Safeguarding Manager

BACKGROUND

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a leading global development organization working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life. Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society, and businesses, as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together. AKF has been operating in Tajikistan since 1993 and, through its programme partners, continues to work in more than 60 districts and towns across the country. Together with state institutions, AKF Tajikistan (AKFTjk) directly contributes to the objectives of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy and supports national efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

OVERALL OBJECTIVE

The Safeguarding Manager role has been created to ensure that AKF continues to protect people from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) and safeguard the organization’s assets and reputation; that this is managed in a professional, sensitive, coordinated, accountable way, in line with best practices within AKF and the sector, local legislation, and cultural sensitivities.

AKF is seeking an individual with proven experience in the areas of child protection/ protection of vulnerable populations/ gender-based violence, or similar areas of expertise, to support, promote and advise on the local implementation of the organization’s Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and wider safeguarding policies and practices, including supporting the response functions when potential allegations of SEAH/ and other safeguarding violations arise.

DUTY STATION AND REPORTING LINE

This position will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan with frequent travels within the country. The Safeguarding Manager will be reporting directly to the AKF Tajikistan Chief Executive Officer.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and a technical reporting line to AKF Global Safeguarding Lead, the Safeguarding Manager will be responsible for:

Policies and Procedures

Take a lead role in ensuring that AKF global Safeguarding manual and related guidelines on PSEAH and other safeguarding measures including the Code of Conduct are mainstreamed within AKF Tajikistan, understood by all staff and volunteers working for AKF.
Help to identify gaps that need to be addressed, and lessons learned for the organization to consider when revising policies, procedures, and training.
In partnership with the Senior Management Team (SMT), support the roll-out/implementation of complaints mechanisms in the region, and work with programme managers to establish community-level complaints mechanisms to facilitate reporting of concerns by beneficiaries as needed.
In partnership with the SMT, identify, map and regularly update the directory of local support services/referral pathways available to survivors.

Staff, Beneficiaries and Partners Awareness on Safeguarding

Lead on needs assessment, provision of training and actively promote awareness of the organization’s PSEAH and other safeguarding measures and Code of Conduct to staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partner organisations and those in contact with the organization, and of their right to protection including how they would raise a concern about SEAH.
Support the development of effective communication on the organization’s PSEAH principles and procedures, Code of Conduct, reporting mechanisms, and available resources for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
Help build trust and confidence in the organization’s reporting, investigation and case management systems and foster a climate where team members feel confident and comfortable speaking up about issues.
Act as a resource for staff at all levels and volunteers as they work to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations under AKF’s Safeguarding policies.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Identify potential areas of risk at the organisational and programmatic level and ensure plans are in place for risk mitigation.
Guide the Partnership team and programme team to ensure that programmes and operations are integrating safeguarding measures into all projects and activities through proposal development and implementation process.
Guide the programme managers to ensure that M&E activities incorporate components to effectively monitor safeguarding.

Management of cases

Serve as the first point of contact for anyone wishing to make a complaint or raise a safeguarding concern.
Receive and respond to safeguarding allegations in accordance with the organization’s principles and procedures, providing referrals and advice on next step as needed.
Lead the establishment, convene and work with the Case Management Group (CMG) for investigations into safeguarding allegations, as required.
Guide and provide instructions to CEOs and designated team members to maintain organized, confidential, and thorough files on safeguarding matters (including reported allegations and investigations).
Support colleagues, representatives, and partners through the provision of advice and guidance on how the AKF Safeguarding Manual is to be operated and how to address safeguarding risks and issues they may identify.

Key internal and external relations management

Coordinate regular reporting to Senior Management and the Global Lead on the implementation of safeguarding measures (including progress, challenges, and lessons learned), and any other relevant safeguarding matters or initiatives.
Support the development of the organization’s safeguarding body of knowledge and practice, strategic thinking, intellectual leadership, and planning; staying abreast of current thinking methodologies and good practice in the field of safeguarding
Within the framework of the job and as a member of certain specialized and other collegial management bodies, builds and develops relationships with key decision makers and stakeholders.
Establish and maintain a partner network with colleagues, ensures effective communication with external partners such as lawyers, psychologists, and state bodies representatives in the field of safeguarding, ensures transparency of activities, timely and reliable provision of information to ensure efficient decision making, as well as defend interests and create a favourable business reputation of AKF.
Participate in internal and external networks and forums relevant to safeguarding.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in international development, Human Rights, Humanitarian Law, Gender Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Conflict Resolution, Peace & Conflict Studies, etc.

Experience:

Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in safeguarding or related fields
Experience in dealing with safeguarding allegations
Experience working with NGOs or in international development
Experience in conducting consultative workshops/training

Training:

Basic safeguarding training (preferable)
Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures

Skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Written and verbal fluency in Tajik, Russian, and English languages

APPLICATION PROCESS

A cover letter (2 pages maximum) and resume (2 pages maximum) clearly demonstrating how the applicants meet essential qualifications and asset criteria should be submitted to: AKF Human Resources Department at www.the.akdn/careers/2235255 , with “Safeguarding Manager” in the subject line by no later than May 16, 2025.

Only full packages will be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AKF encourages qualified female applicants. We support equal career opportunities and a healthy work-life balance.

Safeguarding Commitment

We promote respectful relations and prevent harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination, and abuse of power. We adhere to child safeguarding principles.

Employment Conditions

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory references and screening checks, including criminal record checks. AKF also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. Learn more at Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. You can find out more on this scheme on this link: https://misconduct-disclosure-scheme.org/

Background Checks

Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of credentials and employment history. Additional information may be required.

Disclaimer

By sharing their cover letter and resume with AKF in response to this job application, applicants consent for AKF to keep this information on file for recruitment and human resources management purposes.

For more information on the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Development Network visit: http://www.akdn.org .