Regional Safeguarding Advisor

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is seeking a talented professional for the role of Regional Safeguarding Advisor. Reporting to the Europe and Middle East (EME) Senior Director for Programs, with a dotted line to the Global Director of Safeguarding, this position will lead the regional safeguarding approach, including strategy, implementation, and continuous strengthening of safeguarding systems across the region, while contributing to global safeguarding priorities and initiatives. The Regional Safeguarding Advisor will foster a strong safeguarding culture and ensuring that safeguarding is effectively integrated across all aspects of operations, programs, partnerships, and leadership practices. This includes establishing and driving the regional safeguarding strategy and annual work plan, supporting the implementation of policies and procedures in line with global standards and local contexts, and strengthening accountability mechanisms, risk management, and reporting structures. The role supports prevention, reporting, response, and aftercare by working closely with country teams, safeguarding focal points, and cross-functional departments. It includes building capacity through training and mentoring, promoting safer programming and partnerships, supporting survivor-centred approaches, and ensuring accessible and trusted reporting mechanisms. In addition, the Regional Safeguarding Advisor contributes to the development and contextualisation of global safeguarding tools and standards, collaborates with the global safeguarding team, and represents Habitat in relevant external safeguarding and PSEA networks within the region.

This position is to based in Bratislava, Slovakia and requires around 30% of travel.

The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. The monthly gross pay starts at 3570 EUR / month (based on previous experience + benefits).

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

Safeguarding culture, leadership and strategy:

• Culture: Foster an organizational safeguarding culture, where safeguarding is prioritized at all levels of business, allegations are taken seriously, and stakeholders feel safe to report.

• Strategy: Establish the regional safeguarding strategy and annual work plan ensuring alignment with regional needs, the global strategy and duty of care framework.

• Policy and Procedures: Support the adoption and implementation of the safeguarding policy and procedures at the regional and country level, in line with mapping of local external environment (legislation, cultural considerations, etc.) and global guidelines.

• Leadership: Provide advice, support and guidance to managers and staff, ensuring that safeguarding measures are effectively integrated into regional and country operations, processes, and programs.

• Network: Advise, mentor and support Country Safeguarding Focal Points and Officers with implementing and improving safeguarding practice at project and country level. Actively participate in the global safeguarding community of practice. Oversee the regional safeguarding community of practice to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and ongoing learning.

• Risk Management: Collaborate with and provide advice to key teams within the area office and national organizations to conduct risk identification, develop and implement appropriate mitigating actions.

• Accountability: Support the implementation of accountability mechanisms, such as self-assessments, aligned with safeguarding pillars and standards to ensure regular reporting of safeguarding metrics. Provide regular updates to leadership on safeguarding performance at the local and regional level.

• External engagement: represent Habitat in safeguarding matters and at professional groups (e.g. PSEA Networks) in the region.

Prevention:

• Programming: Partner with the program teams to enhance safer programming and awareness-raising in communities where Habitat operates and the MEAL team for raising awareness around community reporting mechanisms. Support program teams in building partner capacity in the areas of safeguarding.

• Volunteer Management: Support the integration of safeguarding measures in volunteer activities.

• Project and Proposal Development: Serve as technical partners on safeguarding matters related to program design and proposal formulation ensuring compliance with donor requirements and standards.

• Capacity building: Lead safeguarding training planning and delivery for the region.

Reporting and Response:

• Reporting: Act as a reporting avenue for safeguarding related issues or concerns. Assist in enhancing local reporting channels for safeguarding concerns to ensure they are accessible, confidential and safe.

• Case Management: Provide regional support for case management, including advice on case assessment. Support fact-gathering as needed based on consultation with the investigations team.

• Aftercare: Support country and regional teams in implementing the Survivor Support Services Framework. Provide guidance to country teams on the aftercare and survivor-care referral processes, ensuring survivors receive appropriate and timely support.

Global Support:

• Collaborate closely with the Global Director of Safeguarding to ensure regional strategies are aligned with global priorities and initiatives. This includes reviewing and contextualizing global safeguarding tools to fit regional needs and contexts.

• Bachelors degree level of education in relevant field

• 5 years of prior experience of development/humanitarian work, or related work

• 5+ years of safeguarding experience or experience in a similar field such as protection, child protection, SGBV - preferably in an international non-profit organization

• 3+ years of safeguarding investigation experience, desired.

• Experience dealing with sensitive matters - highly confidential and discrete – and ability to build/maintain trust

• Experienced trainer, facilitator and mediator

• Experienced in change management and project management skills

• Must have a high level of resilience with the ability to be impartial and remain calm under difficult circumstances

• Must be able to impartial in the most challenging situations

• Must have excellent problem – solving, and decision-making skills

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills

• Active support of HFHI Values:

  • Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves

  • Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular

  • Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission

• Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Preferred :

• Experience adhering to safeguarding compliance requirements from donors

We have a benefits package that invests in our employee's long-term personal and professional growth and well-being. Here's a sample of what that includes:

• Work-Life balance: 40 hours a week with Alternative Work Schedule providing some degree of flexibility on how long, where, and when you work.

• Meal vouchers: 8,50 € per day fully compensated by the employer.

• Transportation, internet, and cell phone allowance (starting from 82€ monthly)

• Contribution to DDS in the amount of 6% of the gross salary

• Medical benefit-membership at ProCare or annual credit for medical expenses (starting from 430 €)

• Multisport card or UpDejeuner benefit credit (monthly contribution of 11€)

• Employee recognition portal

• Extra personal days off

• Sick days

• Retreats and teambuilding activities organized by Habitat

• Training and professional development opportunities

• Opportunity to work for an International NGO contributing to eliminating poverty around the world and positively impacting millions of people annually

• Being part of a truly international environment – working with colleagues from various parts of the world

• Friendly and supportive working environment