- Médecins Sans Frontières
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Safeguarding Manager – Safeguarding Unit
- Médecins Sans Frontières
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: May 7, 2025
- Médecins Sans Frontières
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: May 7, 2025
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.
CONTEXT:
MSF's mission is to alleviate suffering, promote health, and save lives. To achieve these goals, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of ethics and behavior. Staff providing aid to vulnerable populations are expected to adhere to a shared framework of values and responsible behavior, as outlined in the MSF Behavioral Commitments, which focuses on individual actions.
In 2023, the MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) resolved to transform its ethics and behavior management, previously handled by the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, into a Safeguarding Unit. This decision, aligned with the OCB General Assembly, the OCB Strategic Orientations 2020–2023, and the 'Review of OCB Behavior Systems' (finalized in December 2023 and approved in 2024), reflects the progress of safeguarding efforts across the MSF movement.
Following this decision, the 'Safeguarding Unit Transition' project, initiated in September 2024 and supported by a Project Manager, was launched in December 2024 with two objectives:
As Safeguarding Manager, you will play a key role in aligning MSF’s working culture with its values and principles, alongside the Safeguarding Lead. Reporting directly to the Safeguarding Lead, you will manage efforts to raise awareness, build capacity, and improve safeguarding practices across OCB missions. This includes engaging with senior management to implement safeguarding strategies, such as abuse prevention, establishing safe reporting channels, and creating a safe environment for staff, patients, and communities, in line with MSF Behavioral Commitments. You will also develop a safeguarding learning and development strategy, prepare reports and presentations, analyze safeguarding risk data, identify trends and concerns, monitor risk exposure and incidents, and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implementation of the Safeguarding Frame and procedures
Overseeing reporting and response procedures
Advise on the design and development of new products and initiatives
Develop and implement a Learning and Development (LnD)Strategy for safeguarding
Reporting and Data Collection
Other
REQUIREMENTS:
Education and experience
Competencies
Languages
Other
CONDITIONS:
Due to legal administrative constraints, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium.
Deadline for applications: 7th of May 2025.
HOW TO APPLY:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.
CONTEXT:
MSF's mission is to alleviate suffering, promote health, and save lives. To achieve these goals, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of ethics and behavior. Staff providing aid to vulnerable populations are expected to adhere to a shared framework of values and responsible behavior, as outlined in the MSF Behavioral Commitments, which focuses on individual actions.
In 2023, the MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) resolved to transform its ethics and behavior management, previously handled by the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, into a Safeguarding Unit. This decision, aligned with the OCB General Assembly, the OCB Strategic Orientations 2020–2023, and the 'Review of OCB Behavior Systems' (finalized in December 2023 and approved in 2024), reflects the progress of safeguarding efforts across the MSF movement.
Following this decision, the 'Safeguarding Unit Transition' project, initiated in September 2024 and supported by a Project Manager, was launched in December 2024 with two objectives:
- The main objective is to develop a Safeguarding Unit, a structure that is embedded in the General Directorate of the Operational Center Brussels and accountable towards the MSF Board with the following areas of responsibilities: Prevention, Case Management & Investigation, Policies and Strategies for both Headquarter and staff in countries of intervention;
- The specific objective is to transition from the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, which is the entity that since 2001 works as a multidisciplinary and independent group of associative and executive volunteers who receive and investigate complaints related to behavior and abuse in MSF projects, to the Safeguarding Unit, in alignment with MSF Forms of Abuses and Inappropriate Behaviors IPOB July 2021 and Safeguarding Standards;
- The development of the OCB Safeguarding Unit is and will be an ongoing process, foreseen to continue throughout the MSF OCB 2026-2031 Strategic Orientations with the ambition to include a phased integration in OCB to increase synergies and reinforce processes and procedures.
As Safeguarding Manager, you will play a key role in aligning MSF’s working culture with its values and principles, alongside the Safeguarding Lead. Reporting directly to the Safeguarding Lead, you will manage efforts to raise awareness, build capacity, and improve safeguarding practices across OCB missions. This includes engaging with senior management to implement safeguarding strategies, such as abuse prevention, establishing safe reporting channels, and creating a safe environment for staff, patients, and communities, in line with MSF Behavioral Commitments. You will also develop a safeguarding learning and development strategy, prepare reports and presentations, analyze safeguarding risk data, identify trends and concerns, monitor risk exposure and incidents, and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Implementation of the Safeguarding Frame and procedures
- Ensure that implementation of the Safeguarding Frame in the local contexts. Ensure it is reviewed regularly and updated according to needs and gap analysis. Work closely with staff across OCB operations to implement the safeguarding policy and procedures and ensure that safeguarding is prioritized across all initiatives and functions;
- Develop and deliver training to all OCB staff annually and establish a program of ongoing capacity building for staff tailored to their specific work area;
- Ensure all recruits receive a safeguarding induction within their first month of employment;
- Support project Coordination Teams to ensure robust risk assessments and risk management plans;
- Oversee the completion of an annual safeguarding assessment and provide a report summarizing progress, challenges and future objectives;
- Guide the design of community-based reporting mechanisms in OCB Projects in coordination with the Operational Department;
- Maintain continuous conversations with the Operational, HR, FRRIC, IT-Log, Supply, Communications and Medical Department on safeguarding needs and plans.
Overseeing reporting and response procedures
- Ensure that reporting and response procedures are clear and well understood at the country level and within each initiative/product;
- Ensure that reporting procedures are clearly understood by staff, partners, contractors, visitors, and the beneficiaries themselves. This may include providing briefings, training, or developing dissemination materials, including safeguarding-friendly materials;
- Ensure safeguarding concerns are documented and regularly analyzed to inform organizational learning and improve safeguarding practice.
Advise on the design and development of new products and initiatives
- Contribute to the design and development of new tools and initiatives to ensure that safeguarding measures are built to identify risks and mitigate measures in all activities;
- Provide advice and support to staff developing media content and distribution platforms to ensure the protection of patients and communities is prioritized;
- Guide the creation of a Community Reporting Mechanism.
Develop and implement a Learning and Development (LnD)Strategy for safeguarding
- In collaboration with the OCB L&D department develop, initiate and implement a L&D strategy for the OCB safeguarding approach;
- This includes the identification of the target population including cell/RST members and directors of the OCB Committee of Directors and the OCB Board;
- Development of tools, modules and training to further the OCB safeguarding approach.
Reporting and Data Collection
- Support the implementation of the current (and future) data collection tool/s in all project locations with support of the respective cells and RSTs;
- Based on the various risk assessments carried out in projects, collect, aggregate and analyse risk data to identify trends and potential areas of concern;
- Monitor and report on Safeguarding risk exposure and incidents, highlighting non/compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements;
- Prepare quarterly and annual reports on the safeguarding activities undertaken highlighting lessons learned and proposing future improvement plans.
Other
- Keep up to date with trends and developments in protection and safeguarding and disseminate key learning from policy, practice, and research to the wider team;
- Spearhead safeguarding mainstreaming and internal learning by ensuring learning hurdles and training are delivered across the organization, periodically conducting gender and safeguarding audits, reviewing organizational policies, and providing safeguarding expertise as required;
- Provide technical expertise in safeguarding policies and procedures;
- Coordinate and manage a safeguarding team;
- Participate in international and intersectional discussions on Safeguarding matters;
- Transversal networking and collaboration with the Operational Department, Medical Department, and Finance Department within the Operational Center Brussels and Safeguarding Managers and advisors within the movement.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education and experience
- University degree in or equivalent experience in law, social science, social work, education, development studies, gender studies or psychology or any other relevant area of study;
- Minimum 5 years professional experience in a safeguarding position, preferably in an NGO setting;
- Experience in managing and developing safeguarding, learning, and awareness-raising activities for diverse audiences within the humanitarian sector;
- Track record on safeguarding or related fields such as child protection or gender-based violence, DEI, preferably in international non-profit organizations;
- Knowledge of child and adult protection policies, practices, and legislation internationally or applicable to humanitarian contexts, and an understanding of the differences internationally.
Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and work independently with a high degree of professionalism, to achieve objectives, as well as work collaboratively within a team;
- Ability to develop effective professional networks with a range of peers within an organization, and externally, to influence, progress an agenda, ensure relevance and best practice, and make an impact;
- Ability to produce professional materials, communication, and written reports, online and face to face trainings or workshops to a wide variety of audience;
- Ability to think critically and analytically enabling excellent decision-making abilities around the protection of vulnerable people;
- People Management, Team lead& work: Strong people skills with the ability to navigate complex organisational culture;
- Communication: Confident and engaging, strong cross-cultural communication abilities;
- Experience in multicultural transversal settings;
- Strong organization and time management skills;
- Discreet and able to handle information sensitively;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Strong motivation to ensure MSF OCB is a safe work environment where people are heard, and concerns are addressed.
Languages
- Proficiency in English both spoken and written is mandatory;
- Good knowledge of French or other languages is an asset.
Other
- Candidates with special needs shall be given equal consideration and are strongly encouraged to apply given the MSF commitment to be an equal opportunity employer;
- Availability to perform project visits on short notice.
CONDITIONS:
- Expected starting date: As soon as possible;
- Location: Brussels (Belgium);
- Contract type: Open-ended contract – full-time;
- Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid;
- Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs;
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment;
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments.
Due to legal administrative constraints, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium.
Deadline for applications: 7th of May 2025.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button;
- You will be directed to the online application form for this position;
- It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (preferably in PDF format).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.
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