Safeguarding Coordinator

Job Title: Safeguarding Coordinator
Department: Safeguarding
Responsible to: Safeguarding Manager
Location: Erbil Office

MAG is a humanitarian organisation clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of communities worldwide. MAG is co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and has been operating in Iraq since 1992 and is operational in five governorates. MAG’s extensive experience and longevity in Iraq and deliver diverse programmes across emergency and development response projects, including support, training and collaboration with national NGOs.

Overall purpose of the job:

Reporting to the Safeguarding Manager and working with other relevant teams(including the safeguarding team at HQ), the Safeguarding Coordinator will support the implementation of safeguarding best practice across MAG’s Iraq Programme, ensuring MAG staff are supported and the programme is compliant against safeguarding standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Safeguarding culture and awareness:

• Support in the design and delivery of safeguarding trainings in order to raise awareness of what safeguarding is and the expected behaviours of MAG personnel. This will include conducting induction training (with HR), refresher training for all staff and support to the Community Liaison (CL) teams on awareness raising with communities and other role specific training as required.
• Support the publication, dissemination and implementation of safeguarding policies, procedures and good practice.
• Act as an adviser to managers when safeguarding issues are raised or where there are concerns identified.
• Work with partner organisations to monitor safeguarding and due diligence, and provide support as required.

• Support the management of reporting mechanisms at all levels and for those who come into contact with our work (including all staff at all locations, communities (with the CL team), partners and suppliers).
• Manage reporting mechanisms such as: the safeguarding hotline and email address according to MAG guidelines; receiving concerns in a empathetic way; and identifying next steps.
• Support the safeguarding focal points in programme, provide training and ongoing support.

• Monitor MAG’s progress against safeguarding activities as set out in the safeguarding work plan for the Iraq Programme, the dashboard and provide support where gaps have been identified.
• Work with colleagues to identify safeguarding risks across the programme and work on ways to mitigate these risks.

• Provide proactive support to MAG staff on personal and welfare issues across the programme – this may be providing psycho social support or identifying practical support such as external professional advice.
• During an investigation, be the point of contact for the complainant or victims and to those involved in an investigation. Arrange external support as necessary.
• Be proactive about setting up relationships with external professional expertise such as statutory authorities, police, domestic violence units and women’s groups.

• Support the Safeguarding Manager in response to allegations and assist with the planning, management and support to investigations related to safeguarding.
• Act as a note taker and translator during investigations relating to safeguarding; supporting interviews and writing transcripts.

• Represent MAG when required at appropriate sector events on safeguarding and liaise with other safeguarding professionals to learn from best practice in Iraq.
• In coordination with the Safeguarding Manager, liaise with the safeguarding team at HQ to learn from the experience of other programmes and gain support in the implementation of activities.
• Following a significant event (an investigation or incident) conduct a lessons learnt exercise to ensure continuous learning and improvement.

• Work within the framework of MAG’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.
• Work towards achieving programme and/or department business plan objectives.
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all MAG policies and procedures and keep informed of MAG activities.
• Travel overseas, sometimes to developing countries and areas in conflict, as and when required.
• Understand and uphold the standards outlined in MAG’s Safeguarding Framework, acting with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of anyone that comes into contact with MAG’s work and reporting concerns if they do arise.
• Act as an ambassador for MAG.
• Contribute to other fundraising initiatives where appropriate.
• Participate in meetings, networks, seminars and conferences where relevant and beneficial to MAG and its mission and mandate. Where requested, give appropriate presentations in co-ordination with Country Director.
• Work in compliance with MAG's Equal Opportunities, Code of Conduct and Dignity at Work Policies.

• The post holder should be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
• Experience of working in a role that supports safeguarding, PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), gender based violence or protection of children or vulnerable adults
• Experience of supporting, designing and delivering safeguarding training for a range of audiences
• Experience of identifying and mitigating risks
• Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice
• Fluent in English, Arabic and Kurdish
• Demonstrable interest and commitment in working to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse
• Demonstrable interest in working with complainants, victims/survivors of safeguarding incidents
• Empathy for the challenges complainants face in reporting and the pressures an investigation places on all those involved.
• The ability to demonstrate integrity and sound judgement

• Experience of working in a safeguarding and/or protection position, preferably in an International NGO setting
• Experience of working in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children
• Experience of supporting investigations and resolving safeguarding issues
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work under pressure and to deadlines