The FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
We are recruiting a Safeguarding Specialist to work within the Investigations Intake Team in FCDO’s IAID in response to reported cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment and other safeguarding concerns in its programmes and within FCDO. The Investigations Intake Team are the first point of contact for all reported concerns. The Safegaurding Specialist will work alongside the Safeguarding Investigations Team to respond to all reported safeguarding concerns and allegations to FCDO and ensure the appropriate investigatory response. The post holder may also work on cases of fraud and corruption and assurance work.
We are looking for candidates who would be comfortable working independently and forming judgements in the complex operating environment presented by FCDO’s work, and who can demonstrate skills and experience of investigating allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment.
This is an opportunity to take on a challenging and exciting role, working on safeguarding on the UK’s international development programming, in the best internal audit and investigations directorate in government. This role provides the opportunity to work in a profession which is growing in size and stature within FCDO and across government, and an unrivalled opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of FCDO’s operations, departments and programmes.
Description of Team/Division
FCDO is aiming to drive up safeguarding standards across the aid sector – to ensure all those engaged in poverty reduction take all reasonable steps to prevent harm, particularly sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment from occurring; to protect people, especially vulnerable adults and children, from that harm; and to respond appropriately when harm does occur. We are taking forward work on improving accountability to beneficiaries, survivors and staff on safeguarding issues, shifting organisational culture to tackle the power imbalances that prevent people from coming forward with complaints, integrating safeguards throughout the employment cycle of our partners and ensuring full accountability for safeguarding breaches through effective reporting mechanisms and ensuring organisations act on concerns.
This post in based in the Internal Audit and Investigations Directorate (IAID). IAID is split into assurance and investigations departments (investigations incorporates fraud and safeguarding). IAID’s Safeguarding Investigations Team (SIT) are responsible for ensuring the appropriate investigatory response to all reported allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment.
The IAID is a key function within FCDO and enjoys a high profile with top management, Ministers and the Foreign Secretary. The IAID is independent and stands outside the core business structure. The Director of Internal Audit and Investigations reports directly to the Permanent Under Secretary and the Audit Committee, providing independent and objective advice and assurance as to the effective functioning of FCDO’s operations.
Joining the Safeguarding Investigations Team within FCDO’s IAID will provide you with:
Purpose of Job
We are recruiting a Safeguarding Specialist to work within the Investigations Intake Team in FCDO’s IAID in response to reported cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment and other safeguarding concerns in its programmes and within FCDO. The Investigations Intake Team are the first point of contact for all reported concerns. The Safegaurding Specialist will work alongside the Safeguarding Investigations Team to respond to all reported safeguarding concerns and allegations to FCDO and ensure the appropriate investigatory response. The post holder may also work on cases of fraud and corruption and assurance work.
We are looking for candidates who would be comfortable working independently and forming judgements in the complex operating environment presented by FCDO’s work, and who can demonstrate skills and experience of investigating allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment.
This is an opportunity to take on a challenging and exciting role, working on safeguarding on the UK’s international development programming, in the best internal audit and investigations directorate in government. This role provides the opportunity to work in a profession which is growing in size and stature within FCDO and across government, and an unrivalled opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of FCDO’s operations, departments and programmes.
Key Responsibilities
We all have a responsibility to embrace the changes of the FCDO as it transforms, building the culture we want to see and delivering our cultural statement in how we lead and behave towards others; how we make decisions and how we get the job done is everyone’s responsibility.
In this role you will also be responsible for:
Increasingly, FCDO’s key risks lie within its operations in fragile and hostile environments, and it is vital that IAID has the reach to influence good risk management practice within these countries. The post-holder must therefore be willing and able to travel to and within such environments as dictated by the evolving requirements of the role. The post-holder will be given appropriate training and support to operate in insecure environments (and must obtain health clearance to travel and attend HMG’s recommended fragile environment training – SAFE+CP training). The post holder will be required to complete an online medical clearance questionnaire in order to conduct work in various locations.
Essential Skills
Essential:
Desirable:
The deadline of applications is on 16 August 2022.
