POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Ukraine seeks an experienced PSEA and Safeguarding Specialist to join its growing and dynamic team based in Ukraine. Safeguarding at HIAS is our commitment to ensure that all our programs and operations are free from any form of exploitation, abuse, or harm. HIAS’ Safeguarding framework includes the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), child safeguarding, anti-human trafficking, and internal sexual harassment. The PSEA and Safeguarding Specialist, in close coordination with the Global Safeguarding Director and the HIAS Ukraine Team, will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of HIAS’ Safeguarding policies in country, as well as developing, maintaining, and improving systems to prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns.

The PSEA and Safeguarding Specialist is responsible for implementing HIAS’ Safeguarding policies, systems and ensuring compliance with safeguarding minimum standards for HIAS’ work in Ukraine, including in both direct implementation and with partners.

This position will report to the Country Director, HIAS Ukraine, with close technical supervision and advisory provided by the Safeguarding Manager, Africa & Eurasia.

This role is cross-functional and will work closely with programmatic, technical, and operational staff within the response team, as well as coordinate with HQ-based colleagues within Human Resources, program, emergency technical staff and other HIAS departments as necessary to ensure that safeguarding is mainstream throughout the Ukraine response.

This position is based within Ukraine, with travel in-country as HIAS’ travel policy and security guidelines permit. You will be requested to travel in frontline oblasts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement the laid down safeguarding policies and procedures in accordance with International standards and HIAS best practices, ensuring compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) guidelines.
• Design and deliver comprehensive safeguarding training programs for partners ‘staff, volunteers, and partners staff to increase awareness, understanding, and commitment to safeguarding principles.
• Assist the HR department in the tracking, management, and maintenance of records for misconduct background checks in line with HIAS’ standards. Work with Human Resources teams to ensure that safeguarding is incorporated into recruitment of all staff and associated personnel, supporting the integration of safeguarding into interviews.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks and vulnerabilities within the organization and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies to minimize risks and ensure the safety of individuals.
• Act as a focal point for all safeguarding concerns or incidents reported within the organization, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken in accordance with established procedures.
• Conduct thorough investigations into safeguarding incidents, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of safeguarding incidents, investigations, and actions taken, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as local authorities and partner organizations, to ensure effective coordination and sharing of information related to safeguarding.
• Provide support and guidance to staff members and volunteers in dealing with safeguarding concerns, including appropriate referrals to external agencies or services. Stay updated on current safeguarding practices, policies, and legislation, and provide regular updates to staff members to promote a culture of safeguarding within the organization.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records related to safeguarding incidents, investigations, and actions taken.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports for management.
• Develop SoPs for the Ukrainian mission and create referral pathways to ensure survivors can be supported through a survivor centered approach linking with GBV and MHPSS Teams.
• Conduct PSEA awareness raising in the project implementation to ensure beneficiaries are aware of PSEA concepts and report mechanisms.
• Participate in the meetings of the PSEA Interagency Working Group at OCHA and act as focal point for every matter related to PSEA.
• Collaborate with MEAL colleagues to develop incorporate safeguarding into MEAL activities
• In coordination with GBV colleagues, local PSEA networks, and GBV clusters, identify, map, and regularly update local support services available to survivors. Advise communication colleagues to ensure the safe and dignified collection and publication of photos, images, and digital media of children and vulnerable adults

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Gender, Social Sciences, International Relations, or another related field required; Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
• 2 years of relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of 1 year of relevant field-based experience in PSEA/safeguarding, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child protection, human trafficking, and/or protection mainstreaming in humanitarian response contexts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical principles, concepts, and international standards in Safeguarding/PSEA, GBV, child protection, anti-human trafficking, and/or protection mainstreaming in humanitarian response; general knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement training and capacity building initiatives with staff, partners, and/or community members on humanitarian principles.
• Experience working with directly with program participants and affected communities to improve organizational accountability and program quality and/or awareness raising on sensitive topics preferred.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including demonstrated experience developing or contributing to tools, guidance, project proposals, policies, and SOPs.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines; ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively.
• Strong cross-cultural skills; ability to work well with others and rapidly adapt to new countries/contexts.
• Ability to manage/maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work in challenging environments and with high workloads, potentially with limited mobility.
• Ability to travel within Ukraine and to countries in the region as needed, security situation permitting.
• English fluency required; Ukrainian and/or Russian fluency required.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts, and history of the Jewish people – a history of oppression, displacement, and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history, and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission, and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalite • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatia • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Companerismo • Cooperation • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Resilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults, and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse, or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personal. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.