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10 hours ago
JOB SUMMARY:
This role has been created to help ensure we continue to protect program participants from harm or abuse of any kind, including sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. The post holder reports to the CARE USA Global Safeguarding Advisor and supports safeguarding operations across ESA and WCA. This includes awareness raising, training, and supporting the Global Safeguarding Advisor on safer programming. This is a support role, with opportunities for learning and growth.
The Safeguarding Officer supports the integration of safeguarding and the protection from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (PSHEA), as well as physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and child abuse, across CARE’s work. The role works closely with Safeguarding Focal Points in ESA and WCA country offices, Regional Safeguarding Advisors, and other Safeguarding team members, as required. Working with the Global Safeguarding Advisor, the post holder provides day-to-day advice and support on safeguarding inquiries, safer programming and partnerships, staff capacity strengthening, and awareness raising-aligned with the CARE International Safeguarding Policy and related frameworks.
Job Summary
- Employer: CARE
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Humanitarian Aid
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Work with Safeguarding focal points and HR to ensure effective training and awareness raising at country office level, including onboarding.
- Help ensure robust safer recruitment practices are in place at country office level, using guidance developed by the safeguarding team.
- Support the Global Safeguarding Advisor to socialize the CARE Safer Programming Strategy with focal points, program staff, and partners, and monitor completion of the safer programming course by all staff.
- Support country office staff to develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and support staff and partners to adapt, share, and distribute them. This includes information on expected behavior by CARE staff and partners that is appropriate to the context.
- Using safer programming guidance, support focal points to organize community dialogues and focus group discussions with community members and program participants to identify risks and agree practical mitigation measures.
- With support from safeguarding technical advisors, conduct and review country-context safeguarding risk assessments
- Support country program teams and focal points to conduct program safeguarding audits and project safeguarding risk assessments, and to manage identified risks
- Monitor action plans developed by country offices in response to identified safeguarding risks
- Support processes to ensure safeguarding risk mitigation measures-and associated costs are included at the project proposal stage.
- Provide guidance to country office teams to undertake safeguarding due diligence with partners and assess safeguarding standards.
- Review evidence provided by partners through self-assessments.
- Support the mapping and strengthening of partner capacity in safeguarding and safer programs and share approved resources and tools.
- Support country office teams to monitor safeguarding actions agreed with partners.
- Using safer programming guidance, advise on safeguarding in project proposals and program budgets, as appropriate.
- Collaborate with Emergency Coordination, Gender, MEAL, and Protection colleagues to support joined-up prevention and response approaches.
Requirements
- A Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- 3 to 5 years of relevant experience incorporating safeguarding practices into humanitarian or development programming.
- Understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and protecting the most vulnerable.
- Ability to recognize safeguarding risks and identify mitigations in programs.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality work.
- Experience in ESA and/or WCA, and knowledge of the African context, is strongly preferred.
- Strong interest and personal commitment to CARE’s values, including gender equality, safeguarding, and the empowerment of women and girls.
How to Apply
Apply online: devex.com
About the Company
CARE is a major international humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and long-term international development projects. Founded in 1945, CARE is nonsectarian, impartial, and non-governmental. It is one of the largest and oldest humanitarian aid organizations focused on fighting global poverty. In 2019, CARE reported working in 104 countries, supporting 1,349 poverty-fighting projects and humanitarian aid projects, and reaching over 92.3 million people directly and 433.3 million people indirectly.
Website: https://www.care.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Safeguarding Officer in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, law, or a related field. Certifications in child protection, PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), or safeguarding from recognized bodies like UNICEF or Save the Children strengthen your application. Prior training in humanitarian standards such as the Core Humanitarian Standard is also highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Safeguarding Officer?
You will investigate safeguarding concerns, maintain confidential case records, and coordinate with local authorities and community structures. Regular tasks include training staff and volunteers on safeguarding policies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with organizational protocols. You may also represent your agency in district-level protection coordination meetings.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect this role?
Respect for hierarchy and community consultation are essential; decisions often involve traditional leaders and district social welfare offices. Building trust with local communities requires patience and cultural sensitivity, particularly in rural areas. Employers expect flexibility, as field travel and emergency response can disrupt regular schedules.
What career progression opportunities exist for Safeguarding Officers in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Safeguarding Advisor, Protection Coordinator, or Country-level Child Protection Manager roles. Specializing in areas like gender-based violence programming or PSEA investigations opens doors to regional or international positions. Many professionals also transition into consultancy or policy development with UN agencies or international NGOs.
What benefits should I expect from employers in Malawi's humanitarian sector?
Benefits vary by employer but typically include health insurance, annual leave of 20–25 days, and pension contributions where legally required. International NGOs often provide additional benefits such as housing allowances, rest and recuperation leave, and professional development funding. Always review employment contracts carefully, as local and international organizations differ significantly in their packages.
How do I apply for Safeguarding Officer positions, and what do Malawian employers prioritize?
Apply through NGO job boards, LinkedIn, and direct submissions to organization offices in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in case management, strong report-writing skills in English, and references from previous safeguarding or protection roles. A clean police clearance certificate and willingness to relocate to field locations are often mandatory requirements.