Safeguarding Coordinator LATAM

CONTEXT  

The Operations Department of MSF OCB (Operational Centre Brussels) consists of 8 managerial and technical teams called Cells, each in charge of a portfolio of countries and 1 Emergency Team (E-Pool) for the management of intense emergency interventions. These teams directly supervise and support the programme/ project implementation.   

Cell 5 is a team of 7 persons based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a regional pharmacy advisor working remotely. The countries currently managed by the Cell 5 are:  Haiti, Brazil, Venezuela and Dominican Republic.  

As the Safeguarding Coordinator LATAM, you will be under the hierarchical supervision of the Coordinator of Operations (CO) and under the functional management of the Safeguarding Unit at MSF OCB. Given the specialized and focused approach of this position, you will closely collaborate with members of the Cell, the Country and Project Coordinators. You will mentor project management teams in preventing and detecting all forms of abuse in the region and develop the OCB Safeguarding strategy across all LATAM programs to create a safe environment for staff, patients, and the community. 

You will support the program in implementing the Safeguarding mitigation plan at program and project level, aimed at reducing the risks of safeguarding abuse of individuals in the country operations/projects where you are deployed. You will work closely and across the board with all country and project teams, reporting directly to the CO. 

MAIN OBJECTIVE 

This position is focused on:  

1. Promoting MSF OCB’s working culture to be more aligned with MSF OCB’s safeguarding values and principles, framework and commitment to a zero-tolerance approach  

2. Detecting and preventing risks of safeguarding abuse in our working and care environments in Brazil, Venezuela and Haiti 

Given the size of the operation and sensitivities in the context, and the fact that this position is new to MSF, a multi-year approach and strategic plan will be necessary to fulfill the aims of the position. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Safeguarding Framework 

• Adapt and implement MSF safeguarding framework in LATAM 

• Conduct risk assessments and context analyses; integrate lessons from past cases 

• Improve staff complaint mechanisms and establish safe, confidential community feedback systems 

2. Procedures and HR Integration 

• Ensure Behavioural Commitments are signed, explained, and integrated during recruitment 

• Provide safeguarding briefings and induction for all staff and partners 

• Advise HR on safe recruitment practices and assess framework implementation 

3. Awareness and Training 

• Raise awareness among senior staff on safeguarding roles and responsibilities 

• Design culturally appropriate materials and activities for staff, patients, and communities 

• Deliver training on abuse prevention topics and facilitate Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions 

• Define sustainable plans for refresher sessions and ongoing discussions 

4. Collaboration and Capacity Building 

• Conduct regular project visits and participate in safeguarding networks and forums 

• Lead safeguarding discussions with CO, HRO, and country teams 

• Build staff capacity and supervise safeguarding implementation 

• Support programme design and emergency responses with safeguarding risk assessments 

• Integrate safeguarding objectives into departmental plans and document lessons learned 

• Support medical teams to uphold patient rights and integrate safeguarding into service delivery 

• Champion diversity, equality, inclusion, and anti-racism principles 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. law, social or organizational sciences, gender, social work, anti-discrimination, whistleblowing, etc.) is mandatory
• Experience in safeguarding / abuse prevention in an international organization is mandatory
• Humanitarian experience, preferably in the health sector, is mandatory
• MSF experience is a strong asset
• Experience in facilitation, adult learning, and coordination of trainings and workshops is an asset
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-risk multicultural environments is an asset
• Professional experience in the region (LATAM) is an asset 

Competencies 

• Teamwork and cooperation
• Analytical thinking
• Networking, monitoring and reporting
• Creativity and contextual sensitivity when engaging on behavioural expectations
• Ability to handle highly sensitive situations and confidential information diplomatically, discreetly, and securely
• Ability to engage communities and patients and staff in a sensitive, culturally appropriate manner is mandatory
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
• Stress management
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft 365 tools) 

Languages 

• Proficiency in English both written and spoken is mandatory 

• Fluency in Spanish and French is required
• Fluency in Portuguese is an asset 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: as soon as possible 

• Location: based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full-time 

• Contract duration: 12 months (extendable) 

• Mobility: at least 50% travel within the region  

• Salary according to MSF salary grid 

• The contractual terms and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
• Not family posting 

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment 

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments 

Deadline for applications: 28th of January 2026 

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply! 

How to apply? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button 

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position 

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter, in PDF format ready to upload 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

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

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