Safeguarding Expert - International Consultant

Result of ServiceExpected Outputs and Timelines • Draft the Programme Safeguarding Strategy and Implementation Plan, including proposed tools and templates (by 1st January), based on ITC and partners safeguarding practices and MCF standards • Present findings and recommendations to ITC and consortium partners for validation (by 20 January). • Submit final Safeguarding Strategy, Implementation Plan, and capacity-building roadmap, implementation plan to include a brief Monitoring and Accountability framework as well as onboarding guidance for Safeguarding Focal Points, incorporating feedback received (by 31 January). Work LocationHome-based Expected duration15 December 2025 – 31 January 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Established in 1964, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in charge of the sustainable promotion of trade and in particular of exports from developing countries and economies in transition. The goal of the ITC is to make businesses in developing countries more competitive in global markets, accelerate economic development and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, the organization contributes to the creation of jobs at the level of segments of agricultural value chains and promising services, especially for young people and women. This post is located within the Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) section in the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) About the project The 3-year initiative, “Enhancing Skills and Enabling Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy”, will engage over 84,000 financially disadvantaged young women in Uganda and directly enable 40,000 to have access to dignified work within the creative economy. It aligns with Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and Uganda’s 2030 private-sector-driven vision. The Program will advance gender-inclusive skills development, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial growth in the creative sector. Activities will include skills training, market access support, financial literacy programs, and advocacy for inclusive policies, especially around intellectual property and access to finance. Description of Duties/Responsibilities Under the Supervision of the Youth and Trade Programme Officer, and in close cooperation with the ITC Intake and Investigation Officer, the ITC Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and the project team, the consultant will carry out the following duties: • Map safeguarding risks across programme operations, with particular attention to issues of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), child protection, and workplace harassment. • Engage with consortium partners and relevant ITC units to gather information on current safeguarding practices, accountability mechanisms, and response protocols, as well as assess alignment with Mastercard Foundation (MCF) standards • Assess the alignment of these frameworks with the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) safeguarding standards and international good practices. • Develop a comprehensive Safeguarding Strategy and Implementation Plan for the programme, including governance arrangements, reporting and response mechanisms, risk mitigation measures, and capacity-building needs, as well as an easy to reference Monitoring and Accountability framework aligned with programme reporting cycles. • Design a practical capacity-building plan to enhance awareness and compliance among project staff, implementing partners, and service providers – including a structured onboarding package for Safeguarding Focal Points (where applicable). • Develop draft tools and templates to support implementation, such as referral pathways, incident reporting forms, and training resources; including the identification and mapping of locally available support services (e.g., GBV response, psychosocial support, legal aid, child protection, and community- or family-based support systems). Ensure that these tools can be maintained and updated by project Safeguarding Focal Points upon project commencement, and develop guidance on translation and cultural/linguistic adaptation of tools and templates into relevant local languages, where applicable. • Present findings and recommendations to ITC and consortium partners for discussion and validation. Once validated, facilitate a short handover discussion to confirm ongoing safeguarding responsibilities within the programme team. • Revise and finalize the Safeguarding Strategy and supporting tools based on feedback received. • Participate in regular coordination meetings with the project team to provide progress updates and ensure deliverables are achieved on time. The Consultant is obliged to provide full access to ITC external and internal auditors to documents and information. In addition, the contractor shall comply with any audit undertaken in line with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations. Copyright The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skillsUndergraduate degree (BA/BSc or equivalent) in Social Sciences, International Development, Human Rights, Gender Studies, or a related field. Extensive relevant experience in safeguarding, protection, or institutional development may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 5 years of professional experience in safeguarding, protection, or organizational development within international development or humanitarian programmes. Proven experience conducting policy reviews, risk assessments, or strategy development related to safeguarding or protection. Experience working in Uganda and/or creative industries are an asset. Ability to work with cross-functional teams. Organisation and administration of information and communication to teams required. Sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to deliver results under tight deadlines. LanguagesAdvanced knowledge of English required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.