Save the Children International  

Save the Children International is a leading global humanitarian organization that has been protecting children's rights worldwide for over 100 years. We operate in more than 100 countries, responding to emergencies, implementing innovative development programs, and advocating for children's rights on a global scale. 

Our work in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have significantly expanded our presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. Our key areas of focus include education, child protection, food security, social support, and advocacy to drive lasting change in children's lives. 

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The Risk & Compliance and Safeguarding Coordinator (hereafter referred to as “the Coordinator”) will play a critical role in building and strengthening risk management and safeguarding capacities primarily across SCI’s partner organizations, and additionally within the Ukraine Operational Hub (UOH), South Area Office (SAO), and East Area Office (EAO). The position focuses on supporting partners to develop robust risk management frameworks, improve internal controls, and embed safeguarding practices throughout their operations. This includes conducting comprehensive partner risk assessments, co-developing risk mitigation plans, and providing advisory and training to enhance compliance with SCI policies, donor requirements, and Ukrainian legal standards.

The Coordinator will also lead initiatives to strengthen safeguarding systems among partners and SCI’s staff, ensuring that safeguarding principles are integrated into program design and delivery and serve as safeguarding focal point for Area Offices. Approximately 30% of the role will be dedicated to safeguarding expertise—proactively reducing risks, responding effectively to concerns, and promoting a child-centred approach in all interventions.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: 

Strengthen Risk, Compliance, and Safeguarding Capacity

1. Lead initiatives to build and enhance risk management and safeguarding capacity among partner organizations and SCI staff in Area Offices.
2. Orient partners and new staff on SCI’s Risk Framework, Safeguarding Framework, policies, standards, and tools, ensuring understanding of key risks and mitigation measures.
3. Design and deliver capacity-building plans for partner organizations based on identified risk and safeguarding gaps.
4. Facilitate safeguarding and risk management sessions during project kick-off meetings and partner onboarding.
5. Promote awareness among partners and SCI’s staff of relevant laws, SCI policies, donor requirements, and humanitarian standards through meetings, digital platforms, and other communication channels.
6. Track and report on the impact of capacity-strengthening activities in reducing risks and compliance violations.
7. Conduct scheduled and unannounced monitoring visits to partner organizations to assess compliance with SCI’s policies, procedures, and donor requirements. Document findings, identify gaps, and provide actionable recommendations to ensure adherence to standards and mitigate risks.

Partner Risk Assessments and Risk Management Planning

1. Support partner assessments using SCI’s Partner Assessment Tool, identifying risk management and safeguarding gaps and developing mitigation plans.
2. Provide technical support to partners in creating risk registers and monitoring risks throughout project implementation.
3. Ensure safeguarding considerations are integrated into program design and delivery, including in child-focused spaces and digital learning initiatives.
4. Work closely with Area Offices and partners to escalate high-risk issues and ensure timely resolution.

Internal Controls and Governance

1. Support implementation of audit and investigation recommendations with partner organisations, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation.
2. Support the implementation of area office action plans and any corrective actions identified during reviews or audits.

Advisory and Technical Support

1. Stay abreast of relevant Ukrainian legal changes, updates to policies and procedures, changes in donor requirements and changes to the humanitarian context and standards – especially what affects our work with partner organisations.
2. Provide high-quality advisory services to partners and assigned Area Offices on risk management, compliance, and safeguarding, ensuring alignment with SCI policies, donor requirements, and Ukrainian legal standards.
3. Share best practices and develop practical solutions to address emerging risks and safeguarding challenges among SCI’s partners.
4. Develop and deliver timely, data-driven reports and advisories to Area Office leadership regarding issues, risks, and compliance concerns related to partner organizations. Ensure reports include actionable recommendations to support informed decision-making and effective delivery of programmes.

Incident Reporting, Response, and Investigations

1. Collaborate with other functions (e.g. Awards & Partnerships, MEAL, HR) to ensure partners, communities and SCI staff are aware of the standards of integrity we hold ourselves to and the reporting mechanisms they can use to report any incidents of violations.
2. Work closely with MEAL and partner organisations to develop (or strengthen) effective and context-appropriate reporting mechanisms, especially for children and communities we serve.
3. Advise on identifying reportable incidents, guide users through the submission process, and ensure proper escalation of concerns in line with organizational policies and compliance standards.
4. Provide independent reporting of incidents on DATIX (especially when partners or staff are uncomfortable to report directly).
5. Support safeguarding and fraud investigations in accordance with SCI investigation frameworks. Ensure investigation tasks are completed on time. Ensure that case information is kept confidential and documentation filed on secure & centralised platform.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (SCI Values in Practice):

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values.
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
• Creates a managerial environment to lead, enable and maintain our culture of child safeguarding.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale

Collaboration:

• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to; builds and maintains effective relationships with colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives; knows when to lead and when to follow and how to ensure effective cross-boundary working.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and influence; promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages, building confidence and trust. 
• Invests time and energy to actively develop self and others to help realise their full potential, and to build the organisation’s capability for the future. 

Creativity:

• Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards; promotes and shares best practice within and outside the organization. 
• Develops and implements innovative solutions to adapt and succeed in ever-changing and uncertain global and working environments. 
• Takes effective, considered and timely decisions by gathering and evaluating relevant information from within or outside the organization. 

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency, builds trust and confidence.
• Displays consistent excellent judgement.