Safeguarding Officer

Introduction

Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is proposing to implement the Leaders in Teaching (LIT) program, a flagship initiative designed to transform secondary education in Uganda by addressing barriers to quality teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Designed to further Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy, the LIT program aims at strengthening Uganda’s secondary education system to better equip young people, particularly young women, with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to access dignified livelihoods and fulfilling work.

About Mastercard Foundation and Young Africa Works Program

The Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based in Toronto, Canada, with several offices in Africa. The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. One of the largest foundations in the world, the Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work. Currently, the Mastercard Foundation is implementing a 10-year strategy, Young Africa Works, which seeks to enable 30 million young people in Africa (70% young women) to secure dignified and fulfilling work by the year 2030.

About Luigi Giussani Foundation

Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF) is an indigenous for-impact organisation that has been at the forefront of responding to responding to educational challenges in Uganda through research and capacity building. Based in Luzira, Kampala, LGF implements programs in the following thematic areas: Teacher Professional Development, Life Skills and Values Enhancement, Foundational Learning and School Culture, and Leadership and Management. All these programs are delivered with an emphasis on Gender Transformative Education, Climate and Environment Education, Agency and Wellbeing, Research and Learning and Advocacy and Partnerships as cross-cutting issues.

Objectives of the LIT Program

The LIT Program aims to transform Uganda’s secondary education into an innovative, quality, and relevant education system that enables students to advance in education and transition into the workforce by 2030. The 5-year (2025-2030) LIT program is designed to deliver four key outcomes, namely 1) Elevated status of the teaching profession; 2) Improved teaching and learning practices in secondary schools; 3) School leaders increasingly adopt effective leadership practices; and 4) Motivated secondary education teaching workforce.

The key interventions for the LIT program include piloting the recruitment of passionate young people into the teaching profession, training STEM teachers, strengthening school leadership, and elevating teachers’ professional status in Uganda. It will focus on developing inclusive, gender-responsive, and innovative delivery of STEM courses and addressing barriers to teacher capacity, particularly in rural areas.

To enhance the program’s impact, LGF seeks to recruit;

Job title: Safeguarding Officer
Reports to: Director of Program Design and Implementation
Duty Station: Kampala
Employment Type: Fulltime
Job Summary
The Safeguarding Officer will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, protection, and well- being of all program beneficiaries, particularly children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This role is essential in developing, implementing, and monitoring safeguarding policies, systems, and practices within the LIT program, in alignment with LGF’s commitment to safeguarding and the protection of all stakeholders involved in the program. The Safeguarding Officer will work closely with staff, partners, schools, and communities to create a safe and supportive environment for all.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures for the LIT program, ensuring they are aligned with LGF’s safeguarding standards and comply with national and international regulations.
• Design and deliver training for staff, teachers, school leaders, and other stakeholders on safeguarding, child protection, and safe practices. Ensure that all program personnel understand and adhere to safeguarding protocols.
• Establish and manage systems for the reporting, investigation, and response to safeguarding concerns or incidents, ensuring that all cases are handled sensitively and in accordance with LGF’s safeguarding procedures.
• Monitor the implementation of safeguarding measures within the program, conducting regular assessments and audits to ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.
Provide support and guidance to staff and partners in addressing safeguarding concerns.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding risks within the program and develop strategies to mitigate these risks, particularly in schools and communities.
• Collaborate with external partners, including local authorities, community organizations, and other stakeholders, to ensure a coordinated approach to
safeguarding within the program’s areas of implementation.
• Establish and maintain clear communication channels for reporting safeguarding concerns. Promote an open and transparent environment where all individuals feel safe to report incidents or risks.
• Provide support to survivors of safeguarding incidents, including emotional support and referrals to appropriate services, in coordination with local partners.
• Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding activities, including incidents, investigations, and training. Prepare regular safeguarding reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely reporting and follow-up.
• Lead awareness campaigns within schools and communities to promote a culture of safeguarding, child protection, and respect for rights. Advocate for the importance of safeguarding as part of LGF’s commitment to safe education and inclusive programming.
Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Child Protection, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is an added advantage
• At least five years of experience in safeguarding, child protection, or related roles, with experience in the education or development sector being highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding standards and best practices, including child protection, gender-based violence, and vulnerable adult protection.
• Experience in designing and delivering safeguarding training for diverse audiences
• Ability to identify and assess safeguarding risks, with strong problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of the national child protection laws, policies, and frameworks in Uganda and international safeguarding standards
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with individuals at all levels
• Strong organizational and report writing skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and Academic Documents in a single PDF document to hr@lgfug.org by June 6, 2025. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.