Safeguarding Advisor at Catholic Agency For Overseas Development - CAFOD

Key Responsibilities

Development and implementation of the safeguarding framework & action plan

• Promote deep understanding of CAFOD’s safeguarding framework and associated policies and procedures among staff, supporting them to apply these standards consistently.
• Lead the integration of safeguarding into all programmes through the CAFOD’s Safe, Accessible, Dignified and Inclusive (SADI) programming framework, ensuring that safeguarding risks and SADI principles are incorporated into assessments, design, implementation and monitoring.
• Develop and deliver tailored safeguarding and SADI-related training packages for staff and partners.
• Work with the Head of Safeguarding and governance structures to monitor systems, policies and procedures, ensuring continual learning and improvement.
• Provide technical input on emerging safeguarding initiatives, legislation and donor requirements.
• Continue to build the SADI network as a strong resource for coordination, advice and support, especially through mentoring focal points.

Support and advice to CAFOD Staff

• Provide expert safeguarding and safe programming advice during programme development (including funding proposals) and implementation.
• Promote and advise on organisational culture change to foster safe, respectful, inclusive and zero-tolerance environments.
• Provide managers with the resources to ensure that staff and volunteers are clear on their rights and responsibilities under CAFOD’s safeguarding policies, and are equipped and supported to promote these and to report or understand how to deal with any concerns or allegations
• Deliver safeguarding case management support in line with organisational policies, maintaining high standards of documentation and confidentiality.
• Lead or support safeguarding investigations as required, using recognised PSEAH investigation standards and trauma-informed approaches.

Supporting CAFOD’s partners

• Strengthen partners’ safeguarding systems and practices, especially those working with children or vulnerable adults, through training, policy development and technical accompaniment.
• Respond to requests to support Bishops' Conferences and other Church bodies in the development and implementation of their policies and training programmes.
• Support south-south learning and capacity strengthening among partner organisations and safeguarding focal points.
• Provide structured assessment, monitoring and follow up of partners’ safeguarding practice and compliance with CAFOD’s minimum standards.
• Promote safer programming approaches (including SADI) within partner project cycles and community-based initiatives.

Networking, Communications and Information-Sharing

• Engage in global and regional safeguarding networks, sharing learning and contributing to sector wide initiatives.
• Participate in donor-driven safeguarding initiatives to strengthen compliance and best practice.
• Share learning with Caritas, CIDSE and wider Church networks, promoting opportunities for joint training, collaboration and resource development.
• Ensure visibility of safeguarding and related SADI programming commitments across all platforms, documentation and processes.

Safeguarding

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Job Specific Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, protection or Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (SEAH) roles, including significant case management experience.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, standards and best practice.
• Experience carrying out safeguarding investigations and producing high-quality reports
• Experience supporting safeguarding in international development or humanitarian contexts.
• Experience building safeguarding capacity across diverse cultural contexts, including facilitation and training.
• Ability to influence, advise and support managers and partners in complex and sensitive situations.
• Strong communication skills, record-keeping abilities, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in Catholic or faith-based organisational settings.
• Additional languages (French, Spanish or Portuguese).
• Qualification or formal training as a PSEAH investigator.

Job Specific Competencies 

• Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, protection or Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (SEAH) roles, including significant case management experience. 
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, standards and best practice. 
• Experience carrying out safeguarding investigations and producing high-quality reports 
• Experience supporting safeguarding in international development or humanitarian contexts.  
• Experience building safeguarding capacity across diverse cultural contexts, including facilitation and training. 
• Ability to influence, advise and support managers and partners in complex and sensitive situations. 
• Strong communication skills, record-keeping abilities, and discretion in handling confidential information.