Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

The Role:

Oxfam Syria is looking for Safeguarding COORDINATOR 

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

 To support delivery of Oxfam’s strategy and program to protect those we work with from

sexual exploitation and abuse and child abuse perpetrated by Oxfam representatives through provision of professional safeguarding advice to country teams and responding where appropriate and in coordination with Oxfam’s reporting channels, where investigation support is needed.

• Respond to and where appropriate support the OGB safeguarding team to investigate all allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse
• Providing professional safeguarding advice to senior managers.
• Influencing the development of strategy and supporting and delivering its operational implementation.
• Contributing to and influencing operational planning and ensure that SG plans are adequately resourced.
• Influencing managers, staff and volunteers and developing effective networks with external bodies, i.e. participate in and contribute to PSEA/safeguarding networks, GBV Sub cluster, and/or Protection cluster/network meetings.
• Implementing Safeguarding best practice which is legally compliant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1: Receive safeguarding concerns/reports and support response

• Sensitively receive safeguarding complaints and related information, and report these concerns, in accordance with Oxfam SOPs, to the Executing Affiliate’s SG Team/Lead.
• Facilitate referral of survivor(s) for immediate, professional assistance, and keep complainant(s)/survivor(s) informed of case progress in case of investigations, as appropriate.
• Maintain overview of referral pathways and legal context in Syria and monitor care provided to victims/survivors.
• Where appropriate, and as requested by EA Safeguarding Team, provide logistical or other support during safeguarding queries and investigations.
• Support the Country Team to embed safeguarding reporting procedures throughout the team’s work, including programmes
• Engage with relevant teams in-country to ensure safeguarding is properly resourced

2: Build Capacity and raise awareness about Oxfam policies and procedures regarding sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child abuse

• Design and deliver training in line with safeguarding shared service materials on awareness raising and other capacity building activities for staff, affiliated personnel volunteers, Communities in need (Beneficiaries) and others across Oxfam in Syria.
• Conduct awareness raising sessions on safeguarding policies and procedures, complaints mechanisms and process, roles and responsibilities of Oxfam staff in safeguarding.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, conduct safeguarding awareness training (e.g. on how to recognise harassment and SEA) and induction for all new staff, and refresher trainings for all staff on a regular basis.
• Support provision of safeguarding training and awareness raising sessions for partner organisations, service providers and suppliers in Syria.
• Facilitate and support awareness-raising campaigns with beneficiaries and local communities on Safeguarding, the standards of conduct expected of Oxfam in [country]’s staff, and the various complaints mechanisms for raising Safeguarding allegations or concerns, including contact details (including, as applicable, in an inter-agency context)
• Work with HR and other relevant personnel (e.g. gender, protection) on Safeguarding related aspects, including ensuring that all personnel sign the code of conduct and that screening for past Safeguarding violations is a regular part of the recruitment process.

3: Promoting best practice, including in an inter-agency context

• Pro-actively link with and learn from safeguarding staff in other organisations in the country.
• Influencing managers, staff and volunteers and developing effective networks with external bodies, i.e. participate in and contribute to PSEA/safeguarding networks, GBV Sub cluster, and/or Protection cluster/network meetings.
• Coordinate with the RSGA to document and promote best practice regionally

4: Other tasks

• Support the Country Team in developing an understanding of the information needs of Oxfam staff, counterparts, and beneficiaries in relation to safeguarding.
• Support Country Director, Oxfam GB Safeguarding Team and Regional Safeguarding Advisor to shape Oxfam Syria’s Safeguarding strategy, implement safeguarding policies, and report back to Country Leadership Team on progress
• Contribute to and influence operational planning and ensure that SG plans are adequately resourced.
• Supervise and support (part-time) Safeguarding Focal Points in field locations within the country.
• In coordination with RSGA, provide regular reports and revisions to work plans on safeguarding activities, incorporating feedback on progress, lessons learnt, gaps and possible mitigation.
• Conduct periodic assessments of implementation of One Oxfam safeguarding policies and practices in Syria and suggest improvements to senior management.
• Undertake safeguarding risk assessments and monitoring, including through consultations with communities, in a safe, timely and effective manner while maintaining high levels of confidentiality, and support implementation of risk mitigation and safe programming plans.
• Work with other relevant teams, such as protection, MEL, gender, communications, programmes, and fundraising, on integrating safeguarding into all aspects of Oxfam in [country]’s work.

What we are looking for: 

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

Essential

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in social sciences and humanities, including but not limited to development studies, law, sociology, international relations, or relevant field from recognized college/University
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Safeguarding/PSEA, Protection, Gender, GBV or related fields
• Experience of working with children and adults who have witnessed or experienced exploitation and abuse and working to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse
• A clear understanding of sexual harassment, exploitation and (child) abuse risk factors (such as gender and power inequalities)
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and influence using a variety of different styles, considering cultural differences
• Demonstrable experience in working with survivors of sexual violence
• Commitment to upholding and modelling Oxfam’s values, demonstrating integrity, diplomacy, professionalism, reliability, and resilience always.
• Ability to quickly build personal rapport and trust
• Empathy for the challenge’s survivors face in reporting and the pressures an investigation places on all stakeholders, including the alleged perpetrator and management.
• Ability to think analytically, draw logical conclusions and evidence points made.
• High degree of organizational ability, working well under pressure and to deadlines.
• Strong and clear communicator and public speaker, capable of delivering messages appropriately to a variety of audiences, building a sense of passion and engagement
• Excellent self-awareness and understanding of the need for self-care
• Able to work professionally and with a high degree of confidentiality always
• Skilled in identifying and mitigating risks
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills
• Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English with Strong IT skills Excellent communication skills, especially active listening

Desirable

• Experience of working in an NGO or UN context
• Working in challenging field locations e.g. refugee camps and IDP camps
• Good knowledge of cultural contexts
• Strong and clear communicator and public speaker, capable of delivering messages appropriately to a variety of audiences, building a sense of passion and engagement
• Experience in safeguarding investigations

Key Attributes

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work
• Commitment to undertake Oxfam’s safeguarding training and adherence of relevant policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. 

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more. 

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

How to apply:

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.  

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.