Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Officer

Do you want to contribute to a safer and more accountable organization in a region that plays a critical role in humanitarian response? Join us as a Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Officer and help build a future that promotes integrity and protects those most vulnerable.

Who are we?

Danish Refugee Council is a leading humanitarian agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. DRC applies a regional approach with operational presence in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey & Yemen with a Middle East Regional Office (MERO) based in Amman, Jordan, which has 30 staff. Overall in the region DRC Middle East has more than 1,800 staff and an operating budget of USD 120 million.

The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Unit oversees the Code of Conduct Reporting Mechanism (CoCRM) and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) activities across DRC’s operations. This includes managing internal investigations into serious breaches such as Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) and large-scale fraud and corruption. The unit plays a central role in fostering a zero-tolerance culture for misconduct within DRC’s operations.

This role will be key to ensuring that complaints are properly addressed, providing support for complainants and survivors, and maintaining transparency in the handling of cases.

About the Job

As the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Officer, you will support the registration, processing, and follow-up of complaints through the CoCRM. You will also collaborate with senior management and key stakeholders to ensure the proper resolution of reported misconduct. This position includes a focus on training and awareness sessions for staff and partners and supporting investigations related to misconduct cases in the region.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Complaint Reception & Registration: Receive and register Reports of Suspected Misconduct (RSMs) through various channels (in-person, email, etc.), maintaining an accurate and up-to-date CoCRM database throughout the case process. Be part of the regional CoCRM process and ensure cases are properly registered and closed in the CoC platform.
• Monitoring & Case Quality: Monitor the case registrations made by the Country Office (CO) level in the online case tracking tool, ensuring that cases are registered properly. If there are doubts regarding the quality or progress of the local handling of a case, bring them to the attention of the RSCA and local focal point in-country.
• Intake Committee Support: Prepare briefing notes for the Intake Committee (IC), participate in IC meetings, and assist with presenting cases. Record IC decisions and ensure proper implementation, including referrals to HR and management. Present summaries of CoC cases to the regional CoC Intake Committee for review.
• Support & Communication: Ensure complainants are kept informed at all stages of the process and follow up on case referrals. Collaborate with DRC’s senior management and HR to ensure appropriate action is taken. Respond to CoC reported cases by email as per DRC due process and in coordination with the Regional Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Advisor (RSCA).
• Training & Capacity Building: Support the dissemination of PSEAH and CoCRM awareness training to staff, and other stakeholders within the Middle East region. Work closely with the Regional Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Advisor (RSCA) to ensure that regional staff are well-informed and equipped to handle CoC and safeguarding issues. Additionally, support training related to CoC and CoCRM led by the RSCA.
• Investigation Support: Contribute to the ongoing investigation efforts in the region by supporting investigations as a co-investigator or lead investigator where assigned by the Authorizing Officer. This includes assisting with tasks such as conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and preparing investigation reports. Additionally, support the RSCA in managing other aspects of investigations, including providing translations, following up on investigation progress, and ensuring that due process is followed. If needed, assist with in-country investigations as required, providing technical support and guidance.
• CoC Database Management: Support the RSCA in improving the quality of the Middle East CoC database by conducting regular reviews for each operation and following up with counterparts/registrars in the region and HQ. Ensure the ongoing integrity of the database and follow-up actions are carried out effectively.
• Additional Tasks: The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Officer may also be asked to carry out other duties as assigned by the Regional Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Advisor (RSCA), including urgent matters related to misconduct and safeguarding concerns.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:

• Minimum (2) years of experience in a similiar role
• Experience: Proven experience with Code of Conduct (CoC), complaint mechanisms, or whistleblower processes, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Education: University degree in social sciences, human rights, gender studies, international relations, or a related field.
• Knowledge of PSEAH: Familiarity with safeguarding and PSEAH standards, and the ability to implement a survivor-centered approach when interacting with victims of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.
• Investigation Skills: Experience managing or supporting investigations into serious misconduct, with a thorough understanding of DRC’s investigation procedures.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is a significant advantage.
• Ethics & Integrity: Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including SG & CoC Focal Points (FPs), senior management, Intake Committee (IC) members, and HQ colleagues.
• Experience with CoCRM Systems: Previous experience in working as a registrar, familiar with related registration platforms, including DRC CoCRM systems and processes.
• Familiarity with Investigation Processes: Understanding of the administrative investigation process in the humanitarian sector, including ethical standards and due process.
• Ability to Work Under Pressure: Demonstrated ability to perform in high-pressure environments, especially during emergencies.

Desirable:

• PSEAH/Fraud Certification: Certification in PSEAH workplace investigations or fraud/corruption investigations.
• Regional Experience: Experience working in the Middle East region with an understanding of socio-political contexts and safeguarding challenges.
• CoC Case Handling: Experience managing CoC cases under a designated Intake Committee, with a solid understanding of the intake and case registration process.
• Training & Facilitation: Strong facilitation skills and experience in delivering trainings and awareness sessions.
• Flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: (12) months
• Band: Non-Management (H)
• Designation of Duty Station: Amman - Jordan
• Start date: January 2025
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for [national/international employees]; please refer to our website.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: November 27th , 2024 COB

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.