National Safeguarding Manager - British Council

Position: National Safeguarding Manager

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.
 
We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK.
 
These connections lead to an understanding of each other's strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

Payband: 7 / F
Location: Dhaka
Department: Directorate
Division: Safeguarding
Contract type: Permanent (locally appointed)
Closing date: 19 May 2022
 
Role Purpose:

To provide leadership and guidance to the British Council Bangladesh operation on the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the British Council's Safeguarding programme according to the British Council Safeguarding policy and procedures and in line with international and national legislation. We recognise that the care and welfare of children and adults are paramount and that both have the right to protection from all types of abuse, therefore this role plays an extremely important part in our Bangladesh operations.

Accountabilities:

1. To contribute to increased involvement and accountability of senior management levels on safeguarding.
2. To lead and ensure effective internal network coordination to aid a consistent organisational approach to safeguarding: lead the National Safeguarding Working Group.
3. To design and deliver training on safeguarding related topics and raise awareness with staff, partners, consultants, temporary staff, security guards etc. to improve skills and consistent implementation.
4. To support the adaption of organisational systems and procedures to the country context and establish and nurture partnerships with external agencies to prevent and respond to safeguarding incidents.
5. To coordinate the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of overall safeguarding compliance in country through the safeguarding action plan, self-audits, risk reporting and other country safeguarding monitoring systems.
6. To participate and contribute to the (regional) safeguarding network in a meaningful way by active participation in regional safeguarding platforms and opportunities.
7. To act as the first contact person on safeguarding concerns.
8. To provide timely advice and support on safeguarding concerns and allegations in accordance with the response plan.
9. To lead by example to ensure and build a culture of proactive safeguarding structure and procedures.
10. To visit offices and locations we work in across the country to provide specialist advice, training and support to staff and management on safeguarding issues.
11. Lead and support the Bangladesh operation to get ready for both internal and external safeguarding related audits.

Requirements:

• Formal professional qualification in relevant field (SEN, Child Protection, Safeguarding, Counselling, Positive discipline etc.) is desirable
• Undergraduate degree in any discipline. Degree in child development/ humanitarian aid/ development/ child rights/ law, social work or other related field is desirable
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO sector, Development Agency, education sector.
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding children and adults.
• At least 5 years working experience in child protection and safeguarding program design and implementation.
• Experience in child protection or adults case work including conducting investigation meetings, interviews and writing reports.
• Experience of working with external agencies in the management of child protection and safeguarding related concerns.
• Experience in delivery of training to different internal and external stakeholders about safeguarding includes child protection and/ or adults.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural context is desirable

Role Specific Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of the child protection/adults safeguarding sector and legal context in Bangladesh.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children/ adults.
• Training design and delivery / facilitation skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development and risk factors relating to adults.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation and ethics surrounding confidentiality and security of information.

Benefits:

• Attractive salary and benefits will be offered to the deserving candidate
• An inclusive and engaging work environment encouraging cross-team collaboration and building connections with colleagues from different disciplines around the world
• Flexible working opportunities to support employee aspirations, personal activities and pursuits
• A learning environment with plenty of opportunities to develop skills and knowledge
• Experience of working in an international organisation which fosters work-life balance and commitment to smart working

Additional Information:

• Applicants should be Bangladeshi passport holder or legally entitled to work in Bangladesh
• All necessary background checks as per the British Council Pre-Appointment Screening policy along with medical check-up will need to be completed successfully prior to signing the final employment contract

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and called for interview. We will only shortlist applications submitted on a British Council application form submitted electronically through our careers portal. Any hard copies of the application and incomplete application in the portal will not be accepted.

To apply, please click on the following link that will take you to the careers portal of British Council - Apply here

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality Statement

The British Council is committed to a policy of equality and to valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aim to abide by and promote equality legislation by following both the letter and the spirit of it to avoid unjustified discrimination, recognising discrimination as a barrier to equality of opportunity, inclusion and human rights. All staff worldwide are required to ensure their behaviour is consistent with our policies.

The British Council has Disability Confident Employer Status. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific requirements or adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.