Safeguarding officer
Type of contract: Fixed-term contract - 2 years (full time) with the possibility of being extended to permanent.
Job title and functional level: Officer / Lev. 8
Line Manager: Director of Confederation Development
Work relationship: Senior Safeguarding Officer; Director of Confederation Development
Work Place: CI General Secretariat – Palazzo San Calisto
Main responsibilities:
1. Institutional Development and Capacity Strengthening
In close coordination with the CI GS Department in charge of institutional development and capacity strengthening:
1. To 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;
2. To participate in the facilitation of Safeguarding capacity strengthening training;
3. To respond to MOs’ and Regions’ specific needs and requests, and accompany those who request it to strengthen their safeguarding systems;
4. To support MOs and Regional Secretariats in their Safeguarding assessment process, as well as in the development and follow up of their improvement plans;
5. To contribute to the development and review of Safeguarding institutional tools and policies.
2. MEAL:
1. To support in data collection from Regions and MOs and produce internal and external reports;
2. To contribute to the analysis of trends and issues from case files and experience for presentation and discussion with CI Governance Bodies and relevant stakeholders.
3. Response and Complaints’ Handling:
1. To support the management of complaints received by or escalated to CI from their reception to closure, advising and supporting MOs and Regional Secretariats on specific complaints-related issues;
2. To assist Caritas Internationalis and Regional working structures in their complaints handling process.
4. Coordination:
• To strengthen synergies with the concerned CI GS Departments, by contributing to their working papers and documents; To 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
• To contribute to the identification and implementation of the Strategic Framework’s MEAL indicators
• To participate as needed in CI GS relevant communities of practice and initiatives with external stakeholders;
• To make sure that activities and initiatives related to the work areas above are in line with the operational plan and budget;
• To contribute to the overall work of the Department(s) concerned and to the growth of the team.
5. Profile:
1. University degree in relevant field of study (social work, political sciences, law, psychology, etc.);
2. 3 to 5 years of relevant experience (safeguarding, protection, etc.); with preference to working in an international context; NGO experience is a strong asset;
3. Working proficiency in written and oral English; knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Italian is a strong asset;
4. Good experience supporting strategy and programs related to protection and safeguarding across a global organisation, with a good understanding of key areas including child protection, gender-based violence, vulnerable adults;
5. Knowledge and/or experience in conducting objective investigations of staff misconduct;
6. Good knowledge of the Humanitarian Sector sectors and principles (IASC; SCHR; CHS; IHL; Sphere);
7. Experience creating and rolling out culturally sensitive training and capacity-building programs, materials, and communications;
8. Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-tasking team environment;
9. Strong analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation and report building;
10. Understanding of an “accompanying attitude” and able to promote it with member organisations;
11. Ability to meet assigned deadlines;
12. Capacity to work in a diverse team and in multicultural environment with a spirit of respect and service;
13. Capacity to work under pressure and conflict management skills;
14. Positive, approachable with service orientation to colleagues and teams;.
15. Problem-solving and result oriented who seeks to find constructive solutions within compliance and policy requirements;
16. Capacity and willingness to work with discretion regarding matters of high confidentiality or importance;
17. Adaptability, flexibility and availability to travel in different countries, even with short-term notice;
18. Proficient computer skills and experience working with Microsoft Office software (word, excel, power point, outlook, etc.);
19. Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching;
20. A demonstrable empathy and interest in the work of Caritas, and being a Christian respecting the faith and values of the Catholic Church.
How to apply:
Please send the CV, the cover letter (English language) and the Job Application by 17th July 2026 (12:00 Rome time) to the attention of Dr. Yari Bergamasco, Human Resources & Legal Affairs Manager, to hr@caritas.va.
Please, note that the interviews for this position will be held by 31 July 2026. Details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates later.
Find the full CI Job Vacancy brochure here.:
https://www.caritas.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/02072026-CI-Job-Description-Safeguarding-Officer-EN.pdf
Important information for non-EU candidates: Employment is subject to obtaining the necessary entry visa and all required authorizations from the competent authorities, including authorization for health insurance coverage. Please note that this process may take a considerable amount of time and could result in a delayed start date. Should the required visa and/or authorizations not be granted, Caritas Internationalis will be unable to proceed with the appointment.