About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary: 

The Ethics Unit leads CRS’ learning, prevention and response in the areas of safeguarding and fraud to ensure that we are a responsible steward of the resources with which we are entrusted and conduct our work in a manner that upholds the dignity and respect of each individual. Working under the leadership of the Safeguarding Director, and in close collaboration with regional leadership, the Safeguarding Advisor will be a member of the Safeguarding team, providing expertise and guidance to CRS Country Programs in the East Africa and / or Southern Africa Regions in safeguarding prevention and response in accordance with CRS policy and procedures, industry standards and best practice.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Working with the Safeguarding Team and leadership across CRS departments, support the operationalization of the Safeguarding Policy; provide leadership and oversight of specific workstreams related to the integration of safeguarding in CRS operations and programming
• Working with the Safeguarding Team, and with support from the Program Implementation and Quality Assurance (PIQA) department, co-lead on the design and implementation of a global training and capacity building plan for CRS staff corresponding to safeguarding competencies
• Support EARO & SARO Country Programs on the in-take and assessment of safeguarding reports and in preparing and conducting investigations of alleged safeguarding violations
• Serve as investigation lead or co-lead on EARO & SARO safeguarding investigations
• Oversee the preparation of investigation reports and the inclusion corrective actions to address gaps in knowledge, systems, or procedures to strengthen prevention efforts
• Maintain/update safeguarding case files in whistleblower system
• Support EARO & SARO and Country Programs to identify and develop the capacity of designated safeguarding focal points for safeguarding prevention and response (investigations)
• Lead EARO & SARO Country Program safeguarding focal points and Safeguarding & Safe and Dignified Programming (SSDP) Advisors in the development of safeguarding and SDP action plans to address specific needs and gaps in knowledge, skills, practices, and procedures
• Support implementation of/adherence to the Safeguarding Risk Management Policy and Procedure which ensures safeguarding risk identification and mitigation at the country and program level.
• Lead/co-lead in the development and delivery of trainings and training of trainers for EARO & SARO safeguarding designated staff, CRS staff and partners
• Contribute to the development of internal and external reports on CRS’ overall safeguarding efforts and case statistics/analytics
• Participate in and contribute to an external network of subject matter experts and communities of practice including donors, partners, and sector-specific advocacy groups; help identify trends, best practices and lessons learned to bring to bear on CRS’ safeguarding work.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements: 

• Advanced degree (Int’l Development, Psychology, Social Work, Law) or experience in lieu​
• Five or more years of relevant, international experience (safeguarding, protection) in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities. NGO experience preferred.
• Prior management and supervisory experience
• Strong analytical and writing skills; experience leading the development of reports
• Conscientious and detail oriented
• Experience implementing policies and practices (safeguarding policy and practices strongly preferred) related to staff and/or implementing partners
• Professional experience working in or supporting one or more countries in Eastern and/or Southern Africa
• Experience developing training materials and in coaching and facilitation, applying adult learning principles and practices
• Provide oversight and direction to staff by using effective interpersonal and communication skills; influence others both within and outside of functional areas of responsibility
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, USG and other major public donors
• Solid organizational/time management skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-tasking team environment
• Unpretentious and smart; a problem solver who seeks to find constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements
• Strong coordination skills and ability to adhere to deadlines and work remotely

Required Languages – English fluency required; French fluency preferred. Additional languages a plus.

Travel – travel will vary; 30% anticipated travel in given year

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Promotes the integration of a survivor centered approach in all areas of their work
• Contributes to safeguarding risk assessment and mitigation strategies in relation to areas of their work
• Promotes widespread awareness and where applicable, use of safeguarding reporting channels throughout their work
• Knowledge of industry safeguarding/sexual exploitation and abuse principles and standards
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, representation, and networking skills

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Potentially 1-2 positions

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions: Tele-commuting position from CRS office location with preference for Eastern or Southern Africa

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Safeguarding Director; Senior Safeguarding Advisors; Regional Safeguarding Advisors; Partner Safeguarding Advisors; Regional Directors/Deputy Directors; Country Representatives; Country Program Senior Management Teams; inter-departmental collaboration with Global People Resources, Humanitarian Response, Partnership, Protection, MEAL (monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning), Risk and Compliance, Business Development

External: Caritas International (CI), InterAction, CHS Alliance, other CI Member Organizations, NGO and UN Safeguarding Staff, Donor Safeguarding focal points.

*Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer