Safeguarding Officer

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. As a non-profit, self-governed movement of over 63,000 dedicated professionals, we provide life-saving medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and exclusion from healthcare.

Our work is guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. We act based on need, and when we witness injustice, we speak out. Our commitment to professionalism and humanity can mean the difference between life and death.

People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnic background, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect together.

With immediate effect, the Safeguarding Unit is looking for a: 

Safeguarding Officer

Amsterdam/Nairobi based

  

Objectives of the position 

MSF OCA is looking for a committed and experienced Safeguarding Officer to support the organisation-wide shift from behaviour‑focused activities toward initiatives aligned with OCA’s broader Safeguarding objectives. Directly reporting to the Safeguarding Manager, the successful candidate will help embed safeguarding standards across offices and country programmes, ensuring alignment with the OCA Safeguarding Policy and fostering safe, inclusive environments for staff, patients, communities, and partners.

Main responsibilities  

Review and develop safeguarding communication and training materials and tools across OCA.

Help shape and implement a communication strategy that increases staff awareness of safeguarding objectives and the role of the SGU.

Contribute to the development of safeguarding strategies and action plans for offices and country programmes, and support in‑country implementation when requested.

Work closely with HR teams at office and country programme level to embed safeguarding standards throughout the employee life cycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding.

Sustain and reinforce the safeguarding focal points network and communities of practice across offices and country programmes, including CoC trainers, Confidantes, and other roles.

Collaborate with the Integrity Line project team on the configuration and rollout of the new reporting platform across OCA operations.

Contribute to Safeguarding Unit (SGU) functioning by organising trainings and team events, participating in recruitment processes, onboarding new team members, and ensuring robust onboarding practices.

Candidate Profile 

BSc/MSc in Law, Politics, History, Social Sciences or a related field.

3+ years of relevant experience in safeguarding, ideally within an NGO or humanitarian context.

Broad knowledge of safeguarding in an NGO setting, including organisational accountability, prevention of misconduct, and safe culture development.

Strong analytical and advisory skills, with the ability to support organisational change and guide diverse stakeholders.

Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey safeguarding concepts clearly and sensitively.

Excellent written communication skills, including drafting guidance, communication materials, and strategic documents.

Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, survivor centred practice, and inclusive organisational culture.

Fluency in English is essential; Arabic, Dutch, or French are strong assets.

Ability to collaborate across departments and support multiple offices and country programmes.

We offer  

A Dutch or Kenyan employment contract starting asap based on 40 hours per week.

A gross monthly salary in OCA-HQ scale 15

30 days of paid leave (based on full-time contract), a competitive pension plan, holiday allowance, and commuting allowance based on the Dutch compensation package. Conditions for Kenyan contracts may vary.

Hybrid working options available upon agreement

A diverse, inclusive, and international work environment

Application 

If you recognise yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English) as one combined document.     

The closing date for applications is July 16th 2026, at 23:59 CET. 

Information  

For questions about the recruitment process, contact:

Johanna Wilflingseder, Recruiter – Johanna.Wilflingseder@amsterdam.msf.org

No agencies please