Safeguarding Consultant at African Population And Health Research Center (APHRC)

Supporting Access for Adolescents to Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SAFIRE) project is being implemented to address the health care needs of adolescents and increase access to high-quality reproductive health services. The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is evaluating the project by generating evidence that helps to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation process and the impact of the Safire intervention. The evaluation is being conducted in Bungoma, Kericho, Kiambu, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu counties. As part of the project activities, we are seeking to recruit a safeguarding consultant.

Objective of the Assignment

The safeguarding consultant will be required to develop a safeguarding protocol expected to be adopted by the various Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in the country.

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities;

1. Consult the relevant bodies and help develop safeguarding protocol for reporting adverse events in social and behavioral research for institutional review board (IRB).
2. Facilitate workshop with members of IRBs and other key relevant stakeholders to support the development of safeguarding protocol.
3. Develop a whistleblowing policy and other ways of reporting adverse events to the relevant authorities.
4. Interview or discuss with representatives of the major IRBs and stakeholders to capture their views and opinions.

Deliverables and Outputs

• Develop a safeguarding protocol to be shared with National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Create a whistleblowing policy for reporting adverse events identified during research to the relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate a joint workshop with stakeholders.
• Provide a report.

Qualifications

• At least a Master’s Degree in Humanities or Social sciences. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and professional training and/or relevant work experience in safeguarding is acceptable in lieu of advanced degree.
• Experience in research ethics in social sciences and ethical issues that arise during behavioral and social research.
• Expertise in safeguarding training, research integrity and misconduct policies.
• Knowledgeable on sexual and reproductive health and rights.