Senior Safeguarding Coordinator

Context:
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in collaboration with the Head of
Programs and Operations, the Senior Programs Coordinator and relevant thematic specialists
at the Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok and Departments at
Headquarters (HQ), the Senior Safeguarding Coordinator will be responsible and accountable
for the effective development, management and implementation of safeguarding within IOM
Afghanistan, incorporating a rights based and do no harm approach, in the delivery of
humanitarian and basic human needs assistance.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic recommendations and advice to the Chief of Mission and the Senior Management Team and ensure the development, support to and implementation of safeguarding practices in the workplace and in all operations.
2. Work with the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Resource Management team to ensure that IOM Afghanistan internal policies and processes integrate appropriate safeguarding considerations in the workplace.
3. Work with the Head of Programmes and Operations to ensure implementation prioritizes safeguarding considerations including the mainstreaming of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, adherence to child safeguarding principles, and other measures to promote the safety and inclusion of the affected population in programming paying due attention to gender and diversity as per relevant IOM policies and the Mission strategy.
4. Provide overall technical oversight, management and expert support in the development, implementation and monitoring of safeguarding activities as supported by relevant safeguarding thematic specialists and focal points in furthering IOM’s work in Afghanistan. Provide them with resources, tools, and references related to the thematic areas they are responsible for.
5. Work collaboratively with relevant Regional Coordinators and Programme Managers, especially with the Protection Unit, to ensure that safe programming is integrated in program design and delivery. Develop, review, update and revise safeguarding tools, communication tools, programming guidance, and capacity building materials to ensure a sensitive and responsive approach to safeguarding.
6. Advocate and take action for mobilizing adequate resources/ budgets to ensure efficient mainstreaming of safeguarding activities including capacity building and support to the program/project implementation team.
7. Develop safeguarding protocols, procedures and risk assessments, ensuring they are compliant with the various IOM policies, and provide expert support for the uptake and implementation of these by the programme teams. As needed, provide authoritative technical guidance on the development of safeguarding action plans with concrete mitigation measures and monitoring initiatives.
8. Provide advice, guidance and support for capacity development efforts in coordination with relevant safeguarding thematic specialists and focal points. Ensure survivor-centered, best interests of the child and rights-based approaches in the implemetation of all safeguarding initiatives and activities.
9. Research, assess, keep abreast of and advise on best practices and trends in safeguarding
and associated issues, including in the private sector, other inter-governmental and international
organization.
10. Represent IOM in interagency initiatives, thematic events and meetings on safeguarding including PSEA, child protection, gender equality, disability inclusion amongst others. Draft and/or prepare inputs for position papers, policy documents and reports as needed.
11. Lead and/or undertake periodic field visits to represent IOM and to monitor, assess and ensure the implementation of safeguarding in IOM’s work.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, Political or Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience
• Experience on safeguarding in development and emergency contexts;
• Experience and/or familiarity with the socio-economic and political context in the region;
• Extensive experience in successfully managing projects and providing programme and administrative/management support;
• Previous experience as a Senior Programme Manager with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization in emergency, recovery, and development contexts advantageous;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions; and,
• Excellent understanding of and proven experience in the UN systems and experience in a crisis context.

Skills
• A thorough understanding of relevant safeguarding legislation, regulations, and policies is essential. This includes knowledge of IHL, legislation on child protection, disability inclusion and gender based violence, survivor centered approach, data protection regulations, and other relevant policies and guidance;
• Thorough knowledge of the IOM project management cycle, programme support modalities and administrative systems and rules;
• Strong communication skills that the ability to communicate sensitively and empathetically on sensitive topics;
• High level of computer literacy, experience in computerized systems and software;
• Analytical skills and the ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
• Works effectively with Donors, local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives;
• Understanding of complex social-political environments; and,
• Knowledge of the Afghan conflict and return/displacement dynamics and the impact on the affected population advantageous.

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish), Dari, or Pashto is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.