Policy Advisor – Safeguarding Unit

CONTEXT 

MSF's mission is to alleviate suffering, promote health, and save lives. To achieve these goals, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of ethics and behavior. Staff providing aid to vulnerable populations are expected to adhere to a shared framework of values and responsible behavior, as outlined in the MSF Behavioral Commitments, which focuses on individual actions. 

In 2023, the MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) resolved to transform its ethics and behavior management, previously handled by the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, into a Safeguarding Unit. This decision, aligned with the OCB General Assembly, the OCB Strategic Orientations 2020–2023, and the 'Review of OCB Behavior Systems' (finalized in December 2023 and approved in 2024), reflects the progress of safeguarding efforts across the MSF movement. 

Following this decision, the 'Safeguarding Unit Transition' project, initiated in September 2024 and supported by a Project Manager, was launched in December 2024 with two objectives:  

The main objective is to develop a Safeguarding Unit, a structure that is embedded in the General Directorate of the Operational Center Brussels and accountable towards the MSF Board with the following areas of responsibilities: Prevention, Case Management & Investigation, Policies and Strategies for both Headquarter and Field staff. 

The specific objective is to transition from the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, which is the entity that since 2001 works as a multidisciplinary and independent group of associative and executive volunteers who receive and investigate complaints related to behavior and abuse in the field, to the Safeguarding Unit, in alignment with MSF Forms of Abuses and Inappropriate Behaviors IPOB July 2021 and Safeguarding Standards.  

The development of the OCB Safeguarding Unit is and will be an ongoing process, foreseen to continue throughout the MSF OCB 2026-2031 Strategic Orientations with the ambition to include a phased integration in OCB to increase synergies and reinforce processes and procedures.  

As OCB Policy Advisor in the Safeguarding Unit, you will play a key role in planning, organizing, and coordinating policy advice and strategic planning to support the unit's development. Reporting to the appointed Safeguarding Lead, you will be responsible for creating, advising on, and implementing a compendium of policies aligned with safeguarding principles such as integrity, zero tolerance, confidentiality, and transparency. This compendium will form part of the Safeguarding Framework, requiring close collaboration with other departments.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Safeguarding Policy Development

• Design and participate in the revision of a compendium of specific associated safeguarding policies including:

• Protection (should be Prevention) from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH)

• Anti-bullying and anti-harassment in the workplace

• Whistleblower protection and anti-retaliation policy

• Any other policy/ies as may be requested and time permitting

• Ensure alignment with global safeguarding standards, legal frameworks, and organizational goals.

• Offer strategic advice to Safeguarding Lead and other concerned departments on policy implementation.

• Collaborate with departments including Finance, HR, Logistics, Communication, Medical, Operations, Legal, Duty of Care, Staff Health, PSI, and Fraud and Corruption to revise, adapt, and align policies with safeguarding principles

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Ethics or a related area of study
• Minimum 5 years of experience in policy development, safeguarding, or protection roles within the humanitarian, development, or social sectors
• Sector-Specific Experience: Knowledge of the humanitarian system, including familiarity with the needs of vulnerable populations
• Certification or training in safeguarding, protection, gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, or humanitarian standards (e.g., Core Humanitarian Standards, Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines) is a strong asset

Competencies

• Certification or training in safeguarding, protection, gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, or humanitarian standards (e.g., Core Humanitarian Standards, Inter-Agency Standing Committee Guidelines) is a strong asset.

  • Strong skills in drafting, analyzing, and implementing policies and procedures

  • Ability to align organizational policies with global safeguarding standards and local legal frameworks

  • Strong communication and negotiation skills 

  • Ability to engage stakeholders ranging from project staff in countries of intervention to executive leadership

  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively across diverse teams and cultures

• Integrity and Ethical Judgment

• Results oriented, ability to meet tight deadlines

• Analytical and Strategic Thinking

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to rapidly changing environments and organizational priorities.

Languages

• Proficiency in English, written and spoken is mandatory

• Proficiency in additional languages, French or those spoken in the organization's operational areas, is an asset.

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible

• Location*: Any location(s) where there is an MSF entity 

* The final outcome depends on local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity/office of the/se location/s. The local contract and standard salary grid will then apply

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – part-time 50%

• Contract duration: 6 months

• Salary according to MSF-OCB salary grid

• The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidates and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grids
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: 22nd of May 2025

How to apply?

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter certification or training in safeguarding (if applicable) ready to upload

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

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