The UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - FCDO) has a vision of a world free from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by 2030, in line with the SDGs. A programme has been established entitled ‘Support to the Africa-led movement (ALM) to end FGM/C’ to contribute to global efforts to achieve that vision. Following a co-creation period, programme implementation began in September 2021.

This programme will support and build the capacity of the Africa Led Movement to end FGM/C at multiple levels and at scale, working in partnership with the rest of the FGM/C movement, complementing UN agencies (such as the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C), Saleema initiative, other alliances (such as Girls not Brides etc.) and grassroots Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), women’s and girls’ movements, etc.

The programme includes two consortia working in close collaboration. Options leads a consortium including Amref Health Africa, ActionAid UK, Orchid Project, ACCAF and University of Portsmouth to implement the ‘Support to the Africa Led Movement to End FGM/C. Population Council is implementing ‘The FGM/C Data Hub: Data and Measurement Support to the Africa Led Movement to end FGM/C’.

The objective of the role is to act as the focal point for safeguarding, providing technical stewardship, advice, and support to the ALM programme and consortium partners. The Safeguarding Lead will be providing continuous training, leadership, and technical expertise across the ALM programme to ensure that the Do No Harm and Safeguarding Frameworks are integral to how ALM works internally and externally with stakeholders and beneficiaries.

This will be achieved by:

• Overseeing and managing the establishment of the programme’s Do No Harm and Safeguarding frameworks to ensure delivery, including advising and leading on framework amendments and updates as needed ensuring information is clear and easily communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting partners and staff to integrate safeguarding into all operations and activities to mitigate against situations where staff, children or communities may be put at risk of harm, abuse, harassment, or exploitation and to address any risks identified.
• Acting as the safeguarding point of contact for any concern emerging from the ALM programme activities and escalate any concerns or reports to the Team Leader within 24 hours.
• Taking a lead role in developing, conducting and delivering safeguarding risk assessments for ALM and its wider programmatic activities.
• Assessing capacity building needs of staff, key stakeholders, girls’ organizations, Youth organizations, Women’s organization, and grass roots grantee organisations and design the delivery of a range of capacity building interventions.
• Working with the Monitoring and Evaluation lead and project managers across the ALM consortium to incorporate safeguarding and Do No Harm into monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Conducting monitoring visits to assess the awareness, functionality and safety of reporting mechanisms and referral pathways.
• Working with the communication team to ensure materials and content on any of ALM platforms or forums uphold the dignity and respect of those sharing their stories and have provided consent as guided by the Do No Harm and Safeguarding frameworks.
• Ensuring regular reports to the Senior Management Team on the implementation of Do No Harm and Safeguarding frameworks across the ALM programme.

• Post-graduate degree in relevant subject area.
• A track record and significant experience providing technical stewardship, advice, effective management, and delivery of safeguarding activities to programmes and organisations based in multiple locations.
• Knowledge of international best practice on Safeguarding.
• Strong experience on communicating evidence effectively to better planning, decision making, and accountability within government.
• Experience engaging closely with partner organizations, including consortium management / co-ordination.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence and lead teams to align with Do no Harm and Safeguarding principles.
• Strong internal and external communication and facilitation skills
• A commitment to the ALM programme’s and Options’ principles of Safeguarding, Do No Harm, and to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Benefits

Options offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance, medical insurance and 13th-month pay.

Application process

• To apply, please fill in the form.
• Closing date for applications is: 26 October 2023
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
• Please note that this role will be subject to full pre-employment background checks including criminal record check, identification check, employment references and right to work verification (where appropriate).

Other information

• Options is dedicated to equal opportunity for all and recognises that every individual is unique. Whilst we always seek to embrace individual differences and celebrate the diversity of our workforce, we also want to ensure that every team member is suited to their role and that they are given the best opportunity to succeed.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, promote diversity and inclusion, are energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Kenya.