The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for promoting and upholding the highest standards of child and youth protection across all JA Africa in Rwanda programmes. The role ensures that all programme activities, staff, and partners adhere to safeguarding policies and practices, mitigating any risks of harm or abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The Officer will lead prevention, training, reporting, and compliance efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all participants, with the authority to escalate or pause programme activities where safeguarding risks cannot be adequately mitigated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Safeguarding Leadership & Implementation <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Lead the implementation of JA Africa in Rwanda safeguarding policies and frameworks across all Rwanda programmes, ensuring consistent compliance and accountability at all levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Provide independent safeguarding oversight and exercise authority to escalate concerns or recommend suspension of programme activities where risks remain unmitigated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Risk Assessment & Prevention <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Identify potential safeguarding risks in programmes and operations and develop practical mitigation strategies to prevent incidents of harm or abuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Integrate safeguarding risk assessments into programme planning and delivery processes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Capacity Building & Training <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Design and facilitate safeguarding training for staff, volunteers, and partners to strengthen awareness, reporting compliance, and a culture of safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Case Management & Reporting <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Manage the reporting, documentation, and resolution of safeguarding concerns, ensuring confidentiality, adherence to due process, and timely communication with relevant leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Act as the safeguarding focal point for engagement with district authorities, Police Gender Desks, schools, and other relevant local structures to ensure coordinated and effective safeguarding response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Monitoring & Evaluation <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Track safeguarding indicators, analyse incident trends, and prepare periodic reports to inform continuous improvement and strengthen preventive measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Policy Review & Documentation <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Maintain up-to-date safeguarding records, case files, and policy documents, and support regular reviews of safeguarding procedures in line with global best practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Education & Qualifications <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Bachelor\u2019s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Rights, Child Protection, or a related field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf A Master\u2019s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Certification or formal training in Safeguarding, Child Protection, or Risk Management is highly desirable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience Requirements <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Minimum of 3\u20135 years\u2019 experience in safeguarding, child protection, youth development, or related work within NGO, development, or education environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Demonstrable experience in child and\/or youth protection work, even without holding a formal safeguarding job title. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Experience working with community-based structures such as district authorities, Police Gender Desks, schools, or similar local institutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Proven experience in developing and implementing safeguarding frameworks and risk mitigation strategies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Experience conducting safeguarding or child protection training and awareness sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive safeguarding cases with professionalism and confidentiality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Skills & Competencies <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Strong understanding of safeguarding principles, child protection laws, and ethical standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Ability to assess risks and make sound, ethical decisions in sensitive situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf High levels of integrity, empathy, and discretion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Strong organisational and reporting skills with attention to detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Ability to build trust and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Proficiency in English and Kinyarwanda (written and spoken) is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Proficiency in French or Swahili is an added advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Personal Attributes <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Deep commitment to protecting children, youth, and vulnerable persons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Emotionally mature and able to handle sensitive issues calmly and professionally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Approachable, trustworthy, and able to model JA Africa in Rwanda\u2019s values of respect, transparency, and accountability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Safeguarding Support & Protection <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf The Safeguarding Officer will have access to appropriate supervision and peer support mechanisms to safeguard their own psychological wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf The role is protected under JA Africa\u2019s whistleblower and non-retaliation policy, ensuring safety and organisational backing when escalating safeguarding concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reporting Line <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Functionally reports to JA Africa\u2019s General Counsel \/ Head, Risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Operationally reports to the Executive Director, Rwanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n TO APPLY:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@ja-africa.org<\/strong> with the subject line: \u201cApplication for Legal Intern position\u2013 Your Name\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (e.g., Application for Legal Intern Position \u2013 Mary Johnson). Please use the following naming convention for your application documents: \u201cCV \u2013 Applicant\u2019s Name\u201d and \u201cCover Letter \u2013 Applicant\u2019s Name\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Application Deadline: December 12, 2025<\/strong> (Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for promoting and upholding the highest standards of child and youth protection across all JA Africa in Rwanda programmes. The role ensures that all programme activities, staff, and partners adhere to safeguarding policies and practices, mitigating any risks of harm or abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The Officer …<\/p>\n