Job Vacancy @ Partners in Health (PIH) – Safeguarding Manager

Partners In Health (PIH) is an international health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of the poor and marginalized. PIH partners with local governments to build local capacity and works closely with impoverished communities to deliver high-quality health care, address the root causes of illness, train providers, advance research, and advocate for global policy change. Our delivered services in the field are based in our partnership with the Governments and Ministries of Health and the support to education, training and mentorship to Health care workers and students is one of our pillars for the Health care system strengthening.

PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.

Our Work In Sierra Leone:

Partners In Health (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.

The role facilitates the development of safeguarding capacities for our staff, and our patients, beneficiaries, families and community members that PIH interacts with in the course of their work. The safeguarding Manager will work to ensure all staff and stakeholders understand the policies and standards as well as develop resources to support PSEAH programs with readily accessible reporting and redress mechanisms for reported cases whether by staff or community members

The role reports to the HR Director and work closely with the OnePIH Regional Safeguarding Advisor to support the following key deliverables: –

• Support HR in implementation of PIH’s PSEAH policy standards and code conduct:
• Work with the HR team to ensure that all aspects of HR policy and procedure are supportive of good safeguarding practice that promote safe recruitment.

• Work with Directors and Managers to implement safeguarding standards highlighted in annual site Dashboard and report progress
• Ensure mainstreaming of safeguarding and PSEAH measures in all programs budgets activities, procedures and organizational policies
• Activate focal points in each site and department’s and build their capacity both for staff and community.
• Conduct risk assessments and manage a risk register for tracking and mitigating PSEAH risks in each PIH programs
• Work with HR and management to ensure PSEAH policy commitments are embedded in all polices and contracts e.g. HR manual, transport policy, IT policy, communications policy, vendor contracts & MOU with Partners etc.
• Implement survivor-centered support services including strengthening referral networks

• Work with management to ensure availability of sufficient resources for responding to survivors of SEAH and other safeguarding incidents
• Manage and respond to reported cases in collaboration with HR, PSEAH focal point, PSEAH Regional Advisor and leadership.

• Work with Regional PSEAH Advisor, HR and leadership in responding appropriately to safeguarding complaints.
• Supporting investigations relating to safeguarding incidents, providing professional advice and support to investigators, HR and leadership while maintaining high levels of case confidentiality and professionalism.

• Identify survivor support referral services in community and district level and ensure timely linkage to care and follow-up.
• Support PIH Sierra Leone to establish and manage culturally and contextually appropriate safeguarding reporting channels at all levels.
• Compile periodic case trackers statistical information on SEA cases received during the quarter and year and analysis on key trends for actions
• Build capacity and awareness of staff and partners in Safeguarding and PSEAH

• Work with Regional Advisor to develop PSEAH training content and roll out trainings across PIH staff and partners
• Conduct periodic trainings for existing staff members and induction for new staff, volunteers, interns and community health workers to raise awareness of safeguarding and PSEAH
• Conduct tailored trainings for key PIH associates including vendors, contractors, partners and visitors on PSEAH policy.

3.Build strategic partnerships to strengthen safeguarding across PIH’s networks and locations

• Work closely with PIH policy and Partnership staff to advocate for safeguarding reforms externally with Government, donors and relevant networks
• Participate and support liaison between PIH and any relevant safeguarding and PSEAH stakeholders, local authorities, national and international partners
• Participate in protection, child protection, case management, SGBV networks /bilateral meetings and represent PIH Sierra Leone in relevant forums.
• Community Reporting and Feedback Mechanisms, Monitoring and Learning.

• Design and help roll-out a safe and survivor centered reporting and feedback mechanisms in accordance with PIH safeguarding policies
• Monitor community based reporting and feedback mechanisms in collaboration with relevant staff teams, patients, key beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• Monitor progress of PSEAH activities within the organization and provide support where gaps have been identified in from of reports and updates to leadership teams.
• Support the continual improvement of safeguarding strategy, policies and practice, sharing areas of best practice and identifying where improvements are required.
• Support HR in managing PSEAH complaints and investigations.

• Work with HR to publicize complaints and investigation procedures among staff, partners and community.
• Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time

• Bachelors or Master degree or equivalent in Social Science / Gender and Development/ Law /Sociology/community Psychology or equivalent degree in other relevant fields with relevant skill and proven expertise in Safeguarding in recent roles in development sector.
• Senior experience in Child Protection or demonstrable experience in safeguarding
• Demonstrable interest in working to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse
• Demonstrable interest in working with young people and communities.

Technical Competencies

• Project management experience of at least 6 years and subsequent skills demonstrated
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize workload
• Strong communication and active listening skills, strong facilitation and presentation skills and demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English and Krio. Additional Knowledge speaking Kono and Mende languages would be an added value.
• Computer literate including Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and influence using a variety of different styles, taking into account cultural differences

Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrable interest and commitment in working to prevent SEAH and in working with survivors of safeguarding incidents.
• Empathy for the challenges survivors face in reporting and the pressures an investigation places on all stakeholders, including the alleged perpetrator and management.
• The ability to maintain strict confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
• The ability to demonstrate integrity throughout the decision making process.
• The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships and to work in an inclusive and collaborative manner with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interest for social justice.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement based on evidence, knowledge and understanding
• Willingness to live in a rural area and travel within the districts regularly