Program Officer – Safeguarding & ISO Certification

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in business process engineering, business management, environmental science, IT, Gender Studies & Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
   
2. Minimum 5 years of professional experience in ISO Certification, safeguarding, protection, gender equality, or social development programming.
   
3. Demonstrated experience managing safeguarding or protection systems within regional or multi-country development programs is a MUST.
   
4. Professional training or In-depth knowledge of the ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 45001 on Occupational Health and Safety and ISO 14001; is highly desired.
   
5. Experience working with economic empowerment programs, particularly in fisheries, agriculture, or trade sectors is an added advantage.
   

Safeguarding Strategy and Leadership :

• Lead the implementation of safeguarding policies and frameworks across the project’s operations in the three participating EAC countries.
  
• Provide strategic guidance to project leadership and country teams on safeguarding risks and mitigation measures.
  
• Ensure safeguarding principles are mainstreamed into project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  

ISO Certification Compliance

• Ensure KT ISO Certification is communicated, tracked and incidents reported
  
• Develop appropriate tracking mechanisms for ISO compliance across KT operations
  
• Periodically train staff, suppliers and partners on best practices to ensure compliance
  

Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments across project sites including fish landing sites, markets, border points, and trade corridors.
  
• Identify risks particularly affecting women and youth engaged in cross-border fish trade.
  
• Develop mitigation strategies and integrate safeguarding risk management into operational plans.
  
• Monitor emerging safeguarding risks within cross-border trade environments and recommend corrective actions.
  

Policy Implementation and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with organizational safeguarding policies, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), protection from harassment, and child protection where applicable.
  
• Support country teams and partners to operationalize safeguarding standards in project implementation.
  
• Ensure that all staff, consultants, partners, and volunteers understand and adhere to safeguarding obligations.
  

Safeguarding Training and Capacity Building:

• Design and deliver safeguarding training programs for staff, implementing partners, community leaders, and project participants.
  
• Strengthen safeguarding awareness among women and youth involved in fish trade across border markets and landing sites.
  
• Develop and disseminate safeguarding awareness materials tailored to the cross-border trading context.
  

Reporting, Case Management, and Survivor Support:

• Establish and strengthen confidential and accessible safeguarding reporting mechanisms across project locations.
  
• Receive and manage safeguarding complaints in line with survivor-centered principles and confidentiality standards.
  
• Coordinate appropriate referrals to relevant service providers, including psychosocial, legal, and protection services.
  

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Monitor safeguarding compliance across KT operational areas, activities, partners, and field operations.
  
• Conduct regular safeguarding field visits and compliance assessments across KT countries.
  
• Integrate safeguarding indicators into project monitoring and reporting mechanisms including donor reports, Board reports and internal audit reports.
  

Coordination and Partnerships:

• Work closely with project teams, government agencies, and cross-border authorities to strengthen safeguarding standards in alignment with KT policy
  
• Collaborate with women's groups, youth networks, fisheries associations, and community organizations to promote safe participation in trade.
  
• Engage with regional safeguarding and protection networks where relevant