Terms of Reference: Review and Update of Young Africa’s safeguarding approach for young vulnerable people

Terms of Reference: Review and Update of Young Africa’s safeguarding approach for young vulnerable people

Background

Young Africa is a federation of independently and locally registered affiliated organisations operating in 5 countries. Our mission is to empower disadvantaged young people through a comprehensive and holistic approach, including imparting skills for employability and entrepreneurship. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people, we are reviewing and updating our Safeguarding Policy to ensure that it is effective, relevant, and compliant with international standards.

Objective

The objective of this review and update is to develop a Safeguarding Policy that protects young vulnerable people from harm, promotes their well-being, and ensures their rights are respected. The policy should be applicable to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and third-party service providers who work with or on behalf of Young Africa.

Scope

The scope of this review and update includes:

1. Identifying all the areas in which young adults are involved within the work of Young Africa, including areas in which young people are directly participating and where staff come in contact with young people in carrying out their official duties.
2. Identifying the main aspects of young people’s safeguarding and protection which should be included in the policy.
3. Integrate measures in the policy that Young Africa and its staff are committed to the protection of young people from any form of harm and ensure that their right to survival and development is upheld.
4. Providing guidance to Young Africa and its staff on measures that should be integrated in the policy and safeguarding practices to ensure the safe and effective care of young people that the organisation serves.

Methodology

1. Conducting a desk review of existing policies and procedures related to safeguarding, including best practices from consortium partners, Young Africa’s funding partners and international organisations.
2. Collaborating with Young Africa, consortium partners, and young people to develop the Safeguarding Approach, which will include:
   • A comprehensive code of conduct that outlines expected behaviours and reporting mechanisms.
   • SMART indicators for tracking and reporting on safeguarding activities.
   • General recommendations on safeguarding priorities for the program.
3. Conducting focus groups and key informant interviews with young people with different vulnerabilities and other key stakeholders to inform the Safeguarding Approach, including discussions on safeguarding issues, reporting mechanisms, and visibility materials.
4. Review and incorporate recommendations of the internal review process undertaken of the existing child safeguarding policy.
5. Design and deliver a training of trainers targeting safeguarding focal persons from all the affiliate organisations on how to apply the new policy.

5. Deliverables:

The consultant will deliver the following:

• Inception report outlining the consultant’s understanding of the Terms of Reference, including a proposed methodology, list of informants, revised tools to be used, work plan, and timeline of agreed-upon tasks and responsibilities.
• Report summarising stakeholder input and findings from the desk review, with recommendations for the revised policy.Draft Safeguarding Policy that meets the objectives outlined above and informed by the findings of the stakeholder input..
• Presentation of the draft Safeguarding Policy during a validation workshop/meeting.
• Present the final draft of the Young Africa Safeguarding Policy that incorporates comments collected during the validation workshop/meeting.
• Separate documents to be submitted:
  • SMART indicators for implementation, monitoring and reporting.
  • General recommendations on safeguarding priorities for Young Africa.

6. Skills and Requirements:

The consultant should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Safeguarding expertise: The consultant should have a strong understanding and experience of safeguarding principles, policies, and practices, particularly in the context of international development and humanitarian response.
• Research and analysis skills: The consultant should be able to conduct a thorough desk review of existing policies and procedures, as well as collect and analyse data from primary and secondary sources.
• Communication and facilitation skills: The consultant should be able to facilitate focus groups and key informant interviews with young people and other key stakeholders and communicate effectively with Young Africa staff and partners.
• Policy development and writing skills: The consultant should be able to develop a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy that meets the objectives outlined above, including drafting clear and concise language.
• Project management skills: The consultant should be able to manage the consultancy project, including developing a work plan, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness: The consultant should be able to work in a culturally sensitive manner, particularly in relation to working with young people and vulnerable populations.

7. Education and Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, humanitarian studies, or social sciences.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in safeguarding, policy development, or humanitarian response.
• Experience working with international organisations, NGOs, or Government agencies

8. Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Duration:

• The estimated duration of the consultancy is 30 working days.

Consultancy Fee:

Eligible candidates should provide a detailed budget for the specified work.

Application Deadline:

Qualified candidates should submit their applications by 04 October 2024 at 17:00 hours South African Time on safeguarding@youngafrica.org

How to apply

Application Deadline:

Qualified candidates should submit their applications by 04 October 2024 at 17:00 hours South African Time on safeguarding@youngafrica.org