Behavior Systems” approved in March 2024, led to the establishment of the Safeguarding Unit. The unit’s mission is to integrate safeguarding practices into all aspects of MSF’s operations, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

As a Safeguarding Officer, your primary duties will include:

• Tool Development and Dissemination: Assist in creating and distributing safeguarding materials such as videos, leaflets, and posters tailored to various contexts.
• Contextual Adaptation: Collaborate with project teams to adapt safeguarding tools and strategies to specific operational environments, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• Training and Awareness: Conduct training sessions for MSF staff, community members, and partners on safeguarding principles, reporting mechanisms, and appropriate response protocols.
• Case Management Support: Provide guidance on managing safeguarding cases, including referral mapping and coordination with local resources for cases MSF cannot directly address.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly assess the effectiveness of safeguarding initiatives and report on challenges, successes, and areas for improvement.
• Collaboration: Work closely with HR Coordinators, Safeguarding Focal Points, and other stakeholders to integrate safeguarding into recruitment, onboarding, and operational processes.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role, candidates should possess:

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in law, social sciences, social work, education, development studies, gender studies, psychology, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: At least 2 years of experience in safeguarding, child protection, gender-based violence, or related fields, preferably within an international NGO setting.
• Training Expertise: Proven experience in designing and delivering training programs and raising awareness among diverse audiences in humanitarian contexts.
• Knowledge Base: Familiarity with international safeguarding policies, practices, and legislation applicable to humanitarian settings.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English or French is mandatory; knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, or Portuguese is an asset.

Core Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex situations and develop context-specific safeguarding strategies.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Experience working in multicultural environments and understanding of cultural nuances in safeguarding practices.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with experience in creating sensitization materials and conducting training sessions.
• Discretion and Integrity: Capacity to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and build networks with various stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Location: The position is open to candidates located within 3 hours of the Brussels time zone, where an MSF entity is present.
• Travel: Regular travel to MSF projects is expected, with a minimum of three visits per year.
• Contract Type: Open-ended, full-time contract.
• Salary: Compensation will be determined according to MSF’s salary grid, based on the candidate’s official residence.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates should submit their applications by May 22, 2025.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the MSF OCB careers page and complete the online application form. Ensure that your CV and motivation letter are ready for upload.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

By joining MSF as a Safeguarding Officer, you will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability within the organization, ensuring that MSF continues to provide humanitarian assistance in a manner that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.