Regional Safeguarding Advisor II (open to remote locations globally)

NOTE: This is a global telecommuter position; CRS will give preference to candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.

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 is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

Established in 2019, CRS’ Ethics Unit has a mandate to prevent and respond to ethical violations including fraud, corruption, and all forms of harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Working under the leadership of the Safeguarding Director, and in close collaboration with regional and country program leadership, the Regional Safeguarding Advisor will be a member of the Safeguarding team, providing expertise and guidance to CRS Country Programs across several regions in Safeguarding prevention and response in accordance with CRS policy, procedures, and industry standards and best practice. As a key member of the Safeguarding Ethics team, the Regional Advisor will also lead key workstreams to further integrate safeguarding in operations and programs at CRS more broadly.

Responsibilities

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Working with the Ethics Unit’s Safeguarding team and overseas regional and country program leadership, support the operationalization of CRS’ Safeguarding Policy and related procedures in regions of oversight
• Working with the Ethics Unit’s Safeguarding team and leadership across CRS departments, provide leadership on specific workstreams related to the integration of safeguarding in CRS operations and programming
• Lead/co-lead on the design and implementation of training and capacity building plans for CRS staff, affiliates and partners
• Support 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 safeguarding investigations as needed
• 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 regions and country programs to identify and develop the capacity of designated safeguarding focal points for safeguarding prevention and response
• Support country programs to conduct country-level safeguarding assessments and develop action plans to address needs and gaps
• 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.

Qualifications

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

• Master’s degree in relevant field of study (Human Rights Law, International Development, Social Work, Psychology, etc.)
• Five or more years of relevant, international experience (safeguarding, protection) in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities. NGO experience preferred.
• Professional experience in diverse regions of the world/cultural contexts.
• Experience in conducting investigations of staff misconduct.
• Provide oversight and direction to staff by using effective interpersonal and communication skills; influence others both within and outside of functional areas of responsibility.
• Extensive experience creating and rolling out culturally sensitive training and capacity-building programs, materials, and communications.
• Experience in coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• 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
• Strong analytical and report building skills; strong computer skills including facility with standard desktop applications.
• Unpretentious and smart; a problem solver who seeks to find constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements.

Required Languages – English fluency required. French and/or Spanish professional proficiency highly 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-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

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.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions: Tele-commuting position

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Safeguarding Director and Advisors; Country Program Safeguarding Focal Points; Ethics Unit Regional Managers and Field Officers; Ethics Unit Director; Regional Directors/Deputy Directors; Country Representatives; Global People Resources Department; Humanitarian Response Department; Partnership and Capacity Strengthening Unit; MEAL Unit; Global Risk and Compliance.

External: Caritas International (CI), InterAction, CHS Alliance, other CI MO, 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)