Safeguarding Lead

About MSF

Doctors without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is a global network of principled professionals who specialise in medical humanitarian work driven by our common humanity and guided by medical ethics. We work together in teams, small and large, to respond to the medical needs of people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics and those excluded from healthcare.

Doctors Without Borders team members are on the ground, working directly, every day. We bear witness and describe what is happening, to raise awareness about the experiences of the people we assist and the situations where we work. We alert the public to emerging crises, acute emergencies and serious challenges, such as lack of access and exclusion from healthcare – and to mobilise support for MSF’s work and social mission, provoking change.

Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises. MSF South Africa is in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town too. MSF SA is governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, which is made up of more than 300 members from seven countries in the region.

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (with occasional regional travel)

Reports to: Deputy General Director

Position level: 8

Interactions:

Internal: All departments (HR, Operations, DSR/DEI, Association, Workplace Forum, Employment Equity Committee); project sites and regional focal points.

External: MSF Ubuntu OD; Intersectional Platform on Behaviour (IPOB); Ambassador Network on Ethical Behaviour (ANEB); movement-wide safeguarding focal points; EDI facilitator (IO), external networks (e.g., Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub) and service providers (e.g., legal/psychosocial partners).

1. Job Purpose 

As a subject matter expert, the Safeguarding Lead establishes and coordinates MSF Southern Africa’s Safeguarding Unit, working autonomously with support from the Deputy General Director. The role drives the integration of survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and intersectional safeguarding practices across the office, operations, and associative spaces. This contributes to embedding a culture of psychological safety, ethical leadership, and accountability, advancing MSF Southern Africa’s commitments to zero tolerance of abuse and zero tolerance of inaction on abuse, in alignment with Strategic Directions and MSF OCB and MSF Ubuntu OD ambitions.

2. Key Responsibilities 

2.1 Strategic Leadership 

Lead the definition of the scope, mandate, and structure of the Safeguarding Unit ·

Contribute to aligning the safeguarding strategy with MSF Southern Africa’s Strategic Directions and MSF Ubuntu OD ambitions

Lead the development and implementation of safeguarding policies, protocols, and reporting mechanisms ·

Champion integration of safeguarding into governance, recruitment, fundraising, and media outreach

2.2 Technical and Operational Oversight 

Lead safeguarding landscape assessments and risk mapping across offices and field sites

Develop and implement survivor-centred reporting and case management systems

Ensure legal and ethical compliance with local laws and international standards

Coordinate safeguarding audits, evaluations, and feedback loops

Establish a multidisciplinary advisory panel and a safeguarding committee

2.3 Capacity Building and Culture Change 

Design and deliver role-specific training and experiential learning for staff, managers, leadership, and the association.

Promote trauma-informed facilitation and inclusive safeguarding practices

Integrate safeguarding into onboarding, performance reviews, and leadership development

Use appropriate tools to support reflections and actions

2.4 Engagement and Collaboration 

Liaise with MSF Ubuntu OD and other sections to harmonise safeguarding practices

Build strategic partnerships with external safeguarding actors and service providers

Engage with patients, communities, and association members to co-create safeguarding solutions

Represent MSF Southern Africa in intersectional platforms and global safeguarding initiatives

3. Qualifications and Experience 

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Law, International Development, or related field

Specialised training in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, or survivor support is an asset (e.g., IASC, Keeping Children Safe), highly desirable

Minimum 5 years of experience in safeguarding, protection, or related fields within humanitarian or development sectors

Proven experience in policy development, case management, and organisational change

Fluency in English required; additional regional languages are an asset

4. Core Competencies 

4.1 Technical 

Safeguarding policy design and implementation

Survivor-centred case management and reporting systems

Risk assessment and mitigation

Training and facilitation across diverse teams

Collaboration

Results and quality orientation

Service orientation

Continuous Improvement

4.2 Behavioural 

Strategic vision and ethical leadership

Cross-cultural awareness and intersectional sensitivity

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Commitment to MSF principles and behavioural standards

Ability to inspire trust, navigate complexity, and drive cultural change

Behavioural flexibility

This role demands passion for ethical humanitarianism and the drive to transform safeguarding from paper to practice. Join us in creating safe work and associative spaces and building trust.

5. The Salary Detail is as follows

Basic Salary: R 48 209,76

13th cheque in November

10% additional pension allowance

100% Medical Aid Contribution

Transport allowance

Cell phone Allowance

Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home possible.

Diverse team composition; Collaborate with a global network of talented 
professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world

Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.

5.1 Commitment

Length of commitment: Permanent Contract 

6. Application details:

The vacancy closing date is: 07th of April 2026.

Start date: 01 June 2026

By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with MSF Charter and MSF Behavioral Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.

In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks and self-declaration.

If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the  https://msfsa.bamboohr.com/careers/418 Vacancy link. The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels and other job boards.

Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per prescribed formats. Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

People living with disability are encouraged to apply.

Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way, not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

Lately, MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

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

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