Safeguarding officer

Holy See

Posted 3 Jul 2026 – Closing date 17 Jul 2026

Job title and functional level

Safeguarding officer – Officer / Lev. 8

Type of contract

Fixed‑term contract – 2 years (full time) with the possibility of being extended to permanent.

Line Manager

Director of Confederation Development

Work place

CI General Secretariat – Palazzo San Calisto

Responsibilities

• Support in the development and implementation of targeted Safeguarding trainings for Regions and MOs, in coordination with Regional Secretariats and Safeguarding Confederation’s working structures.
• Participate in the facilitation of Safeguarding capacity strengthening training.
• Respond to MOs’ and Regions’ specific needs and requests, and accompany those who request it to strengthen their safeguarding systems.
• Support MOs and Regional Secretariats in their Safeguarding assessment process, as well as in the development and follow up of their improvement plans.
• Contribute to the development and review of Safeguarding institutional tools and policies.
• Support in data collection from Regions and MOs and produce internal and external reports.
• Contribute to the analysis of trends and issues from case files and experience for presentation and discussion with CI Governance Bodies and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage complaints received by or escalated to CI from reception to closure, advising and supporting MOs and Regional Secretariats on specific complaints‑related issues.
• Assist Caritas Internationalis and Regional working structures in their complaints handling process.
• Strengthen synergies with the concerned CI GS Departments, by contributing to their working papers and documents.
• Contribute to the work and activities of the Safeguarding working groups and CI related structures to help reach the desirable outcomes of the Strategic Framework pertaining to Safeguarding.
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of the Strategic Framework’s MEAL indicators.
• Participate as needed in CI GS relevant communities of practice and initiatives with external stakeholders.
• Ensure that activities and initiatives related to the above work areas are in line with the operational plan and budget.
• Contribute to the overall work of the Department(s) concerned and to the growth of the team.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field of study (social work, political sciences, law, psychology, etc.).
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience (safeguarding, protection, etc.), with preference for working in an international context; NGO experience is a strong asset.
• Working proficiency in written and oral English; knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Italian is a strong asset.
• Good experience supporting strategy and programmes related to protection and safeguarding across a global organisation, with a good understanding of key areas including child protection, gender‑based violence and vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge and/or experience in conducting objective investigations of staff misconduct.
• Good knowledge of the Humanitarian Sector sectors and principles (IASC; SCHR; CHS; IHL; Sphere).
• Experience creating and rolling out culturally sensitive training and capacity‑building programmes, materials and communications.
• Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast‑paced multi‑tasking team environment.
• Strong analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation and report‑building.
• Understanding of an “accompanying attitude” and ability to promote it with member organisations.
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines.
• Capacity to work in a diverse team and in a multicultural environment with a spirit of respect and service.
• Capacity to work under pressure and conflict‑management skills.
• Positive, approachable with service orientation to colleagues and teams.
• Problem‑solving and result‑oriented, seeking constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements.
• Capacity and willingness to work with discretion regarding matters of high confidentiality or importance.
• Adaptability, flexibility and availability to travel in different countries, even with short‑term notice.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
• A demonstrable empathy and interest in the work of Caritas, and being a Christian respecting the faith and values of the Catholic Church.

Important information for non‑EU candidates

Employment is subject to obtaining the necessary entry visa and all required authorisations from the competent authorities, including authorisation for health insurance coverage. This process may take a considerable amount of time and could result in a delayed start date. If the required visa and/or authorisations are not granted, Caritas Internationalis will be unable to proceed with the appointment.

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