Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid Working (2 days per week in the office).
Location: UK - London
Salary: £73,615 per year (full time). Contracted hours: 35. Closing date: 4 August 2026.
About us
Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. You don't have to be Christian to work here - we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We value a good work-life balance and offer hybrid working for office-based colleagues.
About the role
Reporting in to the Director of Organisational Effectiveness, the Head of Health, Safety, Security and Safeguarding will inspire, design and drive Christian Aid's Global Safe strategy, in respect of safety, security, and safeguarding, ensuring that staff in the UK, overseas offices, and partner organisations operate in a safe, secure, and well-supported environment. The postholder will be the custodian of a safe culture and the organisation's safeguarding and security ambassador and expert.
Some of the main areas of responsibility include:
* Monitor and assess security risks in operational locations, providing guidance on crisis response and emergency planning.
* Model a culture of continuous learning through training staff and partners on security awareness, travel safety, and incident response protocols.
* Champion and oversee incident reporting and response mechanisms.
* Lead and embed a safeguarding culture across Christian Aid and its partners, ensuring compliance with global safeguarding standards.
* Foster continuous improvement through the development of safeguarding policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms.
* Lead investigations and responses to safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidentiality and victim-centred approaches.
* Empower others to undertake self-assessments for all partnerships and ensure adequate assurance is in place.
* Develop crisis management plans for security incidents, safeguarding concerns, and emergency situations.
* Provide expert advice to leadership and country teams on risk management and response strategies.
* Work with legal, HR, and program teams to ensure safety and safeguarding policies align with regulatory and donor requirements.
* Engage with external security, safeguarding, and humanitarian networks to strengthen best practices.
* Represent Christian Aid in sector-wide discussions on safety, security, and safeguarding policies.
About you (Essential)
* Significant experience in safety, security, and safeguarding roles, preferably in international NGOs, humanitarian organisations, or development agencies.
* Significant exposure to working in high-risk, conflict, or disaster-affected environments, managing safety and security for field teams.
* Advanced knowledge of global safeguarding frameworks, including PSEA and child safeguarding.
* Extensive experience in crisis response, risk assessment, and emergency planning for international staff and partners.
* Leadership experience in developing and delivering training on security awareness, safeguarding, and risk management.
* Proven ability to develop and implement security and safeguarding policies across multiple locations.
* Advanced understanding of global security protocols, crisis management, risk assessment, and incident response.
* Expertise in managing security risks, conducting security assessments, and developing crisis management plans.
* Awareness of international legal frameworks related to human rights, security, and safeguarding in field operations.
* Knowledge of staff wellbeing strategies, trauma response, and resilience-building in high-risk environments.
Further information
All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check. Christian Aid participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based (UK).
Application link: https://jobs.christianaid.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/head-of-health-safety-security-and-safeguarding-5155/5173/description/action/apply/